QDE-PPT

Page 1: Questioned Document and Examination

• Overview of the topic related to questioned documents and the examination process.

Page 2: Chapter 1 Understanding of Questioned Document

• Introduction to the concept of questioned documents and their significance in forensic examination.

Page 3: What is Document?

• Definition: A document is any material that contains marks, signs, or symbols which convey a message.

• Visibility: Documents can be visible, partially visible, or invisible.

Page 4: A Document Becomes a Questioned Document

• Criteria: A document is questioned concerning its originality, authenticity, authorship, source, and genuineness.

• Scrutiny: Placed under scrutiny to determine disputable elements.

Page 5: What is a Questioned Document?

• Definition: A questioned document pertains to any document under scrutiny regarding authenticity, identity, and origin.

• Components: It can encompass whole documents or parts thereof.

Page 6: Terms to Remember

• Disputed Document: Indicates controversy involving disagreements over the document.

• Standard Document: A set of authentic specimens reflecting a known source.

Page 7: Additional Terms

• Exemplar: Known material referred to by document examiners.

• Holographic Document: A document entirely written and signed by one person without witnesses.

• Reference Collection: Organized materials compiled to assist document examiners.

Page 8: Characteristics of Questioned Documents

• Examples: Includes signatures, handwriting, typewriting, checks, licenses, contracts, etc., whose authenticity is dubious.

Page 9: The Term "Document"

• Variations: Includes deeds, agreements, letters, and other written instruments for proving facts.

• Etymology: "Documentum" (Latin) meaning lesson/example; "Docere" (French) meaning to teach.

Page 10: What is a Questioned Document Examination?

• Definition: A profession established around 1870, often related to forgery, counterfeiting, and white collar crimes.

Page 11: Examination Classes

• Categories: Two primary classes: 1. Criminalistic Examination 2. Handwriting Identification.

Page 12: Criminalistic Examination

• Purpose: Detects forgeries or alterations.

• Methodology: Utilizes various tools and is a scientific procedure.

Page 13: Handwriting Identification

• Objective: To determine handwriting authorship.

• Challenges: It’s complex; handwriting varies by individuals and conditions.

Page 14: Processes in Scientific Examination

• Three Major Processes: 1. Analysis 2. Comparison 3. Evaluation.

Page 15: Analysis Process

• First Step: Analyze known writing samples for distinctive characteristics (letters, word spacing, size, slant).

Page 16: Key Points in Traits

• Observations include: Up, Down, Straight, Slant, Closed, Large, Normal spacing, and unique characteristics of letters.

Page 17: Comparison Process

• Methodology: Compare unknown items' characteristics with known items to identify differences/similarities.

Page 18: Example Analysis

• Sample comparison of unknown vs known documents highlighting differences in strokes and letters.

Page 19: Evaluation Process

• Final Step: Assess similarities/dissimilarities between known and unknown samples, considering the totality of documents.

Page 20: Examination Cases

• Overview of identified documents and specific differences in handwriting among signatures highlighted.

Page 21: History of Documents

• Background: Early writings, developments from stones and metals to paper invented by the Chinese.

Page 22: Personalities in Document Examination

• Albert Sherman Osborn: Father of Scientific Document Examination, advocacy for acceptance of document examination in courts.

Page 23: Contributions of Albert D. Osborn

• Noted for co-authoring significant documents and serving as President of ASQDE.

Page 24: Kinds of Documents

• Public Documents: Notarized by an official.

• Official Documents: Issued by governmental authority.

Page 25: Additional Document Types

• Private Documents: Created without official validation.

• Commercial Documents: Related to business transactions.

Page 26: Electronic Documents

• Definition: Exist solely in digital form; includes archived data and backups.

Page 27: Types of Questioned Documents

• Various types categorized based on signature authenticity, material, date, and typewriting.

Page 28: Terms to Remember

• Definitions include terms related to documents like Addition, Conclusion, Erasure, and Examination.

Page 29: More Document Terminologies

• Further definitions discussing Insertion, Non-Identification, Obliteration, Opinion, and Qualification of Document Examiners.

Page 30: Aspects of Document Examination

• Areas of focus include handwriting, typewriting, inks, alterations, and document authenticity features.

Page 31: Handwriting Examination

• Categories include examining signatures, anonymous letters, and hand printing.

Page 32: Further Examination Aspects

• Examination of alterations, counterfeit currency, determining document age, and stamps.

Page 33: Relationship Between Fields

• Overview of interconnected professions such as document examiners, fraud investigators, and paper specialists.

Page 34: Document Examining Specialists

• Roles of various experts in examining documents and identifying their characteristics.

Page 35: Criteria for Scientific Examination

• Accuracy and Precision: Essential for consistent and truthful results.

Page 36: Importance of Preliminary Examination

• Highlights the three keys: Ensuring preparedness, avoiding delays, and ensuring case success.

Page 37: Lesson 2.1 - Instruments for Examination

• Introduction to tools such as Magnifying Lenses, Macro Lens Cameras, and Comparison Microscopes.

Page 38: Types of Examination Instruments

• Details how different equipment aids in document examination.

Page 39: Advanced Examination Tools

• Overview of tools like Digital Shadowgraph, Stereoscopic Microscopes, and Ultra Violet Lamps for detection.

Page 40: Indented Writing Detection

• Explanation: Devices like Electrostatic Detection Apparatus record indentations on documents.

Page 41: Lesson 3 - Handwriting Identification

• Introduction to principles guiding handwriting identification examination methods.

Page 42: Principles of Identification

• Lists the fundamental principles including uniqueness, physical conditions affecting writing, and handwriting habits.

Page 43: Handwriting Variants

• Describes various kinds of writing such as cursive, script, and block writing.

Page 44: Basis for Handwriting Identification

• Analyses writers' habits, environmental influences on muscular habits.

Page 45: Physiological Basis of Handwriting

• Discusses how muscle groups influence handwriting and the nervous control of writing movements.

Page 46: Distinctive Handwriting Characteristics

• Details various aspects of handwriting characteristics that identify writers.

Page 47: Handwriting Characteristics Overview

• Factors like pressure, speed, and specific features unique to an individual's writing.

Page 48: Writing Instrument Characteristics

• Overview of various instruments used in writing, their attributes, and impact on writing style.

Page 49: Historical Background of Writing Instruments

• Chronological evolution from reed pens to modern writing instruments.

Page 50: Development of Fountain Pens

• Key milestones in the development and popularization of fountain pens and ballpoint pens.

Page 51: Ink Composition and Characteristics

• Discusses various types of inks and their unique properties, suitable uses in writing.

Page 52: Typewriting Identification Fundamentals

• Definition and distinction of typewriters and their integral role in document examination.

Page 53: Typewriter Defects

• Classification of technical defects that can aid in identifying typewritten documents.

Page 54: Evolution of Typewriters

• Trace the technological advancements in typewriter designs and innovations throughout history.

Page 55: Typewriting Examination Principles

• Principles laid down by early examiners on identifying typewriting without ambiguity.

Page 56: Notable Examinations and Contributions

• Mention pioneering contributions by early document examiners impacting current practices.

Page 57: Thank You for Listening

• Concludes the discussion on questioned documents and examination.