Ethics question - perjury

[HEyHEY]

Okay, today I found out for a fact the SPCA committed perjury in a trial. However, what they lied about was insignificant to the case - it was just the defence lawyer trying to discredit him.
This guy on trial is up against about 115 counts of animal cruelty. He's a real fuck that needs to go to jail.
If I did a story on the perjury, it may get thrown out. I don't want this prick to get off, but look at my situation. Also this is the largest puppy mill bust in BC history and was big news.

[Dookus]

1. Not every lie is perjury

the lie must be pertinent to the case. At least here in the US.

[HEyHEY]

5. Well, he lied about letting our reporter on the property

They were asking how the reporter got photos of the scene. and the SPCA guy said "Ever here of a telephoto lens."
I called the reporter that worked here at the time and took the photos.
He said he was allowed on the property.

[ohiosmith]

2. If it is insignificant to the case it won't affect the outcome.

[Magrittes Pipe]

3. If it was insignificant to the case...

...it was not perjury.

Well, it's not perjury in the U.S. -- I dunno about Canada.

Here, perjury is knowingly giving false information under oath, when said information is germane to the matter at hand.

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. Oh man, as a hater of puppy mills, that is a tough one.

Can you live with yourself if you don't report it? Is the guy disallowed from owning puppy mills if he gets it thrown out? These are the things I would ask. If the animals would be safe, then I would consider reporting it. If not, I think I'd keep it under my hat. Hard to call though.

[jarab]

6. Without specifically weighing in ....

Generally, just be sure you live your life in such a way that the preacher won't have to lie at your funeral.
...O...

[doctorbombeigh]

7. Depends on how you see things...

I think that you really have to find your own ethical compass. Figure out what matters to you - not to others - and act accordingly.

If you think it's more important that you not do possible damage to the prosecution's case - then you don't know nuthin' bout nuthin' and go on about your business with a clear conscience.

If you think it's more important that you reveal this information - if it's truly a matter of your own integrity - then out with it and let the chips fall.

Personally, I'd keep mum about it and leave it to the defense to check up on the mothercheneying guy themselves, but that's me.

[billlanger]

8. Tricky

Some of the above comments were very good, but I beleive that if this information is of use to the public, then it should be reported.

In this particular case, I think the public should know about the perjury, *and* it won't really affect the case much.

[jukes]

9. you didn't perjure yourself

& i believe some discretion is needed here in light of the seriousness of the issue.

personally, i'd let it go.

[DrWeird]

10. It's not perjury if it's not significant to the case.

Which is why Clinton didn't commit perjury.

[chicaloca]

11. Is there another (later) time you could report on it

that wouldn't affect the case? I mean, that would suck, but if the situation is that bad...

[HEyHEY]

12. No, even if I reported it later, they'd drag it all out again.