Perjury cases are rare in family law in Australia. Experts say courts need to be better at cracking down on lying
Lawyers say dishonesty in court can re-traumatise women who have escaped abuse, reinforcing the dynamics of ‘power and control’
-
Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
In the family court several years ago, a man wove a web of deceit. He forged bank records and other documents in a lie that would later unravel. He had launched a case seeking property orders after splitting with his partner. He later made claims to the court, backed up by documents, about when he sold his business. The claims were strongly in his favour.
But after the original documents were sought, the judge discovered the man had lied, altering dates on bank documents and lying about other matters. The man’s deceit was referred to police and he was charged with giving false testimony and fabricating evidence in court. The man was subsequently sentenced to more than a year in jail in a state court.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email
Law (Australia) | The Guardian
Recent Comments