Should a person be able to sue another for lying in court?

Question

Perjury is a crime but not a civil action. Should the person harmed by the perjury be able to sue the lier for damages

Current law provides the lier absolute privilege. No one can sue another for statements made in court even if the statements are lies.

Answer 1

I think the liar can be sued.

Answer 2

You need to clearly show proof that 1) damage occurred, 2)evidence of the lie (perjury). If it is only a battle of words, without valid tangible proof, then the action is wasted. If I tell someone that the world is round, it is a demonstable fact. But if I say that you said that......that is not demonstrable. Perjury is not a civil action but slander is....so if you can demonstrate slander (with proof) then you could file against that person.

Answer 3

I guess it's good & bad, but the bar is VERY HIGH to prove perjury. An expert at it like my ex can SAY a lot of horrid lies & only put grains of truth on paper to protect himself from perjury charges....but I digress.
Anyway, it's almost impossible to actually sue someone from lying in court unless you can PROVE it was harmful & that they meant it to be.

Answer 4

If someone is convicted of perjury, which is very rare unless your name is Lil Kim, you would have a slander per se cause of action, for which you could sue.

Answer 5

The problem is you have to prove demonstrable damages from the perjury.

Answer 6

if you have concrete proof of perjury, then yes you can