What is required for a statement to constitute perjury?

For a statement to constitute perjury, it is essential that the defendant knowingly makes a false statement. This means that the person must be aware that what they are saying is not true at the time the statement is made. The intent to deceive is a key component of perjury laws, as they aim to uphold the integrity of legal proceedings by penalizing those who deliberately mislead the court.

The requirement for knowledge of the falsity of the statement emphasized in this choice is critical because it ensures that not all false statements result in perjury charges. For instance, if someone inadvertently provides incorrect information without the awareness that it is false, they would not meet the necessary criteria for perjury.

In this context, other options are not essential elements of perjury. For example, a false statement can be made without external pressure (duress), it does not need to be made publicly, and the presence of an attorney is not a requirement for the statement to qualify as perjury. The focus remains solely on the intent and knowledge of the individual making the statement.