HARRY HUGHES, Governor                               1569

Interference with Court Officers

FOR the purpose of redefining the offense of obstruction of
justice and improper interference with court officers,
jurors, and witnesses; removing the requirement that
the crime of obstruction of justice be charged by
indictment; clarifying language; and making stylistic
changes.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

Section 27

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1976 Replacement Volume and 1980 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

27.

If any person [shall corruptly] BY CORRUPT MEANS or by
threats or force [endeavor] ENDEAVORS to influence,
intimidate, or impede any juror, witness, or COURT officer
[in] OF any court of this State in the discharge of his
duty, or [shall corruptly] BY CORRUPT MEANS or by threats or
force [obstruct] OBSTRUCTS [or impede], IMPEDES, or
[endeavor] ENDEAVORS to obstruct or impede[,] the due
administration of justice therein, he [shall be] IS liable
to be prosecuted[, therefor] by indictment, and on
conviction [thereof] TO be punished by fine not exceeding
[ten thousand dollars] $10,000, or by imprisonment not
exceeding [three] 3 years, or both, according to the nature
and aggravation of the offense.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1981.

Approved May 12, 1981.

CHAPTER 275
(Senate Bill 325)
AN ACT concerning

Juvenile Causes - Violation of Vehicle Laws