subornation of perjury | Definition

Subornation of perjury refers to the act of inducing, persuading, or encouraging someone to commit perjury, which is the act of knowingly making false statements under oath in a legal proceeding.

Subornation of perjury is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of the legal system by interfering with the administration of justice. It can occur in various contexts, such as civil or criminal trials, administrative proceedings, and even grand jury investigations.

To prove subornation of perjury, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant intended to influence the testimony of a witness by inducing them to make false statements under oath. The prosecution must also establish that the defendant knew or should have known that the statements were false.

Subornation of perjury can be committed by anyone who seeks to influence a witness’s testimony, including attorneys, parties to a lawsuit, and even family members or friends of a witness. The act of suborning perjury can be committed either before or during a legal proceeding.

Penalties for subornation of perjury vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the offense. In most cases, it is considered a felony offense that can result in significant fines and prison time. Additionally, individuals convicted of subornation of perjury may face disciplinary action, including disbarment for attorneys or revocation of a professional license.