1. Questioned Documents

2. Questioned Document Examination
Purpose: to ascertain
Source or
Authenticity
NOT personality = Graphology =
junk science
Although linguists can determine authenticity based on writing style, or regional differences based on grammar.

3. Importance Most crimes involve paper. E.g., Ransom notes in kidnapping
Forged signature on a check
Business Records in a drug operation
Receipt for get-away rental cars

4. Questioned Document Examination
Document Examples
Letters
Checks
Licenses
Contracts
Wills
Passports
Art work
Historical Documents

5. Questioned Document Examination
Investigations may include:
Verification of handwriting and signatures
Authentication of documents
Characterizing papers, pigments, and inks in writing instruments, typewriters, copy machines, etc.
Restoring erased and obliterated writing
Determining relative age of documents and inks

6. Questioned Document Examination
Investigative Tools may include:
Stereomicroscope
Templates
Protractors
Grids
UV and IR Light sources

7. Five Basic Methods Used to Forge Documents
Freehand (no attempt to disguise own handwriting)
Tracing
Copying (attempt to look like original)
Mechanical Lifting
Optical or Printing Reproduction

8. Handwriting has both class and individual characteristics
Class Characteristics
From practicing from copy books when learning to write.

9. Handwriting has both class and individual characteristics
Line quality: Lines are smooth, free flowing and rhythmic (vs jittery, shakey); have free flow into and out or letters.
Spacing of words and letters
Ratio of relative height, width, and size of letters
Pen lifts and separations
Connecting strokes
Beginning and ending strokes

10. Handwriting has both class and individual characteristics
Unusual letter formation
Shading or pen pressure
Slant
Baseline habits
Flourishes or embellishments
Placement of diacritics

11. Look for individual characteristics