Laws Against Perjury

The term "white collar crime" is generally used to describe crimes involving cheating or dishonesty. Although there is no fixed definition of white collar crime, there are a number of nonviolent crimes typically grouped together as white collar crimes. These crimes typically are committed by professionals or entrepreneurs under the guise of legitimate business activity.

As a practical matter, it is impossible to describe every activity that fits within the definition of white collar crime, because white collar crime takes many forms. Some criminal actions are prohibited by specific laws narrowly drawn to outlaw particular activities. Other actions are not covered by specific laws but instead are prosecuted under one or more "catch-all" laws criminalizing general dishonest behavior.

White collar crimes are difficult to prosecute because they are often complex cases. White collar crimes often carry lesser penalties than other crimes because they are not associated with violence. Typical sentences include enormous fines, restitution, or imprisonment in county jail or state prison.

Perjury laws penalize anyone who willfully or knowingly makes false statements under oath. Sworn statements are those which are made under penalty of perjury. Such sworn statements may be written or oral and need not be made in court; a person may perjure himself or herself in deposition or written testimony. It is also illegal for anyone to procure another person to commit perjury. This is known as subornation of perjury.