What does the act of harboring a fugitive imply as stated in MCL 750.199?

The act of harboring a fugitive, as defined by MCL 750.199, specifically refers to the act of preventing law enforcement from apprehending a person who is subject to an arrest warrant. This implies that an individual is intentionally providing protection or comfort to someone who is evading the law, thereby obstructing justice. The focus is on the deliberate act of aiding someone in avoiding capture, which constitutes harboring.

This definition reflects a clear legal understanding of what it means to harbor a fugitive. It is a serious offense because it undermines the legal process and provides a direct avenue for a fugitive to escape accountability for their actions. Providing such assistance goes beyond mere knowledge of a fugitive's whereabouts; it involves actively preventing law enforcement from executing a lawful warrant, thereby influencing the enforcement of the law.