Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does the term 'perjury' refer to in a legal context?

1. Lying under oath

2. False testimony

3. Intimidation of a witness

4. Tampering with evidence

The correct answer is: Lying under oath

The term 'perjury' specifically refers to the act of lying under oath. In legal settings, when an individual takes an oath to tell the truth, they are legally obligated to provide accurate and truthful testimony. If that individual intentionally provides false information during the testimony, they are committing perjury. This action undermines the integrity of the judicial process and can lead to severe consequences, including criminal charges and penalties. While false testimony is closely related and indeed can be a form of perjury, the definition focuses explicitly on the aspect of lying under an oath. Intimidation of a witness and tampering with evidence are separate offenses that pertain to obstructing justice in different ways, but they do not define what constitutes perjury. Understanding the precise definition of perjury is crucial for anyone involved in legal proceedings, as it highlights the importance of honesty and accountability in the justice system.