Perjury

Perjury is the crime of knowingly making false statements after a person has taken an oath or affirmation to tell the truth. It commonly arises in judicial proceedings, but applies to sworn statements such as affidavits, declarations, or other documents presented under oath. To convict, most legal systems require that the false statement be about a material matter and that the declarant knew it was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

Elements of perjury typically include: an oath or affirmation applying to the statement, a false statement, the falsity being material to the proceeding, and the declarant’s intent to mislead or deliberate disregard for the truth. A misstatement that is not material may not constitute perjury. Some jurisdictions require actual knowledge of falsity, while others may punish statements made with gross recklessness. Perjury can be charged for false testimony in court, false statements in depositions, grand jury testimony, or sworn affidavits and filings.

Subornation of perjury is a related offense in which one person persuades another to commit perjury. Penalties for perjury are typically severe, ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment, with longer terms or enhanced penalties if the perjury affected the outcome of a trial. In some jurisdictions, civil consequences or sanctions may follow from false sworn statements, even without criminal perjury charges. Perjury doctrines vary by jurisdiction, but share the common aim of protecting the integrity of sworn testimony.