And those that do make the cut, are told they cannot apply ANY reasoning except that which stated in the law as interpreted by the judge.
You just made my point without even knowing it.
Actually, I didn't.
Having a vague law is a very bad idea since it's too easy to run afoul of it. The phrase "appears to be intended...." opens up a can of worms, such that gov't can use it to apply to a wide spectrum of crimes.
This vagueness allows the gov't to charge a defendant, and use that charge to get them to plead guilty to lesser crimes to avoid the chance of a jury convicting them of "terrorism".
Also, another intent of vague laws is to instill fear into the populace.