What is the test for obstructing justice in the context of the obstruction of justice statute?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from United States v. Cervantes, 16-10508, 16-10531, 16-10537, 16-10538, 17-10001 (9th Cir. 2021):

Neither side challenges the district court's jury instructions, which required the Government to prove, inter alia, that "the defendant had knowledge that his actions were likely to affect [an] official proceeding," and which defined an "official proceeding" as "a proceeding before a court, judge, or federal agency." The instructions further provided that "[t]he proceeding may be civil or criminal" and that "a federal grand jury proceeding is an official proceeding." However, "a criminal investigation is not an 'official proceeding' under the obstruction of justice statute." United States v. Ermoian, 752 F.3d 1165, 1172 (9th Cir. 2013) (emphasis added). Although the statute confirms that "an official proceeding need not be pending or about to be instituted at the time of the offense," 18 U.S.C. 1512(f)(1), the Government agrees that, to show the requisite nexus, it had to establish that an official proceeding was at least foreseeable at the time the obstructive actions occurred. The statute states, however, that there is no requirement to show that the defendant knew that the foreseeable official proceeding would be a federal proceeding. Id. 1512(g)(1).

Other Questions


How has section 3C1.1 of the Criminal Code been interpreted in the context of obstruction of justice? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How have the courts interpreted the meaning of a statute in the context of the history of the statute? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for assessing the meaning of a statute in the context of the history of the statute? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for an obstruction of justice statute? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the standard of review in the context of obstruction of justice enhancements? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
In what circumstances will the US Supreme Court consider whether the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court has any authority or authority to issue an opinion in the context of judicial review? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is a federal district court's interpretation of a federal statute a de novo review of the interpretation of the federal statute? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
When a statute requires knowledge of the jurisdictional element of a claim, when the statute itself states that knowledge is not an essential element, is that knowledge required? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can damages be sought under a statute with an explicit private right of action where the statute does not specify the remedies available? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Are there any errors in a federal court's decisions at a resentencing for obstruction of justice and possession of a gun? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.