The Supreme Court has announced that it will hear an appeal that could have significant implications for the charges brought against individuals involved in the Capitol riot, including former President Donald Trump.
According to the Associated Press, the appeal centers around obstruction of an official proceeding charge, which refers to the disruption of Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.
The appellate ruling revived the obstruction charge against three defendants accused of obstructing the certification process.
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This charge is one of four brought against former President Trump in special counsel Jack Smith’s case, which alleges that Trump conspired to overturn the results of his election loss.
In addition to the obstruction charge, Trump also faces a charge of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.
The Supreme Court’s decision to review the obstruction charge may have significant implications for Trump’s upcoming trial, currently scheduled for March 4.
The court is also considering whether to rule quickly on Trump’s claim that he cannot be prosecuted for actions taken within his role as president. A federal judge has already rejected this argument.
Implications for the Capitol Riot Prosecution
The obstruction charge has been brought against over 300 defendants as part of the federal prosecution following the deadly insurrection on January 6, 2021. On that day, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Joe Biden, a Democrat, from assuming the presidency.
Initially, a lower court judge dismissed the obstruction charge against three defendants, ruling that it did not cover their conduct.
According to U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, the prosecutors had stretched the law beyond its intended scope when applying it to these cases. Judge Nichols determined that the defendants must have taken some action related to a document, record, or other object to be charged with obstructing an official proceeding.
The Justice Department challenged this ruling, and the appeals court in Washington agreed with prosecutors in April, stating that Judge Nichols’ interpretation of the law was too narrow. Trump and other defendants are also challenging the use of the obstruction charge.
Read: Florida Proud Boy Sentenced For Role In Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
Defendants and Potential Consequences
Among the defendants facing the obstruction charge are Garret Miller, Joseph Fischer, and Edward Jacob Lang. Garret Miller, who hails from the Dallas area, has already pleaded guilty to other charges and has been sentenced to 38 months in prison.
However, Miller could still face prosecution on the obstruction charge. Joseph Fischer is from Boston, and Edward Jacob Lang is from New York’s Hudson Valley.
The Capitol riot prosecution has seen over 1,200 individuals charged with federal crimes, with more than 650 defendants having pleaded guilty.
The obstruction charge has played a significant role in these cases, and the Supreme Court’s decision to review it could have far-reaching consequences for the remaining defendants.
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