Unit 4 Lesson 4: Crimes Against Public Justice

Question 1

Definition of Wasting Police Time?

Answer 1

A crime at common law, committed by any person who maliciously makes a false statement to the police, with the intention and effect of causing unnecessary police investigation.

Question 2

Definition of Attempt to Pervert the Course of Justice

Answer 2

A crime at common law which can be described as any overt and intentional action calculated, to interfere with either the normal investigation of a crime, or the bringing of an offender to justice.

Question 3

Perjury definition?

Answer 3

A crime at common law, committed by any person who wilfully makes a false statement under oath.

Question 4

What are the essential elements for perjury?

Answer 4

1. Falsehood must be made under oath or affirmation in civil or criminal proceedings.
2. It must be proved to be false and that the accused knew it was false.
3. It must relate to evidence of fact. It is not perjury if due to faulty recollection or misunderstanding.
4. It must be direct and unequivocal.
5. It must be relevant to the point at issue.

Question 5

Definition of subornation of perjury?

Answer 5

A crime at common law, committed by any person who counsels or induces, by any means, a person to give false testimony in judicial proceedings.

Question 6

Explain attempted subornation of perjury.

Answer 6

Attempted SoP is complete as soon as any inducement or intimidation has been made
Ie. Before court.

Question 7

Define contempt of court.

Answer 7

An intentional disrespect or an action against the court’s authority.