Testimonies and documents carry a lot of weight in court; therefore, it is important that they are truthful. To prevent witnesses from lying under oath, the law penalizes witnesses for making untrue statements or committing perjury. Perjury is the legal term for lying under oath or signing false documents, and it is a serious criminal charge that can result in fines and up to 5 years in prison.
The legal system takes a serious stance on lying under oath because judges and juries often rely on witness testimony and documents to make their decisions. Lying under oath can mean the defendant or plaintiff do not receive a fair trial. It can lead to a defendant receiving a harsher sentence than they should or being wrongfully convicted.
Lying under oath compromises the effectiveness of the legal system and can result in a miscarriage of justice.
Lying Under Oath vs Making False Statements
Lying under oath or perjury is a lie that you tell after being sworn in. To be convicted of the crime of perjury the lie must be:
- Relevant to the case
- Made under oath
- A false statement rather than a lie of omission
Penalties For Lying Under Oath
Lying under oath is a federal crime, and you can be charged with perjury even if you are a witness in a civil case in county or state court. The judge will file a complaint with the prosecutor if they believe you are lying under oath, and the prosecutor will open a criminal case.
The penalties for lying under oath could be:
- Probation
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Fines
Lying under oath is considered a felony, so you need to take your testimony seriously.
Can I Sue a Witness For Lying Under Oath?
No, you cannot sue someone for lying under oath, and you will not be able to recover damages. If a witness is found lying under oath, they will be prosecuted for perjury.