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Program on Obstruction of Justice

By Kent Scheidegger et al.

May 29 event in DC by the Federalist Society and its Criminal Law and Procedure Practice Group: Every few months, a highly visible public figure or government official becomes embroiled in a criminal investigation that ultimately includes obstruction of justice charges. Barry Bonds, Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA), Scooter Libby, Martha Stewart, Computer Associates, the U.S. Attorney firings, the CIA?s destruction of interrogation tapes ? all have included a focus on the conduct occurring during the investigation of other, unrelated charges. But what exactly is obstruction of justice, and what role should it play in our justice system? No one can doubt the importance of punishing those who willfully corrupt the administration of justice, lie under oath, tamper with witnesses, or destroy evidence, but critics charge that prosecutors have used ?creative interpretations? of obstruction of justice statutes to punish marginal conduct or create criminal liability where none otherwise existed...continue to full post

Full post as published by Crime and Consequences on May 21, 2008 (boomark / email).