Perjury is a misdemeanor if which condition is met?

Perjury is a misdemeanor if which condition is met?

• A. You've only sworn falsely
• B. You've signed a written instrument with intent to mislead
• C. You lied under oath in court
• D. You obstructed justice

Answer: (A)

Perjury centers on making a false statement after taking an oath to tell the truth. The crucial factor is that you have sworn to tell the truth, and you knowingly say something false. That combination—swearing an oath and then lying about it—captures why this is labeled perjury as a misdemeanor in many cases. The other scenarios describe related misconduct (like drafting a false written instrument, or obstructing justice) that are different crimes and don’t hinge on the essential sworn statement aspect of perjury.

Perjury centers on making a false statement after taking an oath to tell the truth. The crucial factor is that you have sworn to tell the truth, and you knowingly say something false. That combination—swearing an oath and then lying about it—captures why this is labeled perjury as a misdemeanor in many cases. The other scenarios describe related misconduct (like drafting a false written instrument, or obstructing justice) that are different crimes and don’t hinge on the essential sworn statement aspect of perjury.