SOUTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION OF
What is Forensic Document Examination?
The term "forensic" means simply, "having to do with the law." Document Examination, as an established field of scientific study, came into being early in this century as a means of identifying forgery and establishing the authenticity of documents in dispute. It grew out of the need of The Court to be able to correctly evaluate document evidence. It has been stated that "Forgery was practiced from the from the earliest times in every country where writing was the medium of communication" (The Law of Disputed and Forged Documents, J. Newton Baker). It was especially profitable in those earlier times of general public illiteracy. For the reason that most of an examiner's work involves some form of handwriting problem, the field is sometimes referred to as "Handwriting Identification" and the practitioner as a "Handwriting Expert". Albert S. Osborn , with the publication of his book Questioned Documents in 1910, is rightfully credited with laying the foundation of this field of forensic examination.
Definition of a Document
A document may be broadly defined as anything that bears marks, signs, or symbols which have meaning or conveys a message to someone.
Scope of Document Examination
Handwriting identification is based on the
principle that, while handwriting within a language tends to be alike to the degree that
we can meaningfully read it, there are individual features that distinguish one person's
writing from that of another. Just as no two people are exactly alike, the handwritings of
no two people are exactly alike in their combination of characteristics. There are, of
course, natural variations within the handwriting of each individual. These
variations must be closely and carefully studied by the examiner, so that he can
distinguish between what is a "variation" and what is a "difference".
Other disputed signatures include those which are genuine but which
were disguised, or written in some illegible manner, by the writer for the purpose of
later deniability; and signatures which, though genuine, the author either has no memory
of executing or is unwilling to accept as genuine.
With regard to typewriters, questions arise as to whether a series
of documents were prepared on the same typewriter; what make/model of typewriter was used;
or when was the typed document produced?
Identification of Indented Writing
Indented writing is an imprint which may be left on the underlying pages when the top sheet of paper is written upon. This impression of the writing is influenced by pen pressure and thickness of the paper. Indented writing is very useful as a form of connecting evidence, such as tying a robbery note to a writing pad recovered from a suspect. Classically, indented writing was identified and deciphered by means of low angle oblique light and photography. More recently, an instrument known as an Electrostatic Detection Apparatus, or ESDA, is now used to produce a visual image of the indented writing on transparency film. This procedure is non-destructive, and rather non-detectable.
Detection and Decipherment of Obliterations and Alterations:
These examinations are performed in order to detect whether a portion of a document has been altered, some portion rendered not readily visible, or some text added. If an obliteration/alteration is identified, then the method is determined and described, and if possible the text of the obliterated entry deciphered. Instruments such as a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) assist in this study. The VSC allows the examiner to examine the document through infrared illumination using an infrared sensitive CCD camera as a detector. The image is examined by viewing on a monitor, and digital image processing through a computer. This is very useful in ink differentiation.
Qualifications of a Forensic Document Examiner
A Forensic Document Examiner must have a sound basic education through the baccalaureate degree. The typical training period is two years of study and practical experience in an established questioned documents laboratory where the examiner trainee studies the basic literature, completes study projects, becomes familiar with the role of forensic sciences in general and questioned documents in particular as they relate to the legal system.
It should be understood that questioned documents is a valid and legitimate field of study as a discipline in forensic examinations and identification. It is not to be confused with "graphologists" or "grapho-analysts" who claim the ability to assess personality traits of a person from their handwriting. Whether the claim is valid or not, the association of these individuals with handwriting has caused some of them to claim sufficient expertise to determine whether or not a signature is genuine.