What constitutes perjury?

Perjury is defined as the act of willfully providing false testimony while under oath. This legal definition emphasizes the intention behind the action; perjury involves knowingly making false statements with the intent to deceive. The nature of being under oath signifies that the individual is making a solemn promise to tell the truth, increasing the seriousness of the infraction when they knowingly lie.

Accidentally providing incorrect information does not meet the criteria for perjury because it lacks the element of intentional deception. Providing an opinion instead of a fact does not constitute perjury either, as opinions may not be considered false testimony, and individuals are often permitted to express their opinions legally. Withholding information from the court, while potentially obstructive, does not equal perjury unless it involves lying about that information while under oath. Thus, only willfully providing false testimony genuinely fits the legal definition of perjury.