Key Facts
Former President Donald Trump will face review of obstruction charge in Supreme Court
Charge relates to disruption of Congress’ certification of Biden’s victory
Over 300 people charged with obstructing an official proceeding in connection with Jan. 6 riot
Case Background
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving an obstruction charge against former President Donald Trump. The charge stems from the disruption of Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s victory over Trump.
Special Counsel Jack Smith has brought four counts against Trump, including the obstruction charge. Trump’s trial for this case is scheduled to begin on March 4. However, the Supreme Court’s decision to review the charge could have a significant impact on the proceedings.
Lower Court Rulings
A lower court judge previously dismissed the obstruction charge against three defendants, namely Garret Miller of Dallas, Joseph Fischer of Boston, and Edward Jacob Lang of New York’s Hudson Valley. The judge ruled that their conduct did not warrant the charge.
The judge found that prosecutors had stretched the law beyond its scope in applying it to these cases. According to the judge’s ruling, a defendant must have taken specific action with respect to a document, record, or other object to obstruct an official proceeding.
DOJ Challenge and Appeals Court Decision
The ruling by the lower court judge was challenged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Joe Biden. The appeals court in Washington, D.C. agreed with the prosecutors in April, stating that the judge’s interpretation of the law was too limited.
Other defendants, including Trump himself, are also separately challenging the use of the obstruction charge.
Impact on Jan. 6 Riot Cases
Over 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes in connection with the January 6 riot. More than 650 defendants have pleaded guilty so far.
The Supreme Court’s decision to review the obstruction charge against Trump is expected to have wide-ranging implications for these cases and potentially redefine the interpretation and application of the law.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in this case in the coming months and is expected to issue a ruling by the summer. The outcome of this review will undoubtedly shape the legal landscape surrounding the events of January 6 and the actions of those involved.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)