5th Cir. Pattern Jury Instr. (Criminal) 2.63B

FORCE

18 U.S.C. §§ 1503(a), 1503(b)

Title 18, United States Code, Section 1503, makes it a crime for anyone by threats or force

to influence [obstruct] [impede] [endeavor to influence [obstruct] [impede]] the due administration

of justice in connection with a pending judicial proceeding.

For you to find the defendant guilty of this crime, you must be convinced that the

government has proved each of the following beyond a reasonable doubt:

First: That there was a proceeding pending before a federal court [grand jury];

Second: That the defendant knew of the pending judicial proceeding;

Third: That the defendant threatened physical force [used physical force], as charged in the

indictment; and

Fourth: That the defendant ’s conduct influenced [obstructed] [impeded] [endeavored to

influence [obstruct] [impede]] the due administration of justice in that proceeding.

The “due administration of justice” refers to the performance of acts required by law in the

discharge of duties, such as appearing as a witness and giving truthful testimony when subpoenaed.

[When an “endeavor” is charged, add the following: It is not necessary to show that the

defendant was successful in achieving the forbidden objective, only that the defendant tried to

achieve it in a manner which he [she] knew was likely to influence [obst ruct] [impede] the due

administration of justice as to the natural and probable effect of the defendant’s actions.]