Official Text
“Whoever, being a public servant, notarizes any document knowing it to be false or forged, shall be punished.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Being public servant.
- Notarizing document.
- Knowing it to be false or forged.
Potential Defenses:
- Not a public servant.
- No false notarization.
- Legitimate notarization.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Government officials notarizing fake documents, public servants validating forged papers, officials authenticating false instruments.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Legitimate notarization, authorized validation, or lawful authentication.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 2 years, or Fine, or both