Which term refers to the act of making false statements to mislead the judicial process?

The act of making false statements to mislead the judicial process is specifically referred to as perjury. This legal term is used when an individual knowingly gives false information while under oath, whether in court or in a sworn affidavit. Perjury undermines the integrity of the judicial system, as it can lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals based on falsehoods.

The other options represent related but distinct concepts. Fraud typically involves deceitful practices intended to secure unfair or unlawful gain, often in a financial context, but does not necessarily pertain to judicial proceedings specifically. Subornation refers to the act of persuading someone to commit perjury or to engage in illegal acts, which is a form of complicity rather than the act of misleading in court directly. Obstruction of justice encompasses a broader range of actions that interfere with the administration of justice, such as tampering with evidence or intimidation, but it is not limited to providing false statements under oath. Hence, perjury precisely captures the essence of making false statements in a judicial context.