What is the legal term for a false statement made under oath?

The legal term for a false statement made under oath is "Perjury." This term specifically refers to the act of knowingly providing false information while swearing or affirming to tell the truth, such as in a court of law or during judicial proceedings. Perjury is a serious offense because it undermines the integrity of the legal system and the pursuit of justice. The consequences of committing perjury can include criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness with which the legal system treats this type of dishonesty.

The other terms listed do not capture this specific legal definition. For instance, fraud generally refers to wrongful or criminal deception intended for personal gain, but it is broader and does not necessarily involve speaking under oath. Deception can refer to any act of misleading or tricking someone but lacks the particular context of being sworn to the truth. False testimony, while it describes the act of giving untrue evidence, is not the established legal term used to define the crime of lying under oath in most jurisdictions. Thus, "Perjury" is the precise legal term needed for this situation.