[Wayne07]

The text pretty clearly says documents OR tangible evidence. I trust Scalia and Thomas more than any others on the court. I'm happy the guy got off, because this is horrible abuse by the government.

“Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States or any case filed under title 11, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.”

[colorado tanker]

I am ordinarily with you and Scalia on this issue. But doggone it, this guy should not go to a federal prison just because Congress doesn’t read the laws it passes and gives no consideration to the pernicious consequences of their overbroad language.

[T Ruth]

“Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States or any case filed under title 11, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.”

Wow! That is incredibly broad.

It should be used to prosecute the Justice Department for redacting documents requested under the FOIA.

Not to mention to documents requested by Congress.