forensics quiz: handwriting and forgery

document analysis

the examination and comparison of questioned documents with known material

questioned documents

any signature, handwriting, typewriting, or other written mark whose source of authenticity is in dispute or uncertain

document expert

a specially trained person who scientifically analyzes handwriting and other features in a document

exemplar

a known material (diary of a suspect)

Line quality

Do the letters flow, or are they erratic and shaky?

Spacing

Are the letters equally spaced or crowded?

size consistency

Is the ratio of height to width consistent?

Continuous

Is the writing continuous or does the writer lift the pen?

Connecting letters

Are uppercase and lowercase letters connected and continuous?

Line habits

Is the text on the line, above the line, or below the line?

Biometric signature pads

recognizes the speed, pressure, and rhythm of your signature

The Forensic Information System for Handwriting (FISH)

a computerized handwriting database used and maintained by the Secret Service

Forgery

the process used by criminals to make, alter, or falsify a person’s signature or another aspect of a document with intent to deceive another

Fraudulence

When a material gain, such as money, accompanies a forgery (checks)

Literary forgery

refers to forgery of a piece of writing such as a historic letter or manuscript

How to tell literary forgery

analysis of ink used and analysis of paper

Counterfeiting

When false documents are copied for the purpose of deception

Examples of counterfeiting

Coins, food stamps, paper money, postage stamps