Two cases will be heard together.  Both hinge on the definition or understanding of “obstruction of justice.”  Specifically, may an offense after or before a legal procedure count as an obstruction to that procedure?  Both defendants were long-time — 1985 and 1964, respectively — legal permanent residents in the US.   Both were being removed from the US for offenses after the procedures.

Congress codified the meaning of obstruction of justice in 1996.  Does this supersede this legal phrase as used earlier, e.g., the 1893 decision  “obstruction can only arise when justice is being administered?”

Both sides refer to Title 18, Chapter 73 of the U.S. Code.  Title 18 is the unit concerning Crimes & Criminal Procedures while Chapter 73 within Title 18 discusses Obstruction of Justice using 21 sections, each discussing an example of obstruction. Read more>>>