Official Text
“Whoever, being a public servant, certifies any document as true or correct knowing it to be false or incorrect, shall be punished.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Being public servant.
- Certifying document as true or correct.
- Knowing it to be false or incorrect.
Potential Defenses:
- Not a public servant.
- No false certification.
- Legitimate certification.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Government officials certifying false documents, public servants validating incorrect papers, officials attesting to untrue statements.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Legitimate certification, authorized validation, or lawful attestation.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 2 years, or Fine, or both