Perjury

Definition

Perjury is the act of lying under oath.

Purpose

Perjury undermines the integrity of the judicial system and is considered a serious offense because it can obstruct justice and lead to false outcomes in legal proceedings.

Examples of Use

• Court Testimony: Providing false statements while testifying in court.
• Affidavits: Swearing to false information in written affidavits.
• Depositions: Giving false testimony during a deposition under oath.

Related Terms

• False Swearing: Making false statements under oath outside of judicial proceedings.
• Contempt of Court: Actions that disrespect the court or disrupt its proceedings, which can include perjury.
• Subornation of Perjury: Inducing someone else to commit perjury.

Notes

• Penalties: Perjury is a criminal offense that can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
• Detection: Perjury is challenging to prove and often requires corroborating evidence to demonstrate that the individual knowingly lied under oath.