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perjury

English → EnglishformaltechnicalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "perjury": Perjury is the act of knowingly making a false statement while under oath in a court of law. Imagine

What does "perjury" mean?

Perjury is the act of knowingly making a false statement while under oath in a court of law. Imagine a witness in a courtroom with their hand on a Bible, swearing to tell the truth, but then deliberately choosing to lie about what they saw; that breach of legal and moral integrity is perjury. This is a formal legal term, not used in casual conversation. You will typically encounter it in news reports about trials, legal thrillers, or courtroom dramas. It is often paired with verbs like "commit" or "convicted of."

"perjury" in conversation

Legal advice

You must understand that lying on the stand is a serious crime.

You must understand that lying on the stand is a serious crime.

I know, I don't want to be charged with perjury.

I know, I don't want to be charged with perjury.

Shows the gravity of the term in a legal setting.

Watching a trial

Do you think he'll get away with it?

Do you think he'll get away with it?

No way, the prosecutor has proof he committed perjury.

No way, the prosecutor has proof he committed perjury.

Discussing legal consequences of lying under oath.

"perjury" in a sentence

  1. He was nervous about testifying.

    He was nervous about testifying.

  2. The witness was accused of perjury during the high-profile trial.

    The witness was accused of perjury during the high-profile trial.

  3. Even a minor falsehood under oath can lead to a formal charge of perjury.

    Even a minor falsehood under oath can lead to a formal charge of perjury.

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