What constitutes "perjury"?

Perjury is defined specifically as the criminal offense of making false statements under oath. This means that when an individual takes an oath, typically in a legal setting such as a court, they are bound to tell the truth. If they knowingly provide false information while under that oath, they can be charged with perjury. This charge underscores the importance of truthfulness in judicial proceedings, as it aims to preserve the integrity of the judicial system.

Other options present concepts that are related to legal matters but do not capture the precise definition of perjury. For instance, a civil offense against personal integrity does not involve the context of being under oath, while misleading evidence refers to incorrect or deceptive information presented, which is different from the act of lying under oath. An accusation in a criminal trial involves different legal principles, focusing on the claims made against an individual rather than the act of providing false statements under oath itself. Thus, recognizing the distinction is crucial for understanding the specific legal ramifications associated with perjury.