Chapter 10: Forensics Vocabulary - Handwriting Analysis, Forgery, and Counterfeiting

Key Vocabulary Terms

Counterfeiting
- Definition: Typically refers to the forging of currency; includes the forging of other government-issued documents such as postage stamps, and the production of fake name-brand products for profit.
Currency
- Definition: A printed document issued by a bank that guarantees payment to the holder on demand. This is essential in transactions and serves as a medium of exchange.
Document Analysis
- Definition: The systematic examination of questioned documents against known materials utilizing various criteria, including:
Document Expert
- Definition: A professional who scientifically examines handwritten, typewritten, photocopied, and computer-generated documents. Their role is to assess authenticity based on specific methodologies and standards.
Exemplar
- Definition: A standard document that has a known origin and authorship. This document is used for comparison in handwriting analysis against documents of unknown authorship to confirm or dispute authenticity.
Forgery
- Definition: The act of making, altering, or falsifying personal documents or other objects, with the intention of deception. This involves a variety of techniques to create false documents that can mislead or trick others.
Fraudulence
- Definition: The deliberate act of deception carried out to secure unfair or illegal financial gain. This can include a wide range of practices, from forgery to misleading advertisements.
Questioned Document
- Definition: Any signature, handwriting, typewriting, or other written mark wherein the source or authenticity is in dispute or uncertain. Questioned documents are often the focus of forensic analysis in legal contexts.