Which offense covers obstructing or retaliating against a witness or informant through threats or harm?

• A. Tampering with Witness
• B. Coercing a public servant or voter
• C. Bribery/ Corrupt Influence
• D. Obstruction/Retaliation

Answer: (D)

Obstruction/Retaliation is about using threats or harm to influence a witness or informant and to prevent them from testifying or to punish them for testifying. This offense specifically targets the act of intimidating someone involved in a case to interfere with the flow of information and the pursuit of justice. It covers scenarios where the witness is threatened or harmed to deter testimony, which is exactly what this item describes.

Tampering with a witness involves efforts to influence or alter a witness’s testimony, such as coaching or misleading them, rather than direct threats or harm to retaliate. Coercing a public servant or voter is about pressuring officials or voters, not about witness intimidation. Bribery/Corrupt Influence deals with offering or receiving something of value to influence conduct, not threats against a witness.