FOR 301 - Ch. 20: Questioned Documents

Eastern Kentucky University

erasure

involves removing material with an abrasive eraser material; easy to detect - always involves disturbance of paper coatings and fibers

exemplar

known, authentic writing examples - compared with unknowns in order to match handwriting with a person

nonrequested writing

type of exemplar: examples of a subjects writing that are taken in the normal course of business or personal transactions (ex. checks, bills, diary, etc.)

requested writing

type of exemplar: writing that should contain some words or phrases that are present in the questioned document, same type of writing instrument and paper should be used, also always written from dictation

formal signature

often used on an official document; made carefully, so no doubt about name

informal signature

used in routine correspondence where the writer wants the reader to recognize the signature

abbreviate signature

used in signing checks, credit card receipts; highly stylistic