What is the act of falsifying an affidavit called?

Falsifying an affidavit is referred to as perjury, which specifically involves making false statements under oath. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court. When a person knowingly provides false information in an affidavit, they are committing perjury because they are lying while under a legal obligation to tell the truth.

Perjury is considered a serious offense in the legal system because it undermines the integrity of judicial processes and can lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals. This consequence underscores the importance of honesty when giving sworn statements.

The other options, while related to dishonesty and deceit, do not specifically address the act of providing false information while under oath. Fraud generally encompasses broader deceptive practices for gain, misrepresentation involves inaccurately presenting information (but not necessarily under oath), and deception refers to misleading someone without the legal context of perjury. Thus, perjury is the most precise term for the act of falsifying an affidavit.