OBSTRUCT JUSTICE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "obstruct justice" refers to the act of interfering or impeding the proper functioning of the legal system and the due process of law. It involves knowingly obstructing, hindering, or preventing the administration or progression of justice by influencing, tampering with, or altering the evidence or testimony related to a legal case.
When an individual or entity obstructs justice, they intentionally obstruct or undermine the investigation, prosecution, or judicial proceedings related to a crime or legal matter. This can manifest in various forms such as lying to investigators, withholding relevant documents, bribing witnesses, tampering with evidence, threatening potential witnesses, or attempting to influence jurors or judges.
Obstructing justice not only pertains to direct actions but can also include acts of omission, such as failing to cooperate with law enforcement or intentionally destroying documents or other evidence to impede the legal process.
The offense of obstructing justice is considered a serious crime in many jurisdictions, as it undermines the integrity of the legal system and obstructs the pursuit of truth and justice. Penalties for obstructing justice can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the seriousness of the obstruction, ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Ultimately, obstructing justice is an act that subverts the principles of fairness, truth, and transparency upon which the legal system is built, and it is universally condemned as a hindrance to the proper functioning of the law.
Etymology of OBSTRUCT JUSTICE
The word "obstruct" comes from Middle English "obstruen" and Old French "obstru(i)re", which both mean "to block" or "to hinder". "Justice", on the other hand, originates from the Latin word "justitia", meaning "righteousness" or "equity". "Obstruct justice" is a phrase that specifically refers to impeding or interfering with the administration or due process of the law, preventing justice from taking its course.
Idioms with the word OBSTRUCT JUSTICE
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obstruct justice
To obstruct justice means to interfere with legal proceedings or investigations, usually by hiding or tampering with evidence, providing false information, or otherwise hindering the proper administration of justice.
