Legal Definitions - Obstruction of justice

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:

• A witness lying under oath to protect a friend or family member
• A defendant threatening a witness to prevent them from testifying
• A person destroying evidence that could be used in a trial

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.