QD's
Define a Questioned Document (QD).
Any document where authenticity or origin is questioned.
What are the primary tasks of a document examiner?
Examine handwriting and typescript.
Why is every individual's handwriting unique?
No one has the same way to write - Physical, mechanical, and cognitive abilities are all different.
What machine-created documents do examiners analyze?
Typewriters, printers, photocopiers, fax machines.
What are alterations?
Changes made to deceive or mislead.
What is the primary goal of document examination?
Identify the source/origin of questioned documents
What specialized skills should a document examiner have?
Microscopy, photography, analytical chemistry (chromatography).
What handwriting styles are commonly taught in the U.S.?
Palmer method (1880), Zaner-Bloser method (1895).
How do impact and non-impact printers differ?
Impact printers hit the paper, non-impact doesnt
What is an erasure?
Removal of writing, typewriting, or printing
How should exemplars match the questioned document?
Same paper type, writing instrument; should have similar words/phrases.
How can ink be analyzed in document examination?
Microspectrophotometry and chromatography
What are examples of handwriting variations?
Angularity, slope, speed, pressure, letter/word spacing, margins, alignment, pen movement, writing skill, and finger dexterity.
What factors help identify a printer model?
Based on printer technology and toner used
What is an obliteration?
Smearing, crossing out, or blotting out to hide original writing.
List examples of documents that can be questioned.
Letters, checks, licenses, passports, contracts, wills, lottery tickets, writings on walls, windows, doors, or other objects.
How is handwriting comparison performed?
Compare multiple points between known and questioned documents; no strict set standard.
What writing habits can cause variation besides letter formation?
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, phraseology.
How can wear and tear on machines help in document examination?
Creates unique individual characteristics.
How can alterations be detected?
UV/IR Light or Microscope
What types of damaged documents can be reconstructed?
Charred or burned documents.
What is an exemplar in document examination?
Authentic handwriting sample used for comparison.
What challenges might occur during handwriting comparisons?
Few known samples, disguised handwriting, influence of substances on the writer.
How does photocopier debris affect documents?
Irregular shapes or patterns on copies.
How does digitizing a document help detect alterations?
Enhances or reveals obliterations digitally using image-editing software.