Some commentators have argued that the Hobbs Act should not be interpreted to reach public corruption at all.
Mike Thompson is also under indictment for alleged violations of the Hobbs Act.
The jury found that the anti-abortion groups had committed at least 21 violations of the Hobbs Act in their clinic protests.
Although it was invoked in a civil context, the Hobbs Act is an important criminal law, carrying a 20-year prison sentence.
Gori said authorities were looking into violations of Federal law under the Hobbs Act.
He pleaded guilty to violating the Hobbs Act and was sentenced to eighteen months in prison.
Their intended purpose was to amend the Hobbs Act and make violence committed in pursuit of labor union goals a federal crime.
In 1970, the federal government attempted to expand the Hobbs Act to be used against violence as well.
Courts have agreed that there must be a threat or inducement for a private citizen to violate the Hobbs Act.
The Hobbs Act also reaches extortionate acts by public officials acting under the color of right.