Falsifying signature in college. Consequence?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the consequences of a group member falsifying signatures on a contribution table used for project grading in a college setting. Participants explore potential academic and legal repercussions, including suspension and possible criminal charges, depending on the circumstances and local laws.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the individual could at least fail the course, with suspension also being a possibility due to the violation of trust.
  • Others argue that the severity of the consequences may depend on the intent behind the falsification and the specific circumstances, such as whether it was done to avoid losing marks due to uncontactable group members.
  • One participant notes that, in their jurisdiction, falsifying a signature could be considered fraud and may lead to criminal charges, including potential imprisonment.
  • Another participant mentions that in Denmark, prosecution could occur if charges are filed by the university or the affected students.
  • It is noted that most schools have an academic code of conduct that outlines potential consequences, which may vary based on the situation.
  • Concerns are raised about the likelihood of civil action being pursued, which would depend on malicious intent and the expected compensation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the severity of the consequences and the likelihood of legal action, indicating that there is no consensus on the outcomes of such actions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the variability of consequences based on local laws and institutional policies, as well as the importance of intent and circumstances surrounding the act of falsification.

nikeidid
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Hi all

There is a group member who falsifying the other team members' signature on the contribution table. The contribution table is used to divide up the group mark for each group members for a project. Without the other team members' consents, he falsify others' signature.

Just wondering what kind of consequence will he get? Suspension?

Thank you
 
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At the very minimum he could fail the course. Yes, he could be suspended. That's a pretty flagrant violation of trust. You don't say why he falsified signatures. If it was because other people refused to sign stipulations he wanted, that's kind of stupid. The others will surely object and tell the teacher what he has done.
 
Depending on the laws in your country, suspension might be the least of his troubles. Where i am from, falsifying a signature is fraud, and can be punished with prison.
 
635nm said:
Depending on the laws in your country, suspension might be the least of his troubles. Where i am from, falsifying a signature is fraud, and can be punished with prison.

Ok. But that's from college. Could he be sued?
 
As i said depends on the legal system where you live. I can only say how it works in denmark. Here he would be prosecuted if someone files charges against him, which would be either the univeristy or the students whose signature he falsified.
 
Most schools have an academic code of conduct, which is where the maximum consequences for something like this should be spelled out.

Realisitcally the consequences are likely to vary. If it's a case where the contribution table had to be in by a deadline and he couldn't contact some members of the group and he made the decision to falsify and submit in order to avoid losing marks that's likely to be viewed as a much different scenario by an academic disciplinary committee then deliberately assessing some members of the group poorly and falsifying their signatures. The first is still wrong and could result in some kind of academic probation, whereas the secord is more likely to end up getting the student kicked out.

I would be surprised if anyone would go so far as to pursue it as a civil matter, but again, that would depend on both the malicious intent and the level of compensation a plaintif could realistically expect to obtain.
 

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