How is forgery defined in the context of Pennsylvania law?

In Pennsylvania law, forgery is defined as altering any writing without one’s authority. This definition encompasses a variety of actions, including modifying existing documents or creating false documents with the intent to deceive. The law emphasizes the unauthorized alteration aspect, as it implicates fraudulent intent and a misuse of written expressions that could lead to harm or deception.

The scope of forgery includes not just the creation of entirely fake documents, but also the unauthorized changes made to legitimate documents. This highlights the legal focus on the intent to deceive rather than the specific method employed to achieve that deception. Understanding this definition is crucial for assessing various legal situations involving forgery, as it provides a broader framework for what constitutes this crime under Pennsylvania law.