NPR's Justice Correspondent, Carrie Johnson, discusses the Supreme Court's ruling on January 6th rioters, impacting Trump's federal election interference case. The charge of obstructing an official proceeding requires proof of document interference, affecting over 350 cases and potential charges against Trump.
The Supreme Court ruling requires prosecutors to prove interference with documents to charge for obstructing an official proceeding.
The decision impacts over 350 individuals, including Trump, facing charges related to the January 6 insurrection.
Deep dives
Supreme Court Rules Prosecutors May Have Improperly Charged Rioters
In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal prosecutors may have improperly charged over 350 people, including former President Donald Trump, for obstructing an official proceeding during the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The court narrowed the application of the obstruction law, requiring prosecutors to prove interference with documents or records to charge individuals. This decision could impact Trump's federal case related to election interference, but may not drastically change the charges against him as they involve creating false evidence.
Practical Impact of Supreme Court Decision on January 6th Defendants
The Supreme Court's decision affects around 50 individuals convicted and sentenced solely on the obstruction charge, with about 27 currently incarcerated expected to be released and potentially resentenced. For most defendants charged in connection with the Capitol riot, over 80% did not face the obstruction charge. While the decision weakens this specific legal tool used by prosecutors, it does not significantly alter cases where defendants faced multiple serious charges beyond obstruction.
The Supreme Court ruled federal prosecutors improperly charged hundreds of January 6ths defendants — and potentially, even former President Donald Trump. The majority found the charge — obstructing an official proceeding — does not apply unless the Justice Department can prove a defendant interfered with official documents. Therefore solely storming the Capitol to interrupt the certification of the 2020 election is not enough to warrant the charge.
Topics include: - Supreme Court ruling - Impact of federal election interference case