Perjury
Generally, a witness in a trial commits perjury when he knowingly and intentionally lies about a material issue. The precise definition of this crime varies by jurisdiction. Federal law prohibits perjury, 18 U.S.C. § 1621, as well as other false declarations before federal courts. § 1623. See Dunn v. U.S., 442 U.S. 100 (1979). See also State Civil Procedure Statutes.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
The crime of intentionally lying after being duly sworn to tell the truth by a notary public, court clerk, or other official. This false statement may be made in testimony in court, administrative hearings, depositions, or answers to interrogatories, as well as by signing or acknowledging a written legal document (such as an affidavit, declaration under penalty of perjury, deed, license application, or tax return) known to contain false information.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:21 pm
