FOCL Practice Test

Under what condition has Julianne committed aggravated perjury?

1. If her false statements pertained to her personal feelings

2. If her testimony could prevent Meg from winning the divorce trial

3. If her false testimony could affect the outcome of the trial

4. If her statements were irrelevant to the case

The correct answer is: If her false testimony could affect the outcome of the trial

Julianne has committed aggravated perjury when her false testimony could affect the outcome of the trial. This is because one of the key elements that elevate a perjury charge to aggravated perjury is the potential impact of the false statements on legal proceedings. If her false testimony is significant enough to influence the decisions made by the court or jury, it demonstrates a higher level of intent to deceive and disrupt the judicial process. In essence, aggravated perjury not only involves lying under oath but also involves the knowledge that the falsehood could change the outcome of a legal matter. This underscores the seriousness of the act, as it undermines the integrity of the legal system. In this scenario, it is not merely the act of lying that matters, but also the implications those lies have in the context of the case.