Lecture 17: Document Examination Flashcards

1
Q

What is a document?

A

Any object with handwriting or print whose source or authenticity in doubt.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the character of handwriting according to document examiners.

A

Uniqueness, variations in angularity, slope, speed, pressure, spacing, dimensions, connections, pen movement, finger dexterity, and other factors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How do document experts differentiate between individuals’ handwriting?

A

By noting variations in handwriting characteristics like angularity, slope, speed, pressure, spacing, and more.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Define the term ‘individual characteristics’ in the context of document examination.

A

Distinctive features in handwriting that are unique to each person and can be used for comparison and identification.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What factors are considered by document examiners when analyzing handwriting?

A

Angularity, slope, speed, pressure, spacing, dimensions, connections, pen movement, finger dexterity, arrangement on paper, spelling, punctuation, phraseology, grammar, and more.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe the importance of collecting known handwriting exemplars in handwriting analysis.

A

Known writings are crucial for comparing with questioned documents, showing natural variations, and minimizing deception attempts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How can an expert examiner determine a sufficient number of personal characteristics in handwriting comparison?

A

It is a judgment call made by the examiner based on a common set of characteristics between known and questioned writings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define handwriting simulation and tracing in the context of signature analysis.

A

Simulation involves imitating a genuine signature, while tracing entails following the outline of a genuine signature or overlaying it to replicate the writing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Do digital technologies like photocopiers and fax machines play a role in forensic document analysis?

A

Yes, they are relevant in cases involving document reproduction and analysis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the significance of handwriting dictation and multiple pages in minimizing deception attempts in handwriting analysis.

A

They help in showcasing the natural variations in a suspect’s writing and reducing the chances of deception in the writing samples.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the purpose of a document in relation to machines?

A

Identify the make and model of a machine or compare questioned documents with samples from a suspect machine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the process of comparing questioned documents with printed exemplars.

A

Examiners conduct a side-by-side comparison to analyze markings produced by the machine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How can alterations, erasures, and obliterations be detected on documents?

A

Erasures disturb paper fibers and can be seen under a microscope with direct or side lighting. Alterations in ink can sometimes be detected by differences in infrared light absorption.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Define obliteration in the context of document examination.

A

Obliteration involves overwriting or crossing out to conceal the original writing, which can be revealed through infrared radiation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are some characteristics that document examiners look for in printing devices from use?

A

Examiners analyze wear and damage to moving parts, transitory defect marks, toner application methods, and mechanical and printing characteristics.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe how IR photography can used in document examination.

A

IR photography can the contents of a that has been charred in a fire.

17
Q

Define indented writings in document examination.

A

Indented writings are partially visible depressions underneath the visible writing on a document.

18
Q

How can an electrostatic charge be used to visualize indented writings on a document?

A

Applying an electrostatic charge to a polymer film in contact with a questioned document can visualize indented writings.

19
Q

Do special photographic techniques enhance indented writing in document examination?

A

Yes, special photographic techniques like sidelighting and special film can be used to enhance indented writing.

20
Q

Describe the process of digital imaging processing in document examination.

A

An image is scanned and converted into an array of digital intensity values called pixels, which can then be edited to reveal obscured information.

21
Q

What is the purpose of using ultraviolet radiation in examining shredded paper?

A

To help examiners sort the pieces based on differing luminescent intensities.

22
Q

Describe the difference in appearance of shredded paper under ultraviolet radiation versus ambient white light.

A

Shredded paper under ultraviolet radiation shows differing luminescent intensities, aiding in sorting, while under ambient white light it appears differently.