18 U.S.C. 241 addresses which criminal offense?

• A. Obstruction of justice
• B. Treason
• C. Theft
• D. Conspiracy against rights

Answer: (D)

This question tests knowledge of which federal statute covers conspiracies to deprive people of their civil rights. 18 U.S.C. 241 makes it illegal for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in the free exercise of rights secured by the Constitution or federal law, or because of that person’s race, color, or national origin, especially when actions occur under color of law. The idea is to address coordinated unlawful acts that target someone’s rights, not ordinary crimes.

Obstruction of justice involves interfering with the administration of justice, which is a different misconduct. Treason is about levying war against the United States or providing aid to its enemies. Theft is taking someone’s property. Since the statute described targets conspiracies to violate civil rights, that’s the correct match.