New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What does perjury involve?

1. Falsely reporting a crime

2. Willfully swearing falsely

3. Witnessing a crime without reporting it

4. Providing misleading evidence in court

The correct answer is: Willfully swearing falsely

Perjury specifically involves the act of willfully swearing falsely, particularly in a legal context. This means that a person makes a statement under oath that they know is not true. Sworn testimony can occur in various legal proceedings, including court trials, depositions, or any situation where a person is legally obliged to tell the truth. The key element of perjury is the intention to deceive—if a person makes a false statement while fully aware that it is incorrect, they are committing perjury. This offense is taken very seriously in the legal system because it undermines the integrity of legal proceedings and the justice system as a whole. The other choices focus on related but different actions. Falsely reporting a crime involves misleading authorities about criminal activity but does not necessarily involve an oath. Witnessing a crime without reporting it pertains to the moral or legal obligation to report, which again does not constitute perjury. Providing misleading evidence in court may involve dishonesty, but unless it is made under oath with the intent to deceive, it does not meet the strict definition of perjury. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what perjury entails.