State v. Wells

An intention to defraud is an essential element of the crime of forgery. It must be proved. Wharton, Crim. Law, sec. 653; 26 Corp. Jur. 903; 12 Ruling Case Law, 142; note in 22 Am. Dec. 306; note in 23 Am. St. Rep. 123. “The principal criminal element in forgery consists in the fraudulent purpose, and the proofs of fraud must be substantially the same in criminal and civil cases. It can only be made clear by a full understanding of the entire surroundings of the transaction.” People v. Kemp, 76 Mich. 410 (43 N. W. 439); at p. 417, quoting from People v. Marion, 29 Mich. 31, at p. 37. In…