WEEK1-4 CONCEPT AND PRINCIPLE OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

Chapter 1: Concept and Principle of Questioned Document

History of Documents

  • Earliest writing: Marks on cave walls, evolving from pictures to systems of writing.

  • Early writing materials: Stones, metal, later animal skins.

  • Invention of paper: Papyrus in Egypt, paper-making in China over 2000 years ago, leading to increased document creation.

  • Criminalistics impacts: Increased need to detect false documents necessitating knowledge for investigators.

Historical Developments in Questioned Document Examination (QDE)

  • 1609: First treatise on systematic document examination by Francis Demelle.

  • 1622: Camillo Baldi's systematic observations on handwriting; first graphological essay.

  • 1810: First questioned document analysis in Germany using chemical tests on ink.

  • 1882: Gilbert Thompson used thumbprints to prevent forgery on wage chits.

  • 1894: Alfred Dreyfus convicted based on mistaken handwriting analysis by Bertillon.

  • 1910: Albert S. Osborne publishes influential text in QDE, establishing scientific views on document evidence.

Key Figures in QDE

  1. Albert S. Osborne: Father of QDE in North America.

  2. Dr. Hans Gross: Father of modern criminalistics.

  3. Dr. Paul Kirk: Father of criminalistics in the US.

  4. August Vollmer: Head of first comprehensive crime laboratory in the US.

  5. Alphonse Bertillon: Developed anthropometry for law enforcement.

Document Definitions

  • Origin: From Latin "documentum" (proof) and French "docere" (to teach).

  • Generally: Material containing marks/symbols that convey meaning (e.g., writing).

  • Legal Definitions:

    1. Any written document establishing rights or obligations.

    2. Deeds or instruments executed by persons.

    3. Document refers to any physical embodiment of ideas (e.g., letters, contracts).

Types of Documents

  • Public Document: Notarized and officially recognized (e.g., court documents).

  • Official Document: Issued by government authority.

  • Private Document: Created by individuals without notary involvement.

  • Commercial Document: Pertains to commercial rights/obligations.

  • Electronic Document: Exists digitally (e.g., emails, digital files).

Non-Documents (Based on Rulings)

  • Draft municipal payrolls (unapproved).

  • Blank forms of official documents.

  • Pamphlets lacking legal disposition.

Document Categories

  1. Questioned Document: Authenticity or identity disputed.

  2. Disputed Document: Controversial document, typically under scrutiny.

  3. Standard Document: Proven origin, used for comparisons.

  • Exemplars: Legally admissible samples for authenticity determination.

Questioned Document Examination

  • Focus: Analysis of disputed documents.

  • Goal: Verify genuineness and identify authors (if applicable).

Requirements for QDE Examiner

  • Court mandate: Necessary training and sufficient case experience.

Instruments and Apparatus Needed

  1. Stereoscopic Binocular Microscope

  2. Compound Microscope

  3. Shadowgraph

  4. Handwriting Protractor

  5. Ultra-violet Lamp

  6. Transmitted light equipment

  7. Photo enlarger

  8. Forensic comparator

  9. ESDA for indentations

  10. Video Spectral Comparator

  11. Thin Layer Chromatography

  12. Infrared Reflectance

  13. Magnifying lens

  14. Camera with macro lens

  15. Paper thickness gauge

Techniques in Examination

  1. Microscopic Examination

  2. Transmitted Light Examination

  3. Oblique Light Examination

  4. Photographic Examination

  5. Ultra-violet Examination

  6. Infrared Examination

Care, Preservation, and Handling of Documents

  • Do’s:

    • Store unfolded in protective envelopes.

    • Take disputed documents to examiners promptly.

  • Don’ts:

    • Avoid folding or marking documents.

    • Do not conduct tests without supervision.