subornation of perjury
Subornation of perjury is the act of persuading, inducing, or procuring another person to commit perjury; that is, to knowingly give false testimony under oath. At common law, subornation of perjury was recognized as a distinct offense separate from perjury itself, targeting those who corruptly cause others to lie under oath rather than those who actually do so. Under federal law, subornation of perjury is codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1622, which provides that “[w]hoever procures another to commit any perjury is guilty of subornation of perjury” and is subject to the same penalties as the perjurer.
[Last reviewed in November of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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