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Bribery, contempt of court and perjury

Attempting to bribe an official, contempt of court and deliberately giving false evidence are offences that the court takes very seriously.

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Some offences are considered to be crimes against ‘justice’ itself. Justice includes the courts, the legal system and the police. They include:

  • bribery
  • contempt of court
  • making false statements
  • perjury.

These offences are taken very seriously by the courts and carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment. Get legal advice.

Bribery

In relation to crimes against justice, bribery is offering a public official (such as a police officer) money or other favours to get them to act in your interests.

Bribery of a public official carries a penalty of up to 10 years jail.

Contempt of court

A magistrate can hold you in contempt of court if they think you’re ignoring or challenging the court’s authority or a direction of a court. For example:

  • interrupting a court hearing
  • refusing to come to court or to answer questions if you are called as a witness.

Penalties for contempt vary depending on the circumstances but can include fines and/or jail.

False statements

The law requires you to tell the truth when you are:

If you don’t tell the truth in these situations, you may be committing an offence. The offences you could be charged with include:

  • perjury (deliberately giving false evidence in a court or tribunal)
  • making a false statement
  • making a false report to police.

Other support

Find out how you can get other support for criminal offences.

Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Reviewed 20 February 2022

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