What is the definition of perjury?

Perjury is defined as the act of making false statements while under oath. This means that when an individual is legally obligated to tell the truth—typically in a court of law or during legal proceedings—any intentional falsehood they provide constitutes perjury. This is a serious offense because it undermines the integrity of the judicial system, as it disrupts the truth-finding process that courts rely upon when delivering justice. The requirement for truthfulness under oath emphasizes the importance of honesty in legal proceedings, and violating this can lead to severe penalties, including criminal charges.