Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Obstruction of justice is when someone tries to stop or interfere with a legal process on purpose. This can be done by using threats, force, or even just sending a threatening message. To be convicted of obstruction of justice, the person must have known that there was a legal process happening and must have intended to interfere with it. This law only applies to federal legal processes, but there is another law that covers obstruction of justice in Congress or other government agencies.
Definition: Obstruction of justice is when someone intentionally tries to interfere with a legal proceeding, either by using threats, force, or other means to influence or impede the process.
According to 18 U.S.C. § 1503, a person can be charged with obstruction of justice if they corruptly or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication, influences, obstructs, or impedes, or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede, the due administration of justice.
For someone to be convicted of obstruction of justice, they must have a specific intent to obstruct or interfere with a judicial proceeding. They must also know that a proceeding was actually pending at the time and there must be a connection between the endeavor to obstruct justice and the proceeding, and the person must have knowledge of this connection.
Examples of obstruction of justice include:
These examples illustrate how someone can intentionally interfere with a legal proceeding to prevent justice from being served. By lying under oath, threatening witnesses, or destroying evidence, they are obstructing the legal process and preventing the truth from being revealed.
It's important to note that obstruction of justice is a serious crime that can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.