Perjury and False Statements (NSW)
Perjury is a serious offence in New South Wales. Other offences that are associated with perjury include false statement offences such as concealing a serious offence, hindering an investigation and perverting the course of justice. These offences are governed by the Crimes Act 1900.
Concealing Serious Offence
In New South Wales, it is an offence to conceal a serious indictable offence. This includes when a person fails to bring information to police that could be used in apprehending a person for an offence that carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or more.
False Accusations
It is an offence to make a false accusation to police in New South Wales. A person commits this offence when they make an allegation to police, knowing the allegation to be false, with the intention of causing police to investigate a person for an offence.
Hindering an Investigation
Hindering an investigation is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment. A person commits this offence when they do an act with the intention of hindering an investigation, preventing the discovery of evidence or preventing the apprehension of a suspect.
Perjury
The offence of perjury is committed when a person knowingly makes a false statement under oath or affirmation during a judicial proceeding concerning a matter that is relevant to the proceeding.
Pervert the Course of Justice
It is an offence to do or fail to do something with the intent to pervert the course of justice.
Tampering with Evidence
Tampering with evidence is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment. It occurs when a person suppresses, destroys or conceals evidence or fabricates false evidence.
Threatening Witnesses
It is an offence in New South Wales to threaten or intimidate a victim or witness with the intention of influencing them not to bring material information to the attention of authorities.
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This article was written by Fernanda Dahlstrom
Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has also completed a Master’s in Writing and Literature. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland.