Punishment is due if the words of an oath be false.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Perjury — the willful utterance of false words under oath — merits punishment because the oath is the foundation of judicial truth-finding, and its violation undermines the entire system of justice.

Where this applies

• A witness lied under oath and I want to know what consequences they face.
• Someone gave false testimony in a sworn statement and punishment should follow.
• The words of their oath were proven false — shouldn't there be a penalty for that.