Understanding Perjury: Definition, Penalties, and Consequences

Perjury is the act of lying under oath or affirmation in a court of law or before a duly authorized tribunal. It is a serious offense and can result in criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment.

To perjure oneself means to make a false statement while testifying under oath or affirmation, knowing that the statement is not true. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, but in either case, it is considered a serious offense because it undermines the integrity of the legal system and can cause harm to others.

Perjury is often defined as a felony, and those convicted of perjury can face penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or both. In some cases, perjury may also be considered a ground for civil or criminal contempt of court.

It's important to note that not all false statements made under oath are considered perjury. To constitute perjury, the statement must be material to the case at hand and made with the intent to deceive or mislead the court. If a person makes an honest mistake or forgets information, this would not typically be considered perjury.