What term refers to the crime of telling a lie under oath?

The term that refers to the crime of telling a lie under oath is perjury. Perjury is a serious offense because it undermines the integrity of the judicial system. When a person testifies in court or during legal proceedings, they are required to take an oath to tell the truth. If they knowingly provide false information while under oath, they can be charged with perjury. This is a criminal act that can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Other terms like falsehood, fraud, and deception do not specifically address the legal context of lying under oath. Falsehood is a general term for lying but lacks the legal implications associated with perjury. Fraud involves deceit that is intended to secure unfair or unlawful gain, and while it may involve lies, it does not specifically pertain to court testimony. Deception is a broader term that refers to misleading someone but does not carry the specific legal consequences that perjury does in the context of sworn statements.