City of Chicago v. Powell

William Powell stood on a Chicago street corner yelling “blows.” In this case of first impression, the City of Chicago (City), in its amended complaint against Powell, alleges that he “committed the offense of soliciting unlawful business in that he was observed shouting blows, a common term for heroin, on the public way at the above address for the purpose of soliciting unlawful business.” See Chicago Municipal Code § 10 — 8—515 (added April 1, 1998). Powell filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that: (1) the complaint failed to state a cause of action; (2) the ordinance was vague; and (3) the…