obstruction of justice

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: - The criminal act of deliberately interfering with the administration or process of law and justice: This specifically refers to actions that impede, hinder, or obstruct official legal proceedings, typically investigations or court cases. Such interference can target various officers of the court, including jurors, witnesses, or legal officials.

Usage

This term is used in formal, legal contexts to describe a serious criminal offense. It is often charged in conjunction with other crimes. - The act must be intentional; accidental interference does not typically qualify. - It is commonly associated with attempts to cover up another crime.

Examples
  • The mayor was charged with obstruction of justice for ordering the destruction of key documents related to the investigation.
  • Lying to federal investigators under oath can constitute obstruction of justice.
  • Witness tampering is a classic example of obstruction of justice.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be convicted of obstruction of justice": To be found guilty of this specific crime in a court of law.
    • The former advisor was convicted of obstruction of justice for his role in the scandal.
  • "Charges of obstruction": A common shorthand in legal reporting for formal accusations of this crime.
    • The defendant faces multiple charges, including obstruction of justice.
Variants and Related Words
  • Obstruct (verb): To block or get in the way of. This is the root action from which the legal term is derived.
    • He was accused of trying to obstruct the police investigation.
  • Obstructionist (noun/adjective): (A person) causing deliberate obstruction, often in a political context.
    • The senator was criticized for his obstructionist tactics.
Synonyms
  • Impeding justice: A more descriptive phrase with a similar meaning.
  • Interference with legal process: A formal alternative description of the act.
Related Phrases and Concepts
  • Contempt of court: A finding that someone has disobeyed or disrespected the authority of the court, which can be a result of obstruction.
  • Witness tampering: A specific form of obstruction involving intimidating or influencing a witness.
  • Perjury: The offense of lying under oath, which can be a method of obstructing justice.
Noun
  1. impeding those who seek justice in a court (as by trying to influence or intimidate any juror or witness or officer of the court); can result in a finding of contempt of court