The word "perjure" is spelled with the letters "p-e-r-j-u-r-e". In phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈpərdʒər/. The first syllable, "per", is pronounced with the short "uh" sound, followed by the consonant blend "rd". The second syllable, "jure", is pronounced with a "j" sound, followed by the short "uh" sound, and ending with the consonant "r". To perjure is to commit the crime of willfully lying under oath in a court of law.
Perjure is a verb that is commonly used in legal contexts, referring to the act of intentionally lying or making false statements under oath or in a court of law. When individuals perjure themselves, they provide false information, deliberately withhold the truth, or present fictional narratives while under oath during a deposition, testimony, or cross-examination. It is considered a serious offense as it undermines the credibility of the justice system and obstructs the pursuit of truth.
The act of perjury is often committed with the aim of misleading the court, influencing the outcome of a legal proceeding, protecting oneself or others from legal consequences, or achieving personal advantages. It includes any false statement or material misrepresentation that deceives those listening to it, and is usually done knowingly and willingly. Perjury can occur in criminal, civil, or administrative cases, and perpetrators can face criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment depending on the legal jurisdiction.
To prove a case of perjury, it is generally required to establish that the false statement was made under oath, the statement was false, the person knew it was false when they made it, and the statement was material to the case at hand. Courts and legal authorities take the offense of perjury extremely seriously, as it strikes at the core of justice, the reliability of testimonies, and the integrity of the entire legal system.
To swear falsely; in a court of justice, to swear to as truth that which is known to be false.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "perjure" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was derived from the Old French verb "perjurer", meaning "to swear falsely". The Old French term, in turn, came from the Latin verb "periurare", which had a similar meaning. "Periurare" is a combination of the Latin prefix "per-" (meaning "through") and "iurare" (meaning "to swear"). Therefore, the etymology of "perjure" ultimately connects to the idea of "swearing falsely" or "swearing through" in its historical origins.