Collateral damage when an atttorney lies in civil court?
<p>When an attorney knowingly makes a false statement in civil court in an attempt to tip the scale in his client's favor, what are the possible ramifications?</p>
<p>I'm aware that a lie under oath can be prosecuted as a criminal offense but when a defendant proves that the plaintiff's attorney lied to the judge in order to perturb justice to what extent can the defendant use this in his favor?</p>
<p>(I'm aware that if the defendant can prove the attorney lied the obvious outcome is that the court will not accept the attorney's statement as being true - the question is whether this has any &quot;collateral damage&quot; on the overall case? If yes, is the &quot;collateral damage&quot; embedded in the law or is it up to the judge's discretion whether to impose sanctions / a penalty?)</p>
<p>Is it worse if the attorney lied to the court when the defendant was a ProSe litigant?</p>

<h2>The lawyer can be disciplined</h2>
<p>At the extreme, this can result in disbarment or even criminal charges if there is intent to pervert the course of justice.</p>
<p>It may result in a mistrial and/or may be grounds for appeal.</p>
<p>The lawyer does not have civil liability because lawyers are not liable for what they do in court.</p>

united-states criminal-law civil-law rules-of-court new-jersey