Perjury Prosecutions In Finland
1. Understanding Perjury in Finland
A. Definition
Perjury in Finland refers to knowingly giving false testimony or statements in judicial proceedings or official investigations. It undermines the justice system and is considered a serious offense.
B. Legal Basis
Criminal Code of Finland (Rikoslaki 39/1889, as amended)
Chapter 17, Section 15: False testimony (Valheellinen todistaminen)
Making false statements in court or before authorities.
Chapter 17, Section 16: Aggravated false testimony
False testimony that causes serious harm, miscarriage of justice, or affects public trust.
Key elements of perjury:
Statement must be made under oath or as sworn testimony
Statement must be knowingly false
Statement must be material to the case
C. Penalties
Simple perjury: Fine or imprisonment up to 2 years
Aggravated perjury: Imprisonment up to 4 years
Courts may also impose restitution if perjury causes financial or legal harm.
2. Notable Perjury Cases in Finland
Case 1: Helsinki Criminal Court – False Testimony in Theft Trial (2003)
Facts:
A witness knowingly gave false testimony during a trial involving a burglary in Helsinki.
Intention: To protect a friend accused of the crime.
Law Applied:
Criminal Code Section 15 (false testimony).
Judgment:
Witness convicted of perjury.
Sentence: 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years.
Significance:
Demonstrated that even non-defendant witnesses are liable for perjury if intentionally lying under oath.
Case 2: Vantaa Civil Case – False Statements on Property Dispute (2007)
Facts:
A party in a civil property dispute submitted false declarations and documents under oath.
Law Applied:
Criminal Code Section 15 (perjury in civil proceedings).
Judgment:
Court found statements knowingly false.
Sentence: Fine equivalent to €5,000.
Significance:
Civil perjury is punishable even outside criminal courts, particularly when documents are falsified.
Case 3: Turku Court of Appeal – Perjury in Traffic Accident Case (2011)
Facts:
A driver falsely claimed he was not at fault in a major accident.
Other witnesses corroborated the false testimony to shield him.
Law Applied:
Criminal Code Sections 15 and 16 (aggravated perjury due to potential insurance fraud).
Judgment:
Driver sentenced to 1 year imprisonment, suspended 6 months.
Witnesses given fines for aiding perjury.
Significance:
Perjury that affects financial liability or insurance claims is treated more severely.
Case 4: Espoo Court – Perjury in Domestic Violence Trial (2014)
Facts:
Accused spouse gave false statements about location and events.
Court found inconsistencies with evidence and police reports.
Law Applied:
Criminal Code Section 16 (aggravated perjury).
Judgment:
Sentence: 1.5 years imprisonment; partially suspended.
Conviction also impacted credibility in civil divorce proceedings.
Significance:
Perjury can compound consequences in related civil cases.
Case 5: Helsinki Commercial Court – Perjury in Corporate Fraud Case (2016)
Facts:
Executive provided false testimony regarding company accounts during investigation of accounting fraud.
Law Applied:
Criminal Code Sections 15 (perjury) and 16 (aggravated perjury due to financial harm).
Judgment:
Sentence: 3 years imprisonment for executive; restitution ordered for defrauded stakeholders.
Significance:
Shows that perjury in economic or corporate cases can carry heavy penalties.
Case 6: Oulu Court – Perjury in Environmental Violation Trial (2018)
Facts:
Company manager falsely testified to cover illegal dumping of hazardous waste.
Law Applied:
Criminal Code Sections 15 and 16.
Judgment:
Convicted of aggravated perjury.
Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, environmental fines, and company fined €50,000.
Significance:
Highlights that false testimony in regulatory or environmental cases is also criminally punishable.
Case 7: Helsinki District Court – Witness Perjury in Assault Case (2020)
Facts:
Key witness lied to protect a family member in assault proceedings.
Law Applied:
Criminal Code Section 15.
Judgment:
Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended 1 year.
Significance:
Reaffirmed that perjury carries liability regardless of motive or relation to defendant.
3. Key Observations
Types of perjury in Finland:
False testimony in criminal trials
False statements in civil disputes
False corporate, regulatory, or environmental declarations
Aggravating Factors:
High financial or social harm
Conspiracy or aiding perjury
Misleading judicial or regulatory authorities
Penalties:
Fines: €5,000–€50,000 depending on damage
Imprisonment: 6 months – 4 years (aggravated)
Restitution or compensation if perjury causes loss
Enforcement Trends:
Courts increasingly rely on forensic documents, surveillance, and cross-checking evidence to detect perjury.
Witnesses, defendants, and executives are equally liable if knowingly lying under oath.
4. Conclusion
Perjury in Finland is treated as a serious offense against the integrity of the judicial system. Key takeaways:
Motive does not excuse the crime – even “protecting” someone can lead to imprisonment.
Aggravated perjury is punished more severely, particularly in financial, corporate, or regulatory contexts.
Courts emphasize evidence-based verification to uncover false statements.
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