Which action constitutes Obstruction or Retaliation under the statute?

• A. Giving a gift to a public servant with permission.
• B. Harms a public servant in retaliation for their service.
• C. Coercing a witness to testify.
• D. Reporting a crime to authorities.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that Obstruction or Retaliation covers actions intended to punish or deter someone for performing their official duties. Harming a public servant in retaliation for the work they did fits this exactly, because the harm is aimed at punishing the person for their service. That direct retaliation against someone because of their official duties is what the statute is designed to prohibit.

The other scenarios don’t fit as retaliation against a public servant for performing duties: giving a gift with permission can be permissible; coercing a witness affects testimony but is a separate offense; and reporting a crime to authorities is generally encouraged and not considered obstruction or retaliation.