People v. Rapp
821 N.W.2d 452
Mich.2012Background
- Defendant received a parking citation at an MSU parking structure; Rego, an MSU parking enforcement officer, interacted with him and summoned university police.
- Defendant shouted and approached Rego aggressively, took pictures, and police arrived after 10–15 minutes.
- Defendant was charged with misdemeanor MSU Ordinance § 15.05 for disrupting the normal activity of a protected person; the circuit court found the ordinance facially unconstitutional as overbroad.
- Court of Appeals reversed, holding the ordinance not facially overbroad and denying costs to the defendant; this Court granted review on facial overbreadth and costs.
- The majority holds MSU Ordinance § 15.05 is facially overbroad under Hill v. Houston, while also affirming the Court of Appeals on the costs issue.
- Dissent would uphold the ordinance as constitutional on its face and remand for as-applied challenges, and agrees with costs rejection.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is MSU Ordinance § 15.05 facially unconstitutional under Hill? | Rapp argues overbreadth reaches substantial protected speech. | Rapp contends disruption language sweeps too broadly regardless of application. | Yes; § 15.05 facially overbroad. |
| Does MCR 7.101(0) permit taxation of costs in criminal appeals in circuit court? | Rapp argues costs should be awarded because statute invalidates the prosecution’s basis. | MSU argues costs are not authorized in criminal appeals under MCR 7.101(0). | No; costs may not be taxed in this criminal matter under MCR 7.101(0). |
Key Cases Cited
- City of Houston v. Hill, 482 U.S. 451 (1987) (facial overbreadth of an ordinance targeting speech)
- Rochester Hills v Schultz, 459 Mich 486 (1999) (First Amendment breadth and overbreadth considerations in Michigan)
- Los Angeles City Council v Taxpayers for Vincent, 466 U.S. 789 (1984) (overbreadth and chilling effects in regulation of speech)
