Criminal Lawyers Melbourne

Perjury

Criminal Lawyers Melbourne
ADLA member for - VIC

Written by
Cassie Collier
Criminal Defence Lawyer


Perjury Offences - VIC
The Law - Perjury

What the Law states - Perjury


This is a common law offence which means that it does not come under particular legislation. The law surrounding it is from case law rather than legislation by parliament.

If you look at what must be proved that is basically what the law is in relation to this charge.

There is then a lot of case law that explains this law in greater detail.

Maximum Penalty in Victoria



15 years

What the Prosecution must prove - Perjury - Vic


(a) The accused made a statement.

(b) The statement was made deliberately and intentionally.

(c) The statement was false.

(d) The accused knew that it was false.

(e) The statement was made in circumstances where under oath or affirmation or where legislation provided that false statements should be punished as perjury.

STREET NAMES

False statement to police

Possible Defences - Perjury


(a) Duress.

(b) Factual dispute.

(c) Honest and reasonable mistake of belief.

(d) Lack of intent.

(e) Mental impairment.

Which court will hear the charge of Perjury


County Court.
Article published on 09/01/2009. To check if any changes to the law please discuss with one of our lawyers.
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