Legal Definitions - false

False

In a legal context, the term false refers to something that is not true, genuine, or accurate. It describes information, statements, objects, or representations that deviate from reality, whether due to an honest mistake, an accident, or an intentional act of deception.

• Example 1: During a property sale, the seller provides a disclosure statement claiming the house has never had water damage. However, a hidden leak from a burst pipe occurred years ago, which the seller genuinely forgot about.

  Explanation: The seller's statement about no water damage is false because it is factually untrue, even though the seller did not intend to deceive the buyer. The statement deviates from the actual history of the property.

• Example 2: A company's marketing materials prominently feature a claim that their product is "clinically proven to cure all ailments," despite internal research showing only minor, temporary relief for a few specific symptoms.

  Explanation: The company's claim is false because it is a deliberate misrepresentation of the product's capabilities, intended to mislead consumers. The statement is not genuine or accurate and is made with deceitful intent.

• Example 3: An individual attempts to pay for goods using a banknote that, upon inspection, is clearly a counterfeit and not legal tender issued by the central bank.

  Explanation: The banknote is false because it is not genuine or authentic currency. It purports to be something it is not, lacking the true characteristics and value of a real banknote.