The Case of Obstruction by a Violent Mob: An Analysis of 1512 C2

TLDROn January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to stop the joint session of Congress from certifying the election results. This video analyzes the case of obstruction by the rioters, focusing on section 1512 C2 and its interpretation. The government argues that the mob obstructed the official proceeding, and the statute unambiguously supports this interpretation.

Key insights

💥The fundamental wrong committed by the rioters was a deliberate attempt to stop the joint session of Congress from certifying the election results.

🔍Section 1512 C2 of the statute encompasses the conduct of obstruction committed by the rioters.

⚖️The cases presented in this court raise a straightforward question of statutory interpretation.

🧩The government argues that section 1512 C2 covers all forms of obstructive conduct in an official proceeding.

📚Petitioner's argument for imposing a textual limit on the actus Reus has no basis in the text or tools of construction.

Q&A

What was the fundamental wrong committed by the rioters?

—The fundamental wrong committed by the rioters was a deliberate attempt to stop the joint session of Congress from certifying the election results.

What does section 1512 C2 of the statute encompass?

—Section 1512 C2 encompasses the conduct of obstruction committed by the rioters.

What is the main question of statutory interpretation in these cases?

—The main question of statutory interpretation in these cases is whether the rioters obstructed the official proceeding.

What is the government's argument regarding section 1512 C2?

—The government argues that section 1512 C2 covers all forms of obstructive conduct in an official proceeding.

Does petitioner's argument for a textual limit have a basis in the text or tools of construction?

—No, petitioner's argument for imposing a textual limit on the actus Reus has no basis in the text or tools of construction.

Timestamped Summary

00:00On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol and obstructed the joint session of Congress.

01:30:05The government charged the petitioner with violating section 1512 C2, which covers obstruction of an official proceeding.

03:45:21The cases presented in this court involve a straightforward question of statutory interpretation.

06:12:00The government argues that section 1512 C2 should encompass all forms of obstructive conduct in an official proceeding.

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