Picketing or parading
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness, or court officer, in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades in or near a building housing a court of the United States, or in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge, juror, witness, or court officer, or with such intent uses any sound-truck or similar device or resorts to any other demonstration in or near any such building or residence, shall be or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
Nothing in this section shall interfere with or prevent the exercise by any court of the United States of its power to punish for contempt.
History: (Added Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, §31(a), 64 Stat. 1018 (PDF, 10.0 MB); amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to picket or parade near a federal courthouse, or near the home or building of a judge, juror, witness, or court officer, to interfere with justice or influence them. Using a sound truck or other demonstration for that purpose is also covered. Courts keep their power to punish for contempt (disobeying or disrespecting the court).