What is the legal consequence of making a false statement under oath or affirmation?

Making a false statement under oath or affirmation is classified as perjury, which is a serious criminal offense. When an individual swears or affirms to tell the truth in a legal context, they are doing so under the threat of legal consequences should they choose to provide false information. Perjury undermines the integrity of the judicial system and is treated with significant severity by the law.

The criminal consequences for perjury can involve substantial penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or both. This reflects the importance of honesty and truthfulness in legal proceedings, as false statements can lead to wrongful convictions, erroneous legal outcomes, or other forms of injustice.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the severity or nature of the act of making a false statement under oath. For instance, while civil penalties may apply in certain dishonest acts, perjury specifically falls under criminal law, marking it as a distinct and serious violation. A consequence that leads to a fine only does not encompass the full spectrum of repercussions associated with perjury, and stating that there is no legal impact fails to acknowledge the critical nature of sworn testimony in legal settings.