Pervert the course of justice
phrase
To deliberately act in a way that obstructs or interferes with the legal process.
The defendant was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by hiding evidence.

Often appears as...
- charged with perverting the course of justice
- attempted to pervert the course of justice
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
phrase
To deliberately act in a way that obstructs or interferes with the legal process.
The defendant was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by hiding evidence.

Often appears as...
- charged with perverting the course of justice
- attempted to pervert the course of justice
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 1

Legal Severity
The phrase indicates a serious offense within legal contexts, implying intention to disrupt justice.

If you lie to protect a friend, you might pervert the course of justice.
Not Just Lying
Involves any act that hampers legal proceedings, not only giving false statements.

Destroying documents can also be seen as an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
Context Specific
It's mostly used in formal, legal discussions and rarely in everyday conversation.

In court, they discussed whether witness intimidation was perverting the course of justice.
Legal Severity
The phrase indicates a serious offense within legal contexts, implying intention to disrupt justice.

If you lie to protect a friend, you might pervert the course of justice.
Not Just Lying
Involves any act that hampers legal proceedings, not only giving false statements.

Destroying documents can also be seen as an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
Context Specific
It's mostly used in formal, legal discussions and rarely in everyday conversation.

In court, they discussed whether witness intimidation was perverting the course of justice.
Legal Severity
The phrase indicates a serious offense within legal contexts, implying intention to disrupt justice.

If you lie to protect a friend, you might pervert the course of justice.
Not Just Lying
Involves any act that hampers legal proceedings, not only giving false statements.

Destroying documents can also be seen as an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
Context Specific
It's mostly used in formal, legal discussions and rarely in everyday conversation.

In court, they discussed whether witness intimidation was perverting the course of justice.
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