: the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is untrue or by omission to do what has been promised under oath : false swearing.

What is the difference between lying and committing perjury?

Perjury is more than just lying on official documents (such as driver’s license applications). It happens when you provide false testimony in or out of court and lie in affidavits, and any other official written declaration under oath.

What can you do when someone commits perjury?

Nevertheless, if you can provide irrefutable evidence that someone has lied under oath, you may have the right to ask that the person be held in contempt for perjury and/or you or the judge might notify the local criminal prosecutor of the event.