Just the Distinction You've Always Craved

From Achenblog at WaPo:

To those of us with a firm grasp of the law, the difference between a charge of "perjury" and a charge of "making false statements" is as obvious as the difference between a creature that is active in twilight and one that is crepuscular. But a lay person might get confused as he or she reads the reports this morning that H. W. Scooter "Irving" Libby, the Vice President's chief of staff, will be charged with making false statements to a federal grand jury -- but not charged with perjury [though we now know he's been charged with both--JA]. Herewith, a primer on the laws governing non-truthful communication under oath:

Perjury: Lying. Bald-faced prevarication. Telling one whopper after another in a brazen attempt to deceive investigators. Often accompanied by elevated heart rate, increased kidney function and crossed fingers. Punishable by life in prison.

Making False Statements: Lying in a non-perjuritive manner. Usually involves strategic forgetfulness. The statement could be true if other factors were different and if standards of honesty were dramatically lowered. Often accompanied by bouncing eyebrows. Punishable by expulsion from the community.

All clear now?