Document forgery represents one of the most pervasive and multifaceted crimes across jurisdictions, affecting areas such as contract law, property rights, financial transactions, and public trust in government-issued records. This study analyzes the objective (actus reus) and subjective (mens rea) elements of document forgery, selling of forged documents, and using forged documents, drawing on an extensive body of international legal scholarship, case law, and statutory frameworks. We discuss the conceptual foundations of forgery, the delineation between material and intellectual falsification, the significance of intent to deceive, and the punishments enforced. The article also explores emerging forms of forgery in electronic domains (e.g., digital signatures, manipulated images, and cyber-facilitated document falsification) and explains the forensic methodologies used to detect and prosecute these offenses. Ultimately, we highlight that while the objective elements require a demonstrable alteration or creation of a false document with legal significance, the subjective elements demand specific intent or knowledge of falsity aimed at deceiving a targeted party. The implications for legislative policy, prosecutorial practice, and emerging technologies in crime detection are discussed at length, drawing upon dozens of referenced scholarly works and statutory provisions.

Document forgery, criminal law, actus reus, mens rea

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