What happens if I lie in small claims court?

Lying in any court is called perjury. It is a criminal offence. Whilst it’s unlikely that you will go to prison for lying in a small claims court, you may be fined for wasting the court’s time. Also, the Judge hearing your case has probably heard hundreds of similar cases; it is likely they will know if you are fibbing, particularly when there is evidence involved.

If you think the other person is lying, you may want to accuse them of perjury but be careful. The Judge will have the evidence of both parties and it is their job to determine from the evidence and testimony (what is said by the parties in court) who is telling the truth. If you feel strongly enough about the other side’s behaviour, you may want to raise this with the Judge, but be polite and do not make offensive remarks. Otherwise, you may end up in trouble yourself and this could impact the outcome of your claim.