Questioned Document Examination PDF

QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION KIMSY KAYE Y. VILLANEUVA WHAT IS DOCUMENT? DOCUMENT Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, partially visible or invisible that may present or ultimately convey a meaning to someone, maybe in the form of pencil, ink writing...

QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION KIMSY KAYE Y. VILLANEUVA WHAT IS DOCUMENT? DOCUMENT Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, partially visible or invisible that may present or ultimately convey a meaning to someone, maybe in the form of pencil, ink writing, typewriting, or printing on paper is its most usual form. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT A document which is questioned because of its origin, its contents, or the circumstances regarding its production arouses suspicion as to its genuiness or it may adversely scrutinized simply because it displeases someone. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION The scientific study, analysis and comparison of questioned or disputed handwriting or documents for authentication or legal purpose. A term for forensic science discipline pertaining to documents that are potentially disputed in a court of law. Its primary purpose is to provide evidence about a suspicious or questionable document using scientific processes and methods.  QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION Theory: Handwriting is identified and differentiated. Principle: There is no duplication of material things and that no two individual are identical because each person has an individuality which sets him apart from all other persons. EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT Most Common Questioned Documents Wills Letters Checks Contracts Drivers Licenses Petitions Passports Suicide notes Lottery tickets Voters registration Threatening letters Cases Involving Questioned Documents Forgery Theft Gambling Arson Mail fraud Robbery Con games Homicide Kidnapping Art crimes Counterfeiting Serial murder Embezzlement Deviant sex crimes Organized crime Psychological profiling White collar crime HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENT Any document completely written and signed by one person.  WRITING The result of a very complicated series of acts, being as a whole a combination of certain forms, which are the very visible result of mental and muscular habits, acquired by long, continued, painstaking effort.  Handwriting A visible effect of bodily movements, which is an almost unconscious expression of certain ideas associated with script form.  Falsification The act/ process of making the content/s of a document not the intended document.  Forgery The act of falsely making or materially altering, with intent to defraud, any writing which if genuine, might be of legal efficacy or the foundation of a legal liability. The act of erasing, substituting and altering by any means the figures, letters, words or signs contained therein. Handwriting Identification To find out who is the author of writing.  What is the Importance of Documents?  Various Kinds of Document Examination 1.Handwriting and Hand Printing The examination of handwritten or hand printed documents to determine authorship.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 2. Typewriter Examinations Determine if the typing on a questioned document was executed on a particular typewriter.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 3. Photocopier Examinations To determine if a questioned photocopy was altered in any manner. i.e. a "cut and paste" comprising several different photocopies.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 4. Indented Writing Examinations The form of physical impressions on paper caused by pressure exerted from an instrument used on a document above the one bearing the impressions.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 5. Charred Document Examinations Examination of a document that has been burned to a white or gray ash cannot usually be examined because of its unstable nature.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 6. Paper Examinations To identify similar types of paper by size, ruling, thickness, watermarks, composition, etc.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 7. Writing Media Examinations To determine the writing media employed to produce a document, and may be compared with known or suspected media to determine similarities or differences.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 8. Tampering, Alterations, Erasure and Obliteration Examinations These examinations can entail the examinations of mail for evidence of tampering, alterations of typewriting or handwriting on contracts, deeds, wills, etc., examinations concerning the “raising” of checks, the erasure of any detail on a check or contract, or an alteration of any description on a document.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 9. Rubber Stamp and Raised Seal Examinations To determine if they can be associated with a particular rubber stamp or embossing device.  Various Kinds of Document Examination 10. Check Protector Examinations To determine if the check writer impressions on a questioned document were executed on a particular check writer. ž  Related Areas of Questioned Document Examination  Questioned Document Examiners A document examiner analyzes any questioned document and is capable of more than just questions of authorship limited only by their access to laboratory equipment.  Paper & Ink Specialists These are public or private experts who date, type, source, and/or catalogue various types of paper, watermarks, ink, printing/copy/fax machines, computer cartridges, etc., using chemical methods.  Handwriting Analysts These are usually psychology experts who assess personality traits from handwriting samples, also called graphologists or graphoanalysts. Forensic stylistics refers to the same purpose but by looking at semantics, spelling, word choice, syntax, and phraseology. Graphology Examples  Historical Dating This work involves the verification of age and worth of a document or object, sometimes done by a document examiner, and can get as complicated as Carbon-14 dating.  Forgery Specialists These are public or private experts who analyze altered, obliterated, changed, or doctored documents and photos using infrared lighting, expensive spectrography equipment, or digital enhancement techniques.  Typewriting Analysts These are experts on the origin, make, and model used in typewritten material.  Historical Development of Documents Historical Development of Documents Pioneers in Questioned Documents Examination Albert Sherman Osborn Father of Scientific Examination of Questioned Document in United States according to the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners (ASQDE). B.J. Vreeland Haring and J. Howard Haring The father and son Haring of New York, they were the world famous handwriting experts. J. Newton Baker A consultative expert in disputed document, and in 1955 he authored the book, “Law of Disputed and forged documents”.  Hans Scheickert A Doctor of Law and Director of the Identification Bureau of the Police Department of Berlin until 1928. He was a Criminology Professor at the University of Berlin in 1920 and a well-known handwriting expert. Dr. Wilson R. Harrison The Director of the British Government’s Home Office Forensic Science Society of Questioned Document Examiners. He authored the book “Suspect Document Examiners their Scientific Examination,” first published in London in 1958. Questioned Documents Distinguished from Disputed Documents  Questioned Documents Distinguished from Disputed Documents A disputed therefore, always a questioned document, while a questioned document is not always a disputed document.  Questioned Documents Distinguished from Disputed Documents A disputed therefore, always a questioned document, while a questioned document is not always a disputed document. Questioned Document A document which is questioned because of its origin, its contents, or the circumstances regarding its production arouses suspicion as to its genuiness or it may adversely scrutinized simply because it displeases someone. Disputed Document There is an argument or controversy over the document Questioned Document A document which is questioned because of its origin, its contents, or the circumstances regarding its production arouses suspicion as to its genuiness or it may adversely scrutinized simply because it displeases someone. Disputed Document There is an argument or controversy over the document. Classes of Questioned Document Documents with questioned signatures. Documents containing alleged fraudulent alterations. Holograph documents questioned or disputed. Documents attacked in the question of their age or date. Documents attacked in the question of material used in their production. Classes of Questioned Document Documents investigated on the question of typewriting with a view of: Ascertaining their source Determining their date Determining whether or not they contain fraudulent alteration or substitute pages. Examination of Document - To determine? Origin Production Source Production Process Inscription Chastity Integrity Legitimacy  Difference Forgery Falsification Applies to Treasury or Bank Applies to Public, Commercial or Notes or similar instruments Private Documents WRITING MATERIALS (PAPER) The word “paper” is etymologically derived from “PAPYRUS”, Ancient Greek for the Cyperus papyrus plant. Papyrus is a thick, paper-like material produced from the pith of the cyperus papyrus plant which was used in ancient Egypt and other Mediterranean cultures for writing long before the making of paper in China.  TYPES OF PAPER WRITING PAPER PADS - common paper. CARBON PAPER - heavily coated with waxy layer which hold sufficient coloring matter to give clearly defined transferred impression in use. SAFETY PAPER - paper which have been treated in such a way as to minimize the chances of a successful forgery by erasure. BOND PAPERS - commonly used in typing and writing documents. STATIONERIES, COLORED AND PERFUMED - commonly used for special letter.  CLASSES OF DOCUMENT PUBLIC DOCUMENT - documents that are public in nature and that these documents are notarized by a notary public or any person authorized by law. PRIVATE DOCUMENT - documents executed by a private individual and that this document is concerned with the contention of a private individual. OFFICIAL DOCUMENT - documents in which authority of law or any office and/or agency of the government are its source. COMMERCIAL DOCUMENT - documents that are concerned to commercial affairs and are in accordance with the mercantile law. WHEN CAN A PRIVATE DOCUMENT MAY BECOME A PUBLIC DOCUMENT? A private document may become a public document when it partakes the nature of a public document. Ex. a holographic will executed by a private person and will be notarized by a notary public will turn into a public document.  Instruments and Equipment in Forensic Document Examination  1. Optical Aids Microscope is an optical instrument that consists of a combination of lenses that allows the user to view a magnified image of a small object Magnifying glass or hand lens the simplest microscope. Light from the object is bent or refracted as it passes through the curved lens and into the eye, where it forms a magnified virtual image Stereo or stereoscopic microscope instrument for blending into one image two pictures of an object from slightly different points of view so as to produce upon the eye the impression of relief and solidity and a three-dimensional viewing 2. Measuring Devices Typewriting test plate is used to detect any abnormal horizontal or vertical alignment of typewritten characters. Ten characters per inch (cpi) is called pica, and twelve cpi are known as elite. Protractor measures angles and is also called a handwriting slope instrument. Other test plates include the letter slant or handwriting comparison test plate and the type angle measurement. 3. Duplicating Devices Forensic document examiners need camera equipment for clear close-up photographs of original documents. These photographs are useful in studying documents in place of the original and in enabling a jury to see the characteristics of writing and the reasons for conclusions more clearly than by looking at the original documents.  4. Proper Lighting Transmitted light is light that is passed through a transparent or translucent medium. It is used in the examination of documents to determine the presence of erasures, matching of serration, and some other types of alteration. 5. Specialized Equipment ultraviolet light machine used to detect mechanical and chemical erasures, which certainly change the reflectivity and fluorescence of the affected area. The exposure of the document to ultraviolet light is useful when it consists of several pages, and substitution is suspected. This machine is also used in the examination of counterfeit bills. Genuine bills have distinct features like the serial number, security fibers, fluorescent printing, special paper, and other features that react and flourish when subjected to ultraviolet light. 5. Specialized Equipment Comparator a device for comparing a measurable property or thing with a reference or standard. A video spectral comparator consists of a camera, a video monitor, various light sources and filters for exciting radiation and reflected or fluorescent light, an image integrator and comparator, and a video recorder. It uses a variety of lighting conditions to differentiate inks and paper on a document placed in the cabinet 5. Specialized Equipment The Electrostatic Detection Apparatus or ESDA used to detect indented impressions left from writing on an overlying page. When a document is placed on a vacuum plate that is covered with thin polymer film stretched over it, the film is positively charged by passing a high-voltage corona wire close to its surface. Glass beads containing negatively charged photocopy toner are cascaded over the film, making indented writing appear in gray to black tones. The resulting visual image can be photographed, and the film can be covered with a transparent sheet to preserve the findings 5. Specialized Equipment Microfiche used to detect indented impressions left from writing on an overlying page. When a document is placed on a vacuum plate that is covered with thin polymer film stretched over it, the film is positively charged by passing a high-voltage corona wire close to its surface. Glass beads containing negatively charged photocopy toner are cascaded over the film, making indented writing appear in gray to black tones. The resulting visual image can be photographed, and the film can be covered with a transparent sheet to preserve the findings  6. Portable Equipment Document examiners also need portable equipment such as a transportable microscope or the portable VSC-4CX because some documents cannot be released for examination and must be examined at their location. For example, they can be taken to courthouses to view wills or police stations to look at documents they do not want to release. A portable luggage carrier also enables a document examiner to carry all equipment easily 7. Protective Equipment Forensic document examiners also use protective equipment like cotton gloves to handle original documents in cases in which fingerprints may be an issue. A fireproof safe or file box is also useful to store and protect original documents from harm. Techniques Used in the Examination of Questioned Documents  Techniques Used in the Examination of Questioned Documents 1. Microscopic Examination – Stereoscopic examination in low and high power objects is used to detect retouching, patching, and unnatural pen lifts in the signature analysis. With proper angle and intensity of illumination, it aids in the decipherment of erasures and minute manipulation not perfectly pictured to the sequence of entries done by a different instrument. 2. Transmitted Light Examination – Documents are subjected to this type of examination to determine the presence of erasures, matching of serration, and some other types of alteration.  Techniques Used in the Examination of Questioned Documents 3. Oblique Light Examination – Documents are subjected to this type of examination for the decipherment of faded handwriting, determination of outlines in traced forgery, and embossed impression. 4. Photographic Examination – This type of examination is essential in every document examination. Actual observations are recorded in the photograph.  Techniques Used in the Examination of Questioned Documents 5. Ultraviolet Examination – This type is done in the darkroom after the lamp has been warmed up in order to allow maximum output from the ultraviolet light. Exposure to the ultraviolet light should be at the minimum duration in order to prevent the writing ink and the typewriter ribbon from fading. The exposure of a document to ultraviolet light is useful when it consists of several pages and substitution is being suspected. The color and intensity of the fluorescence reaction are very apparent in the case of a substituted page. Mechanical and chemical erasures will certainly change the reflectivity and fluorescence of the area affected.  Techniques Used in the Examination of Questioned Documents 6. Electrostatic Detection – The electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA)detects indented writings and records transparencies of any indentions. 7. Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) – This is used in the examination of masked or obliterated text, watermarks, visible fluorescence, paper fluorescence, and oblique illumination of indented writing and embossing. It detects variation if the infrared characteristics of inks and reveals alterations by eliminating interfering background luminescence. 8. Preparation of Court Exhibits – After the document examiner has completed his examination and the laboratory report has been submitted, he prepares the photographic exhibits for court demonstration and illustration. Physiological Basis of Handwriting  Physiological Basis of Handwriting The impulses to form a letter begin in the cortex. This center is akin to brain areas that control vision, hearing, talking, and walking, and it guides the muscles of the hand as they weave through the complex movement that makes the words.  This center near the area of the cortex is responsible for the finer movement involved in handwriting. The importance of this center is that when it becomes diseased, as in AGRAPHIA, one loses the ability to write although he could still grasp the instrument. Thus, the ability or power to hold a pen or pencil to form symbols and words can be aid to emanate from this cortical center. The hand contains two groups of muscles that function in the act of writing. EXTENSOR MUSCLE - pushes up the pen to form the upward strokes FLEXOR MUSCLE - ease the tension produced as a result of flexion by a group of muscles  These flexor and extensor muscles are combined with lumbrical muscles to form the lateral strokes. Generally speaking, four groups of muscles are employed in writing. Those who operate the joints of the fingers, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The delicate way in which the various muscles used in writing work together to produce written forms is known as "motor coordination." Principal Movements in Writing  Principal Movements in Writing 1.Finger Movement Most of the letters are formed by the action of the thumb, index, and middle fingers. This is the most inferior movements of writing.  Principal Movements in Writing 2. Hand Movement The action directly comes from the wrist with the combination of the fingers.  Principal Movements in Writing 3. Forearm Movement Writing is produced by the movement of both hand and arm and also fingers in some cases. The elbow is the pivot of lateral movement.  Principal Movements in Writing 4. Whole-Arm Movement This movement involves the action of the entire arm without rest and is employed in very large writing, in ornamental penmanship, and in blackboard writing. Development of Handwriting  Development of Handwriting 1st Step When a person first begins to learn the art of handwriting, penmanship copybook forms are blackboard illustrations of the different letters placed before him. His first step is one of imitation only, by a process of drawing-painstaking, laborious slow copying of the let  Development of Handwriting 2nd Step As the person progresses, the matter of form recedes, and the focus of attention is centered on the execution of various letters, that is, they are actually written instead of drawn.  Development of Handwriting 3rd Step The manual operation in the execution of letters, after more progress, is likewise soon relegated to the subjective mind, and the process of writing becomes more or less automatic. Attention is no longer given to the process of writing itself because the subject matter to be written now occupies the focus of attention.  Ideation process 01 02 03 04 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, consectetur adipiscing elit, consectetur adipiscing elit, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor sed do eiusmod tempor sed do eiusmod tempor sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore incididunt ut labore et dolore incididunt ut labore et dolore incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad magna aliqua. Ut enim ad magna aliqua. Ut enim ad magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. minim veniam. minim veniam. minim veniam. Creation process Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. 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