Understanding Blanket Laws in Criminal Legislation

In the world of criminal law, there exists a unique concept known as "blanket laws" or "laws in blank." These laws are distinct in that they don't provide a detailed, comprehensive definition of the specific conduct that constitutes a crime. Instead, they refer to external documents or regulations to determine what actions or circumstances are deemed criminal. Let's explore this legal phenomenon:

What is a Blanket Law?:

A blanket law is a legal provision that, rather than spelling out the complete elements of an offense, points to another document, often of an administrative or technical nature, for a complete understanding of what constitutes a crime.

An Illustrative Example:

Consider a country where the law states:

"Possession and trafficking of controlled substances as per the Controlled Substances List issued by the National Drug Agency shall be considered an offense."

In this case, the law in blank refers to the "Controlled Substances List" issued by the National Drug Agency as an external document specifying which substances are prohibited and, therefore, constitute a crime. The law itself does not directly list the prohibited substances or their quantities but rather makes reference to this list.

The Flexibility Factor:

Blanket laws offer flexibility to adapt to changes in regulation without requiring constant amendments to the criminal law itself. This can be particularly valuable in fields such as drug control, where new substances may emerge or regulations may need adjustment.

In conclusion, blanket laws, or laws in blank, are a legal approach that relies on external documents or regulations to define criminal conduct. While they may appear unconventional, they serve as a means to accommodate evolving circumstances and remain relevant in a dynamic legal landscape.