CRJU_Module_12_Questioned_Documents_Examinations

Document Examiner

A professional trained to analyze and compare questioned documents using techniques like microscopy and photography.

Questioned Document (QD)

Any object containing handwritten or typewritten markings whose source or authenticity is in doubt.

Graphology

The study of handwriting to determine a person's personality; it is not considered a science.

Exemplar

An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as a handwriting sample.

Forgery

To make an illegal copy of something in order to deceive.

Alteration

A change in the physical appearance or meaning of a document.

Natural Variations

Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting.

Infrared Photography

A technique used to reveal contents of documents that have been altered or charred by taking advantage of the differing absorption of infrared light.

Indentation

Impressions left on a sheet underneath one on which original writing was done.

Document Reconstruction

The process of recovering and identifying content from altered or damaged documents.

Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)

A device used to visualize indented writings by applying an electrostatic charge to a polymer film.

Thin-Layer Chromatography

A method suitable for analyzing the chemical composition of inks to determine similarities between known and questioned documents.

Digital Imaging Process

The conversion of scanned images into digital formats for editing and analysis.

Stereomicroscope

An optical microscope used for viewing the surface structure of a specimen in three dimensions.

Mechanical and Printing Characteristics

Unique features of printing devices, which may provide information on the authenticity of a document.

Non-Visible Light Photography

A method used to distinguish between two apparently identical inks by illuminating them with light not visible to the human eye.

Spectral Comparator

An instrument that uses various light sources and filters for comparing non-visible light characteristics of inks.