US Supreme Court restricts obstruction charges in January 6 cases
- In Reports
- 11:09 AM, Jun 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Supreme Court has stated that the Justice Department overreached by charging hundreds involved in the January 6 Capitol riot in the US with obstructing Congress. This could necessitate a review of some cases by prosecutors, potentially resulting in the reopening of those cases.
The high court further ruled that rioters could be charged if prosecutors could demonstrate that their intent was not merely to enter the building forcefully, but specifically to obstruct the delivery of certificates used in the counting of electoral votes and certification of election results.
The Supreme Court's recent ruling suggests that special counsel Jack Smith is likely to proceed with the same charge against former President Donald Trump. Chief Justice John Roberts authored the opinion for a 6-3 majority, comprising mostly conservative justices and one liberal, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. A dissenting opinion was filed by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.
Roberts largely omitted mention of the US Capitol attack that prompted the charges, instead focusing extensively on a detailed analysis of legal texts. He highlighted that the breach of the Capitol led to the evacuation of Congress members and caused a delay in the certification process.
In his argument, Roberts contended that if Congress intended to impose 20-year prison sentences for the actions witnessed on January 6, 2021, lawmakers would have explicitly stated so in the legislation.
He emphasised that neither the text of the law nor its constitutional history indicates that it is intended to apply severe penalties universally to defendants for obstruction of justice, especially when lesser penalties may be applicable under more specific obstruction statutes.
Special counsel Jack Smith has accused Trump of engaging in a far-reaching obstruction of congressional proceedings, alleging a scheme that started on Election Day and involved the submission of fraudulent electoral certificates from various states.
Trump's legal team is expected to use the Supreme Court's recent opinion to challenge aspects of the case when it returns to the trial-level judge. Smith acknowledged this possibility in court filings related to Trump's immunity case before the high court, asserting that the obstruction charge would still apply even if the Supreme Court narrows its scope.
However, the Supreme Court's ruling did not specifically address the issue of fraudulent electors.
Former President Donald Trump expressed approval for the Supreme Court's decision to restrict prosecutors' authority in pursuing obstruction charges against individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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