The Department of Geography at the College of Education for Women, University of Basrah, organized a seminar titled "Crimes Against Public Trust (The Crime of Forgery)." The session was prepared and presented by Assistant Lecturer Shireen Faisal Mahdi, who examined the legal provisions governing the crime of forgery under Iraqi legislation. The discussion highlighted the negative impact of this crime on the stability of transactions, the protection of the rights of individuals and institutions, and the preservation of public trust in state institutions.The seminar covered the material and mental elements of the crime of forgery, the distinction between official and private documents, and the various methods of committing forgery—whether material or intellectual—as defined by the Iraqi Penal Code. It also addressed the different forms of forgery, the resulting damages, the prescribed legal penalties, and the circumstances under which an individual may be exempted from punishment.The seminar aimed to raise legal awareness regarding the dangers and consequences of forgery, clarify relevant legislative provisions, and discuss strategies to curb the prevalence of this crime and safeguard public trust.The seminar concluded with several recommendations, including the need to enhance legal awareness among citizens and public employees, improve procedures for verifying official documents, and adopt secure electronic systems for authentication. Furthermore, it proposed organizing specialized training courses for staff in government institutions and strengthening cooperation among judicial, administrative, and regulatory bodies to combat the crime of forgery. In its conclusion, the session emphasized the importance of integrating legal legislation, administrative procedures, modern technologies, and public awareness to curb the crime of forgery—thereby helping to uphold public trust, protect rights, and ensure stability in legal transactions.








