overbreadth

noun | \ ˌō-vər-ˈbredth, -ˈbretth; ˈō-vər-ˌ \ | over·breadth

1. : the quality or state of being overbroad a statute void for overbreadth

2. : a doctrine in constitutional law: a law that prohibits protected conduct (as free speech) as part of its reach may be struck down as unconstitutional if the threat to protected activity is a substantial effect and if it cannot be clearly removed; also : a doctrine allowing a defendant accused of unprotected conduct to challenge a law for overbreadth especially in the area of free speech : a doctrine allowing a defendant accused of unprotected conduct to challenge a law for overbreadth especially in the area of free speech