Legal Definitions - utter

In a legal context, the term utter refers to the act of putting something into circulation or making something known, often with the implication of presenting it as genuine or true. This can apply to spoken words, written statements, or documents. When referring to documents, it specifically means to present, offer, or use a document (especially one that is forged or counterfeit) as if it were authentic and valid.

• Example 1: During a heated public meeting, a city council member knowingly makes a false accusation about a developer, claiming they bribed officials, even though there is no evidence to support it.

  Explanation: By speaking the false accusation in a public forum, the council member "utters" the statement, making it known and presenting it as if it were a factual claim. Depending on the specifics, this could potentially lead to a defamation lawsuit.

• Example 2: An individual attempts to purchase a high-value item at an electronics store using a check they know is fraudulent and drawn on a closed account.

  Explanation: By presenting the fraudulent check to the cashier as a form of payment, the individual is "uttering" the document. They are putting the false document into circulation and attempting to use it as if it were a genuine and valid financial instrument, which is a criminal offense.

• Example 3: A student submits a falsified letter of recommendation, purportedly from a former professor, as part of their application to a competitive graduate program.

  Explanation: When the student hands in or uploads the fake letter, they are "uttering" the document. They are presenting the forged letter as if it were an authentic recommendation from a legitimate source, intending for it to be accepted as genuine by the admissions committee.