Appeals Court Upholds Broad Use of Obstruction Law in Trump and Jan. 6 Cases

Appeals court upheld broad use of obstruction law used against Trump and Jan. 6 defendants. Important for hundreds of prosecutions.

Judges ruled 2-1 that acting "corruptly" has numerous meanings, rejecting limitations sought by defendants.

Majority said interfering in 2020 election certification to get Trump declared winner could support conviction.

Dissenting judge argued for narrower definition, saying it should require seeking financial or professional benefit.

Ruling likely to be appealed further, but milestone upholding obstruction charges like Trump's.