How does the Penal Code define "forgery"?

The definition of "forgery" within the Penal Code emphasizes the concept of fraud. It specifically involves the fraudulent making or altering of a document with the intent to deceive or cause harm. This means that the act of forgery is not merely about changing a document, but doing so in a way that is intended to mislead another party, especially to gain a benefit or to inflict some sort of harm.

The focus on the fraudulent nature underscores the legal implications, as the law seeks to protect individuals and institutions from deceitful practices related to documentation, which can include contracts, legal papers, and financial documents. The intent to deceive is what elevates the act to a criminal offense, distinguishing it from non-fraudulent alterations or legitimate uses of documents.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the complete definition laid out in the Penal Code. Making a document legally valid, for instance, contradicts the essence of forgery since forgery involves deception rather than validation. Altering a document without prior notice may refer to certain actions that are inappropriate but doesn't fully define the fraudulent intent central to forgery. Lastly, producing documents for personal use may be entirely legal and not involve any aspect of fraud, thus making it unrelated to the