Legal Definitions - ob metum perjurii

Definition: Ob metum perjurii (ob mee-təm pər-juur-ee-I) is a Latin term used in Scots law that means "on account of the fear of perjury." It refers to the fear that a witness or party to a case may give false testimony because of their own or their relatives' interest in the outcome of the case.

Example: In the past, the evidence of the parties to a case and their relatives was excluded on the grounds of ob metum perjurii. This was because it was feared that they might give false evidence to influence the outcome of the case in their favor. However, this is no longer the law, as the desire to obtain all the facts and evidence has overcome the fear of perjury.

Explanation: The example illustrates how ob metum perjurii was used in Scots law to exclude the evidence of parties and their relatives due to the fear of perjury. It also shows how this fear has been overcome by the need to obtain all the evidence and facts in a case, even if it means allowing the testimony of interested parties.