What is the definition of "perjury" under Illinois law?

The definition of "perjury" under Illinois law is centered on the act of willfully providing false testimony while under oath. This means that the individual must intentionally make false statements during a legal proceeding, which undermines the oath that they have taken to tell the truth. Perjury is considered a serious offense because it can severely impact the integrity of the judicial process.

The requirement of willfulness indicates that the person must have knowledge that their statements are false at the time they are made. It's not merely about making a mistake or incorrect statement; it involves a conscious decision to lie. This specific focus on false testimony given under oath clearly differentiates perjury from related concepts, such as the provision of false information in legal documents or the omission of factual details, which do not directly fall under the legal definition of perjury. Furthermore, harboring false evidence relates to the possession of misleading materials rather than the act of testifying itself, thus further confirming why option B accurately captures the essence of perjury as defined by Illinois law.