What happens if a law is deemed too vague or arbitrary under the ECtHR's criteria?

When a law is deemed too vague or arbitrary under the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) criteria, it is likely to violate human rights because such laws fail to provide clear, specific guidance on how they should be applied. The principle of legality, which is part of the rule of law and human rights protection, requires laws to be sufficiently clear and accessible so that individuals understand what conduct is prohibited or mandated.

A vague law can lead to arbitrary enforcement, as it becomes difficult for individuals to predict how the law will be applied in practice. This unpredictability can result in violations of rights, especially in contexts such as freedom of expression, privacy, or due process. Additionally, the ECtHR assesses whether laws allow individuals to foresee their legal consequences; if a law is vague, it undermines the ability of citizens to regulate their behavior according to the law, which is essential for upholding human rights standards.

Other options do not align with the principles upheld by the Court. Exempting a law from scrutiny due to vagueness contradicts the need for accountability and the protection of rights. Justification based on public support does not mitigate the issues of lack of clarity and could lead to harmful consequences. Similarly, interpreting a vague law