FOCL Practice Test

What is the legal outcome if an individual gives false testimony without effecting the trial outcome?

1. Aggravated perjury

2. No crime is committed

3. Minor perjury

4. Obstruction of justice

The correct answer is: No crime is committed

The correct answer indicates that if an individual gives false testimony but it does not affect the outcome of the trial, it does not constitute a crime. In legal terms, perjury requires that the false testimony has a material impact on the proceedings. If the falsehood does not influence the trial's result, then the intent to deceive does not lead to legal repercussions. Therefore, a situation where the false testimony is established but ineffective in altering the decision in the case would mean that no crime has been committed. In contrast, options such as aggravated perjury and minor perjury imply that the testimony still holds some relevance to the trial's outcome, which conflicts with the context provided in the question. Similarly, obstruction of justice typically involves actions that impede the judicial process, whereas simply providing false testimony without consequences does not meet the threshold for this charge either.