What does the term "forgery" refer to in legal terms?

What does the term "forgery" refer to in legal terms?

• A. Intentional deception resulting in damage
• B. Falsely making or materially altering a writing
• C. Surrendering something as a penalty
• D. Leaving a jurisdiction to avoid prosecution

Answer: (B)

The term "forgery" in legal terms specifically refers to the act of falsely making or materially altering a writing with the intent to defraud. This includes creating a document that appears to be an authentic or legally significant writing but is actually fabricated or tampered with. The essence of forgery lies in the intent to deceive, which typically results in financial loss or harm to another party when the forged document is used. For example, if someone were to create a counterfeit check or modify a legal contract without authorization, they would be committing forgery because they are altering a writing with the purpose of misleading others and achieving an unlawful gain. This definition aligns closely with the essential elements of the crime, highlighting both the act of making or altering a writing and the intent to commit fraud.

The term "forgery" in legal terms specifically refers to the act of falsely making or materially altering a writing with the intent to defraud. This includes creating a document that appears to be an authentic or legally significant writing but is actually fabricated or tampered with. The essence of forgery lies in the intent to deceive, which typically results in financial loss or harm to another party when the forged document is used.

For example, if someone were to create a counterfeit check or modify a legal contract without authorization, they would be committing forgery because they are altering a writing with the purpose of misleading others and achieving an unlawful gain. This definition aligns closely with the essential elements of the crime, highlighting both the act of making or altering a writing and the intent to commit fraud.