US Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court will today hear arguments from a former Pennsylvania police officer who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a case that could undermine federal charges against more than 350 rioters.
The court's decision could also have significant ramifications for former President Donald Trump, who was charged with the same criminal offence.
Special counsel Jack Smith charged Mr. Trump with violating a federal law enacted in 2002 that prohibits people from obstructing an official proceeding.
Prosecutors filed that same charge against hundreds of rioters.
The charge, if confirmed, can add up to 20 years to a prison sentence.
Now, the Supreme Court will consider whether the prosecutors' interpretation of the law can be used against the rioters and whether the convictions already secured will stick.
This means the stakes are high, not only for Mr. Trump and the January 6 defendants, but also the Justice Department.
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