What crime is committed when someone knowingly makes a false statement under oath in Maryland?

In Maryland, the act of knowingly making a false statement under oath is classified as perjury. Perjury is a serious offense because it undermines the integrity of the judicial process; when individuals testify under oath, they are expected to provide truthful and accurate information. Committing perjury not only disrespects the legal system but can lead to significant consequences, including criminal charges and potential imprisonment.

The legal definition of perjury requires that the false statement be made in a judicial proceeding, and it must be done with the intent to mislead or deceive. This distinguishes it from other dishonest acts, which may not necessarily be made under an oath or in a formal legal setting.

While fraud, false swearing, and misrepresentation may involve deceit or falsehoods, they do not specifically encapsulate the formal legal definition of perjury as set forth in Maryland law, which specifically pertains to sworn statements made during court proceedings or other legally recognized contexts. Thus, perjury is the most accurate term for the crime described in the question.