Supreme Court Tightens Rules on Jan. 6 Obstruction Charges

The Supreme Court has ruled that it is more challenging to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, a charge also brought against former President Donald Trump. The court determined that the obstruction charge, which was introduced in 2002 following the Enron scandal, must include proof that defendants attempted to tamper with or destroy documents. This decision could potentially be used by the defense to argue that the Justice Department has unfairly treated the Capitol rioters.

The impact of this ruling on the case against Trump remains uncertain, though special counsel Jack Smith has stated that the charges Trump faces will not be affected. Approximately 1,400 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot, with around 170 convicted of obstructing or conspiring to obstruct the January 6 joint session of Congress. Some defendants have had their sentencings delayed pending the Supreme Court's ruling.