Opinion ID: 2062030
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Acts Constituting Falsification

Text: The legislature did not define the term falsifies. Therefore, we assume the legislature intended the word to have its common and ordinary meaning. State v. Bush, 518 N.W.2d 778, 780 (Iowa 1994). In State v. Romeo, 542 N.W.2d 543, 548 (Iowa 1996), our only prior case interpreting section 715A.5, we looked to dictionary definitions to determine the meaning of the word. A standard dictionary defines falsify as: to prove to be false; to prove false so as legally to avoid, defeat, or rectify; to make false by mutilation or addition: tamper with; counterfeit, forge, adulterate. Webster's Third New International Dictionary 820 (unabr. ed.1993). Black's Law Dictionary provides a similar definition: To counterfeit or forge; to make something false; to give a false appearance to anything ...; to tamper with, as to falsify a record or document. Black's Law Dictionary 603 (6th ed.1990). We have previously noted that Walker's statement on the proof of service that he had already personally served Bearden was false. This was shown by the testimony of De Krey, who testified that Walker admitted before he left the office that he had not yet served Bearden, and by Bearden, who testified he did not receive the document until September 14, the day after the date of service found on the proof of service signed by Walker. Furthermore, Bearden's testimony showed that Walker himself did not serve the subpoena, as alleged in the proof of service. These falsities made the proof of service a false document. Walker's actions in rendering the proof of service a false document satisfy the ordinary and legal definitions of falsify. In light of the evidence and testimony presented, we conclude there was substantial evidence available for the jury to find that Walker's actions fell within the realm of conduct prohibited by section 715A.5.