Obstruction of Justice: Redesigning the Shortcut

Brigham Young University Law Review, Forthcoming

Stetson University College of Law Research Paper No. 2020-1

57 Pages Posted: 23 Oct 2020 Last revised: 23 Oct 2020

See all articles by Ellen S. Podgor

Ellen S. Podgor

Stetson University College of Law

Date Written: 2020

Abstract

When one looks to accomplish consistency and predictability in the criminal justice system – important goals tied to achieving deterrence – the architecture of obstruction of justice remains important. It is insufficient to suggest that we have consistency in sentencing by using sentencing guidelines, when the charging process is undermined by its failure to provide uniformity. Achieving a consistent charging framework for obstruction of justice needs to be individualized, remain true to the contextual setting, and provide consideration for the specific processes of a trial, sentencing, or impeachment. But it also needs to have a structure that is not rearranged dependent upon the Attorney General, United States Attorney, the politics of the time, and varying interpretations of government officials.

This Article examines obstruction of justice, looking at it in three different contexts: as a criminal offense, a sentencing enhancement, and as a basis for a judicial or presidential impeachment. It provides a comprehensive picture of the elements of obstruction of justice crimes, the challenges brought to courts, and the constituencies handling these matters. It focuses on the prosecutorial practices in bringing obstruction charges in federal court including its use as a “short-cut” offense that is easily proved in some contexts, while noting the difference in other arenas, such as impeachment inquiries. Like its practice regarding false statements and perjury, and unlike that for corporate criminal liability, the Department of Justice offers little internal guidance when selecting obstruction of justice crimes as the basis for a criminal prosecution. The actual practice, as recently seen in the differing views of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and Attorney General William Barr in examining the allegations of obstructive conduct by President Donald Trump, as outlined in the Mueller Report, highlights the inconsistency in this area of the law. This Article provides an empirical and diagnostic lens to study the law and practice of whether federal obstruction of justice crimes require an underlying criminal offense or, alternatively can be prosecuted as a sole charge, or in conjunction with other shortcut offenses such as false statements and perjury.

Keywords: White Collar Crime, Obstruction of Justice, Criminal Law, Impeachment, Sentencing

JEL Classification: K14

Suggested Citation

Podgor, Ellen S., Obstruction of Justice: Redesigning the Shortcut (2020). Brigham Young University Law Review, Forthcoming, Stetson University College of Law Research Paper No. 2020-1, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3560703

Ellen S. Podgor (Contact Author)

Stetson University College of Law ( email )

1401 61st Street South
Gulfport, FL 33707
United States
727 562 7348 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.law.stetson.edu/tmpl/faculty/memberProfile.aspx?id=88

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