Lecture 17: Document Examination Flashcards
What is a document?
Any object with handwriting or print whose source or authenticity in doubt.
Describe the character of handwriting according to document examiners.
Uniqueness, variations in angularity, slope, speed, pressure, spacing, dimensions, connections, pen movement, finger dexterity, and other factors.
How do document experts differentiate between individuals’ handwriting?
By noting variations in handwriting characteristics like angularity, slope, speed, pressure, spacing, and more.
Define the term ‘individual characteristics’ in the context of document examination.
Distinctive features in handwriting that are unique to each person and can be used for comparison and identification.
What factors are considered by document examiners when analyzing handwriting?
Angularity, slope, speed, pressure, spacing, dimensions, connections, pen movement, finger dexterity, arrangement on paper, spelling, punctuation, phraseology, grammar, and more.
Describe the importance of collecting known handwriting exemplars in handwriting analysis.
Known writings are crucial for comparing with questioned documents, showing natural variations, and minimizing deception attempts.
How can an expert examiner determine a sufficient number of personal characteristics in handwriting comparison?
It is a judgment call made by the examiner based on a common set of characteristics between known and questioned writings.
Define handwriting simulation and tracing in the context of signature analysis.
Simulation involves imitating a genuine signature, while tracing entails following the outline of a genuine signature or overlaying it to replicate the writing.
Do digital technologies like photocopiers and fax machines play a role in forensic document analysis?
Yes, they are relevant in cases involving document reproduction and analysis.
Describe the significance of handwriting dictation and multiple pages in minimizing deception attempts in handwriting analysis.
They help in showcasing the natural variations in a suspect’s writing and reducing the chances of deception in the writing samples.
What is the purpose of a document in relation to machines?
Identify the make and model of a machine or compare questioned documents with samples from a suspect machine.
Describe the process of comparing questioned documents with printed exemplars.
Examiners conduct a side-by-side comparison to analyze markings produced by the machine.
How can alterations, erasures, and obliterations be detected on documents?
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.
Define obliteration in the context of document examination.
Obliteration involves overwriting or crossing out to conceal the original writing, which can be revealed through infrared radiation.
What are some characteristics that document examiners look for in printing devices from use?
Examiners analyze wear and damage to moving parts, transitory defect marks, toner application methods, and mechanical and printing characteristics.