Lecture 17: Document Examination

Question 1

What is a document?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Describe the character of handwriting according to document examiners.

Answer 2

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

Question 3

How do document experts differentiate between individuals’ handwriting?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

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

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What factors are considered by document examiners when analyzing handwriting?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

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

Answer 6

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

Question 7

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

Answer 7

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

Question 8

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

Answer 8

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

Question 9

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

Answer 9

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

Question 10

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

Answer 10

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

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Describe the process of comparing questioned documents with printed exemplars.

Answer 12

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

Question 13

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

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Define obliteration in the context of document examination.

Answer 14

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

Question 15

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

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Describe how IR photography can used in document examination.

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Define indented writings in document examination.

Answer 17

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

Question 18

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

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Do special photographic techniques enhance indented writing in document examination?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Describe the process of digital imaging processing in document examination.

Answer 20

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

Question 21

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

Answer 21

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

Question 22

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

Answer 22

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