What is perjury classified as under California law?

Perjury is classified as a felony under California law. This classification reflects the seriousness with which the legal system regards the act of knowingly providing false information under oath. When a person commits perjury, they undermine the integrity of the legal process and can significantly impact the outcome of legal proceedings. As a felony, a conviction for perjury can result in substantial penalties, including imprisonment and fines, reflecting the need for strict deterrents against such dishonest conduct in court.

The other classifications, such as misdemeanor, infraction, and civil offense, do not apply to perjury because they are generally associated with less severe offenses, while perjury, due to its potential consequences in legal proceedings, is treated with greater severity. This underscores the gravity of the crime in relation to the quest for truth and justice in the judicial system.