What is perjury? It is a serious offence where a person gives
false evidence or statements under oath. A testimony of the witness
in court proceedings has a great effect on the outcome of the case.
It can either lead to a conviction or an acquittal of the accused
during a legal proceeding.
Courts and the jury rely on the truthfulness of the statement
because of the oath made by the witness to tell the "truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." However, despite
taking an oath, some witnesses still take advantage of the power of
their testimony and knowingly abuse it in an attempt to mislead the
court as well as the jury.
The Crimes Act 1900 deals
with this offence - its acts, and legal proceedings, among other
things.
