Law for all: Defining obstruction of justice and its grounds

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Obstruction of justice is a crime wherein an individual, or an entity obstructs prosecutors or law enforcement from doing their jobs. Basically, the offense is committed if a person prevents the course of justice from moving. What makes obstruction of justice such a big crime to commit is that it tends to waste valuable time and resources from prosecutors as well as a breach in confidence.


The most common form of obstruction of justice is basically lying. For example, a person arrested who makes false claims to mislead law enforcement can be charged with obstruction of justice if their statements are proven to be false. This is why arresting officers inform suspects they have the right to remain silent. If they mention anything that can obstruct the investigation, it will be used against them later on.


Other forms of obstruction of justice can be the falsification of documents, destroying or hiding evidence, interfering with an ongoing investigation, bribery or intimidation of witnesses, non-cooperation to an investigation, or any attempts to hinder or to stop an investigation can be classified as obstruction of justice.

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Notable cases of obstruction of justice include the case of former U.S. President Bill Clinton who was impeached in 1998 for obstruction of justice. In the case, Pres. Clinton lied about his relationship with former white house intern Monica Lewinsky in a sworn deposition in the Paula Jones lawsuit.


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