Jun 4, 2025

Defending Perjury Charges

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What are defense arguments against charges of perjury?

Perjury is a serious offense that involves knowingly making false statements under oath. However, there are several defense arguments that can be raised against charges of perjury. One common defense is that the false statement was not made willfully or knowingly; in other words, the person did not intend to mislead or lie. Another defense is that the statement was not material to the proceedings, meaning it did not have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. Additionally, if the statement was ambiguous or open to interpretation, it may be difficult to prove that it was intentionally false.

Is perjury hard to prove?

Proving perjury can be challenging for prosecutors. They must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly made a false statement while under oath and that the statement was material to the case. This often requires clear and convincing evidence, such as contradictory statements or documentation that directly refutes the testimony. The burden of proof is high, and any ambiguity or lack of clarity in the statement can make it difficult to secure a conviction.

Defending Perjury Charges