Which of the following is an essential element of perjury?

Perjury is defined as the act of deliberately providing false information while under oath, particularly in a legal setting. An essential element of perjury is that the defendant was legally required to take an oath. This element underscores the seriousness of the commitment to tell the truth in a judicial context, as taking an oath is a formal declaration meant to ensure the integrity of the testimony being given. When a person is under oath, they are legally bound to provide accurate and truthful information; failing to do so constitutes a violation of the law.

The requirement for an oath establishes a legal framework within which a person's statements can be considered perjury if they are proven to be false. Without this legal obligation, statements made would not fall under the definition of perjury, even if they were false. This emphasis on the necessity of the oath is foundational to the crime of perjury.