Module Title: Historical Background of Questioned Document Examination

Course Title: Questioned Documents Examination

Course Number: FRC 314
Course Description: The course covers the scientific methods of identification and examination of
questionable documents ,handwriting examination, detection of forgery ,falsification and counterfeiting
of documents which stress the procedures of restoring and deciphering erasures and obliterations;
examination of documents by means of visible light, ultra-violet and ultra-red radiation and colored
powders; recognition and selection of standards; and examination of questionable typewriting,
computerized documents and other forms of modern printing.

Total Learning Time: Week 1-2

Pre-requisites: None

Overview:
This module presents the historical development of questioned document. It is necessary for future
document examiner to familiar themselves to the various trends and development in questioned
document examination.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the chapter the students must have;
1.1 Know the history of Document Examination and timeline
1.2 Recognize the different personalities in Questioned Documents Examination
1.3 Know the world’s cases on Disputed Document
1.4 Understand the importance of document
1.5 Know the general terms in questioned document
1.6 Understand the legal aspect of document
1.7 Enumerate different the classes of questioned documents

Indicative Content:
Module 1. Historical Background of Questioned Document Examination
• History of documents
• Personalities in questioned documents examination
• World’s cases on disputed document
• The importance of document
• General definition of terms
• Legal aspect of documents
• Classes of questioned documents

1
 MODULE 1
“The man who does not read books has no advantage over the one who cannot read them.” — Mark Twain

DISCUSSION

LESSON 1.1 HISTORY OF DOCUMENTS

From the very earliest time, man has put down marks on different materials to make forms
of writing were simple pictures on the walls of caves. Man soon found he could not express all of his
thoughts by means of pictures so systems of writing were developed. Early writings were on stones and
metal. Later skins of animals were used. Paper was first invented by the Chinese more than 2,000 years
ago but it was not common in other countries for a long time. With the making of paper, writing became
more common to many people. Criminalistics were quick to learn that it was profitable to make false
documents. Knowledge of the methods of making false document is therefore necessary to the police
investigator. The examination of questioned document falls into broad classes.

LESSON 1.2 PERSONALITIES IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

1. Albert Sherman Osborn- He was considered as a Father of Scientific Examination

of Questioned Document. The first American prominent in the field of forgery
detection, and author of the seminal “Questioned Documents” (1910, reprinted
many times), an exhaustive work indispensable even today. By his efforts, courts
began to accept the presentation of forged documents as scientific evidence. He
founded the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners on 2 September
1942.
2. Albert D. Osborn- He was born the third President of the American Society of
Questioned Document Examiners. Mr. Osborn served in the military during World
war I. in 1942, Mr.Osborn was one of the 15 men who founded the Society. He was
the son of the founding president of the ASQDE. Mr. Osborn was co-author of the
book Questioned Document Problem with his father. He was also the author of many
professional papers.
3. B.J. Vreeland Haring and J. Howard Haring- The father and son Haring of New
York were the word famous handwriting experts who testified on Charles A. Lindberg
Jr. Kidnapping case.
4. J. Newton Baker- a Consultative Expert in Disputed document and in 1955 he
authored the book, “Law of Disputed and Forged Documents”.
5. James V.P. Conway- was an Examiner of Questioned Documents of San Francisco,
California Postal Inspector in-charge, San Francisco Identification Laboratory U.S.
Postal Inspection Service and authored “Evidential Documents” which was
published in Springfield, Illinios, USA in 1959.
6. Hans Scheickert (1876-1944)- A Doctor of Law and Director of the identification
Bureau of the Police Department of Berlin until 1928. He was a Criminology
Professor at the University of Berlin in 1920 and a well-known handwriting expert.

7. Dr. Wilson R.Harrison was the Director of the British Government’s Office Home
Office Forensic Science Society of Questioned Document Examiners. He authored

2
 the book “Suspect Document Examiners their Scientific Examination”, first
published in London in 1958.
8. Ordway Hilton- was the sixth president of American Society of Questioned
Document Examiners. Mr. Hilton was the first questioned document examiner in the
new crime laboratory of the Chicago Police Department.Mr. Hilton became
associated with Elbridge Stein, the first secretary of the ASQDE, in his private
practice in New York City. He authored one of the best known text in the field,
“Scientific Examination of Questioned Documents”, in 1956 and a revised edition
of the text in 1982.He also authored Detecting and Deciphering Erased Pencil
Writing. Mr. Hilton was a Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Document
Examiners. From 1959 to 1960, Mr. Hilton served as the tenth president of AFFS.
Ordway Hilton passed away in 1998.
9. Roy A. Huber was the 24th President of the American Society of Questioned
Document Examiners. He wrote and presented more than 30 papers including such
titles as Typist Identification, Modern Trends in Counterfeiting, The Production and
Identification of Embossing Seals, and The Quandary of “Qualified” Opinions. In
1999, he published a book entitled “Handwriting Identification-Facts and
Fundamentals,” which has become an important text in the training of forensic
document examiners. He presented his first ASQDE paper titled, The Potentialities of
the Blink Microscope Principle in Typewriting Comparisons. In 2003 he received the
Albert S. Osborn Award of Excellence recognition of his distinguished career and
many contributions he made to both the ASQDE and the profession as a whole.
10. Charles Chabot- was an English graphologist who as part of the firm of Netherclift,
Chabot and Matheson, was an early practitioner of questioned document
examination. Chabot was born Battersea, the son of Charles, a lithographer, and Amy
nee Pearson, a couple of Hugenot descent. Beginning as a lithographer, he developed
as an expert in handwriting and became sought after expert witness in a variety of
famous trial including the Roupell case and the Tichborne Case. In 1871, Chabot
became involved in establishing the identify of Junius and concluded that he was Sir
Philip Francis.

LESSON 1.3 WORLD’S CASES ON DISPUTED DOCUMENT

Colin Evans cited the world’s cases on disputed document are as follows:

1. John Magnuson case: Date 1922; Location: Marshfield, Misconsin; Significance: From just
few scraps of bomb-damaged paper, investigator gleaned enough evidence to capture the Yule
Bomb Killer. In his final address, Magnuson’s attorney, Charles Briere, fulminated against the
“so called experts” who had examined the scraps of the bomb, sneering that “ half of them were
for their share of the gold bag of the state.” It was a complaint about expert witness that echoes
in courtrooms to the present today.
2. Arthur Perry case: Date: 1937; Location: New York City; Significance: So many factors were
combined in this case that it has come to be regarded as an American detection classic. It is
unnerving to consider the possible outcome of this case had Palm not happened to work late at
night. Without the twin interventions of fate and forensic science, it is entirely conceivable that
he may well have taken Perry’s place in the electric chair.
3. Hitler Diaries case: Date: 1981; Location: Hamburg, West Germany; Significance: History’s
greatest publishing fraud was first legitimized and then exposed by scientific analysis. In all,
through outright swindle, royalties, fees, lost advertising, and sundry other commitments, the

3
 Hitler Diaries were estimated to have cost Stern more than twenty million marks (sixteen
million dollars?. The cost in careers, reputations, and personal humiliation was incalculable.
4. Graham Backhouse case: Date: 1984; Location: Horton, England; Significance: This case
provides an example of the interdependence of forensic discipline that helps to solve so many
cases. Piece by piece, the magnitude of Backhouse’s fiendishness became apparent. In early
March, he had increased the insurance of Margaret’s life from fifty to a hundred thousand
pounds, waited a few weeks while spreading word of a non-existent hate campaign, then planted
the bomb that so nearly killed her. When that attempt failed, and to divert suspicion from
himself, he had lured Bedale-Taylor to his house with the intention of killing him. The
seriousness of his self-inflicted wounds almost fooled the authorities, but he had underestimated
the astonishing scope of modern forensic detection. On February 18, 1958, Backhouse learned
the price he would have to pay for that arrogance-two term of life imprisonment.

LESSON 1.4 THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTS

Documents record man’s life. Officially, his birth certificate signal’s mans’ existence on earth.
Corollary, thereto, his death certificate writes finish to his stay on earth. However, it is not uncommon
to note documents other than these two indicating man’s birth and death. Long before a child’s birth,
we may find an intimate note between Mr. and Mrs. De la Cruz planning to name the first born as a “
Junior or say “ Marikit”. The memo from Mrs. Cruz she had started conceiving her subsequent pre-
natal check up with the doctor; the hospital’s certification of the delivery of a boy or girl de la Cruz, all
of these proceeds the issuance of the birth certificate, yet are poignant examples of the finds or man’s
repose. The last will and testament, the obituary, the tombstone with the inscriptions epitaphs, all of
those are documents testifying to his death.
Man’s life does not center alone on his birth nor on his death. The intervening period opens for
us more documents, reams of them. Take the doctor’s notes on the mother’s postnatal visits with the
child, the first inoculation, subsequent ones with the reams of papers; notebooks, books report, cards.
Excuse slips, followed by an array of diplomas from kindergarten, primary, elementary, high school,
college and perhaps post graduate courses. While studying, the more serious love notes and not to far
behind the better proposing marriage and finally the inking of the marriage bond via the marriage
contract and certificate. This brings us back to where we started. The conception, pre-natal visits and
birth of a new generation.
Again, life is not all schooling nor marriage. Man must find work to feed his family. Thus, we
find filling up applications for employment. He accepted by a company, swears him in and he receives
his appointment papers. At the end of every week or every fifteenth and thirtieth of the month, man
signs the payrolls and pay checks. He goes up the ladder of success and the more papers and documents
he encounters. His membership in the Lions of the Jaycees or the Kiwanis of the Knight of Columbus
or the Freemasonry must be accomplished. He must sign this and that communication paper. As he
grows older, he comes across his retirement papers and receives his pension checks. At the shadows of
life finally set upon man, the final document testifying to his demises is the death certificate. These, in
a nutshell amplify the importance of documents in man’s life

4
General Definition of Terms

DOCUMENT
• Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, partially visible or invisible
that may presently or ultimately convey a meaning or message to someone, maybe in the form
of pencil, ink writing, typewriting, or printing on paper.
• The term “document” applies to writings; to words printed, lithographed, or photographed; to
maps or plans; to seals, plates, or even stones on which inscriptions are cut or engraved. In its
plural form, “documents” may mean; deeds, agreements, title, letters, receipts, and other
written instruments used to prove a fact.
➢ Latin word “documentum”, means “lesson, or example (in Medieval Latin
“instruction, or official paper”), OR
➢ French word “docere”, means to teach.
• According to Microsoft Encarta Reference Library (as a noun):
1. formal piece of writing
2. object containing information
3. computer file
• As a verb, Microsoft Encarta gives the following definition:
1. record information in or on media
2. support a claim with evidence

QUESTIONED
• Any material which some issue has been raised or which is under scrutiny.
QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
• One in which the facts appearing therein may not be true, and are contested either in whole or
part with respect to its authenticity, identity, or origin. It may be a deed, contract, will, election
ballots, marriage contract, check, visas, application form, check writer, certificates, etc.
DISPUTED DOCUMENT
• A term suggesting that there is an argument or controversy over the document, and strictly
speaking this is true meaning. In this text, as well as through prior usage, however, “disputed
document” and “questioned document” are used interchangeably to signify a document that is
under special scrutiny.
STANDARD a.k.a. STANDARD DOCUMENT
• Are condensed and compact set of authentic specimens which, if adequate and proper, should
contain a cross section of the material from a known source.
• "Standard" in questioned documents investigation, we mean those things whose origins are
known and can be proven and which can be legally used as examples to compare with other
matters in question. Usually a standard consist of the known handwriting of a
person such case, "standard" has the same meaning as is understood by the word
"specimen" of handwriting.
EXEMPLAR
• A term used by some document examiners and attorneys to characterize known material.
Standard is the older term. A sample of specimen considered authentic.

HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENT
• Any document completely written and signed by one person; also known as a holograph. In a
number of jurisdictions a holographic will can be probated without anyone having witnessed
its execution.

5
REFERENCE COLLECTION
• Material compiled and organized by the document examiner to assist him in answering special
questions. Reference collections of typewriting, check writing specimens, inks, pens, pencils,
and papers are frequently maintained.

LESSON 1.5 LEGAL ASPECT OF DOCUMENTS

A. LEGAL BASIS OF DOCUMENTS:

1. In the case of People vs. Moreno, CA, 338 O.G. 119: any written document by which a right
is established or an obligation is extinguished.
2. In the case of People vs. Nillosquin, CA, 48 O.G. 4453: every deed or instrument executed by
person by which some disposition or agreement is proved, evidenced or set forth.
3. In relation to Criminal Jurisprudence under the Best Evidence rule: any physical embodiment
of information or ideas; e.g. a letter, a contract, a receipt, a book of account, a blur print, or an
X-ray plate (Black’s Law Dictionary).

B. KINDS OF DOCUMENT:
1. PUBLIC DOCUMENT - notarized by a notary public or competent public official with
solemnities required by law.(Cacnio vs. Baens, 5 Phil. 742)
2. OFFICIAL DOCUMENT - issued by the government or its agents or its officers having the
authority to do so and the offices, which in accordance with their creation, they are authorized
to issue and be issued in the performance of their duties.
3. PRIVATE DOCUMENT -executed by a private person without the intervention of a
notary public or of any person legally authorized, by which documents, some disposition or
agreement is proved, evidenced or set forth (US vs Orera, 11 Phil. 596).
4. COMMERCIAL DOCUMENT - executed in accordance with the Code of Commerce or any
Mercantile Law, containing disposition of commercial rights or obligations.
5. ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT (E-Document)- exist only in electronic form such as data stored
on a computer, network, back-up, archive or other storage media. Examples of documents
subjects to e-discovery are emails, instant message, e-calendars, audio files, data on handheld
devices, animation, metadata, graphics, photographs, spreadsheets, websites, drawings and
other types of digital data. (Governed by R.A. 8792)

III. WRITINGS WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE DOCUMENTS - based on some Supreme Court
Rulings.
1. A draft of a Municipal payroll which is not yet approved by the proper authority (People vs.
Camacho, 44 Phil. 484).
2. Mere blank forms of official documents, the spaces of which are not filled up (People vs.
Santiago, CA, 48 O.G. 4558).
3. Pamphlets or books which do not evidence any disposition or agreement are not documents but
are mere merchandise (People vs. Agnis, 47 Phil. 945).

LESSON 1.6 CLASSES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

1. Documents with questioned signatures.
2. Questioned documents alleged to have been containing fraudulent alterations.
3. Questioned or disputed holographic wills.
a. HOLOGRAPHIC WILL - will entirely written in the handwriting of the testator
b. NOTARIAL WILL - signed by the testator acknowledge before a notary public with 3
witnesses.
4. Documents investigated on the question of typewriting.
a. with a view of ascertaining their source
b. with a view of ascertaining their date

6
 c. with a view of determining whether or not they contain fraudulent alterations or
substituted pages.
5. Questioned documents on issues of their age or date.
6. Questioned documents on issues of materials used in their production.
7. Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that they identify some persons
through handwriting.
a. anonymous and disputed letters, and
b. superscriptions, registrations and miscellaneous writings.

7
All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. Congratulations for getting this
far on your 1st & 2nd week module.

For that, Receive this LP (Learning Points)!

Weekly LP (Learning Points)

You Just earned 200 points!

Name:______________________________________________
Contact Number:_____________________________________
Name of Parent/ Guardian Signature:____________________
Contact Number:_____________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________

How to redeem your “Learning Points”?

1. Write your Full Name on the line provided.

2. Help your parents/guardian on household activities during weekend and;
3. Let one of your parents/guardians sign your weekly Learning Points.
4. Write the date of completion.
5. Don’t lose your Learning Points Rank. Collect it! You will need this at the end of the semester to
claim your FINAL GRADE.

End of Week 2 Learning Module. Your Learning Points Rank is:

Trainee 2

“Be honest, for God is the helper of honest people. Avoid telling lies since it will ruin your faith. Know that honest people
are on the verge of nobility and honor, while liars are on the verge of collapse and destruction.” Imam Ali RA

8
Module Title: Document and Questioned Document Examination
Course Title: Questioned Documents Examination
Course Number: FRC 314
Course Description: The course covers the scientific methods of identification and examination of
questionable documents ,handwriting examination, detection of forgery ,falsification and counterfeiting
of documents which stress the procedures of restoring and deciphering erasures and obliterations;
examination of documents by means of visible light, ultra-violet and ultra-red radiation and colored
powders; recognition and selection of standards; and examination of questionable typewriting,
computerized documents and other forms of modern printing.

Total Learning Time: Week 3-4

Pre-requisites: None

Overview:
This module presents various procedures in questioned document examination. Further, it
discusses the different division in questioned document examination and the basic requirements in
document examination as practice in our country.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the chapter the students must have;
2.1 Know the divisions of questioned document examination
2.2 Understand the basic requirement in questioned document examination
2.3 Know the scientific method in questioned document examination
2.4 Identify the different instruments and apparatus used in questioned document examinations
2.5 Know the techniques in the examinations of questioned documents
2.6 Know to handle documents and questioned documents
Indicative Content:
Module 2. Document and Questioned Document Examination

• Divisions of questioned document examination

• Basic requirement in questioned document examination
• Scientific method in questioned document examination
• Instruments and apparatus used in questioned document examinations
• Techniques in the examination of questioned documents
• Handling of documents and questioned documents

9
 MODULE 2
“The man who does not read books has no advantage over the one who cannot read them.” — Mark Twain

DISCUSSION

LESSON 2.1 DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

DEFINITION OF TERMS

ADDITION
• Any matter made a part of the document after its original preparation may be referred to as
addition.
CONCLUSION
• A scientific conclusion results from relating observed facts by logical, common-sense
reasoning in accordance with established rules or laws. The document examiner's conclusion,
in legal term is referred to as "opinion".
DOCUMENT EXAMINER
• One who studies scientifically the details and elements of documents in order to identify their
source or to discover other facts concerning them. Document examiners are often referred to
as handwriting identification experts, but today the work has outgrown this latter title and
involves other problems than merely the examination of handwriting.
ERASURE
• The removal of writings, typewriting or printing, from a document is an erasure. It may be
accomplished by either of two means. A chemical eradication in which the writing is removed
or bleached by chemical agents (e.g. liquid ink eradicator); and an abrasive erasure is where the
writing is effaced by rubbing with a rubber eraser or scratching out with a knife or other sharp
with implement.
EXAMINATION
• It is the act of making a close and critical study of any material and with questioned documents,
it is the process necessary to discover the facts about them. Various types are undertaken,
including microscopic, visual photographic, chemical, ultra violet and infra-red examination.
EXPERT WITNESS
• A legal term used to describe a witness who by reason of his special training or experience is
permitted to express an opinion regarding the issue, or a certain aspect of the issue, which is
involved in a court action. Hi purpose is to interpret technical information in his particular
specialty in order to assist the court in administering justice. The document examiner testifies
in court as an expert witness.
HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION EXPERT
• A common name for the document examiner.
IDENTIFICATION (Identity)
• as used in this text it is the state of being identical or absolutely the same as in similarity of
source or authorship of the questioned document and the standard document.
INSERTION OR INTERLINEATION
• The term "insertion" and "interlineations" include the addition of writing and other
material between lines or paragraphs or the addition of whole page to a document.

10
 NON-IDENTITIFICATION (Non-identity)
• as used in this text it means that the source or authorship of the compared questioned and
standard specimens is different.
OBLITERATION
• the blotting out or smearing over the writing to make the original invisible to as an addition.
OPINION
• In legal language, it refers to the document Examiner's conclusion. Actually in Court, he not
only expresses an opinion but demonstrates the reasons for arriving at his opinion. Throughout
this text, opinion and conclusion are used synonymously.
QUALIFICATION
• The professional experience, education, and ability of a document examiner. Before he is
permitted to testify as an expert witness, the court must rule that he is qualified in his field.

II. RATIONALE
Generally, examination of questioned documents is restricted to “Scientific Comparison”
which means that determination of authenticity, genuineness, falsification or forgery lies on the
availability of known standards for comparison. After thorough comparison, the following principle
of identification is applied:

“When two items contain a combination of corresponding or similar and specifically oriented
characteristic of such number and significance as to preclude the possibility of their occurrence by
mere coincidence and there are no unaccounted for differences, it may be concluded that they are
same in their characteristics attributed to the same cause.”

III. DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

A. Criminalistics Examination.
• This involves the detection of forgery, erasure, alteration or obliteration of documents. Dr.
Wilson Harrison, a noted British Examiner of questioned documents said that an
intelligent police investigator can detect almost 75% of all forgeries by careful inspection
of a document with simple magnifiers and measuring tools.
B. Handwriting Investigation/Analysis.
• This is more focused in determining the author of writing. It is more difficult procedure
and requires long study and experience.

IV. FORMS/ASPECTS (SUBJECTS) OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

A. Handwriting Examination (Graphology/Graphoanalysis)

1. examination of signatures and initials
2. examination of anonymous letters
3. hand printing examination
B. Examination of Typewritings and typeprints.
C. Examination of Inks
D. Examination of Erasures, alterations or obliterations, etc.
1. Detection of alteration
2. Decipherment of erased writings
3. Restoration of obliterated writings
E. Counterfeiting
1. Examination of currency bills and coins and the like.
2. Examination of fake documents

11
 F. Miscellaneous aspects
1. Determination of age of documents
2. Identification of stamps
3. Examinations of seal and other authenticating devices

Areas in Questioned Document Examination

1. Questioned Document Examiner- A document examiner analyzes any questioned documents
and is capable of more than just questions of authorship limited only by their access to
laboratory equipment.
2. Historical Dating- This involves the verification of age and worth of a document or object,
sometimes done by a document
3. Fraud Investigator- This work often overlaps with that of the document examiner and focuses
on the money trail and criminal intent.
4. Paper & Ink Specialist- This is a public or private experts who date, type, source, and/ or
catalogue various types of paper, watermarks, ink, printing/ copy/ fax machines, computer
cartridges, etc., using chemical methods.
5. Forgery Specialist- This is a public or private expert who analyzes altered, obliterated,
changed, or doctored documents and photos using infrared lighting, expensive spectrography
equipment, or digital enhancement techniques.
6. Handwriting Analyst- This is usually a psychology expert who assesses personality traits from
handwriting samples, also called graphologist or graphoanalyst; Forensic stylistics refers to the
same purpose but by looking at semantics, spelling, word choice, syntax and phraseology.
7. Typewriting Analyst- This is an expert on the origin, make, and model used in typewritten
material.
8. Computer Crime Investigator- This is an emerging group that relates to QDE through some
common investigative and testimonial procedures.

LESSON 2.2 BASIC REQUIREMENT IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

(PNP-CLO SOP)
A Request
1. Document examination shall be based on written request from any investigating agency
of the government, court order and/ or private requesting party, provided that the letter
has been approved by the director, PNPL.
2. Document previously examined by any competent agencies of the government shall not
be re-examined except there is court order.
3. If the case is undergoing trial court, disputed documents shall be examined only upon
order of the court having jurisdiction of the case.
B Standard Specimens
The specimens to be submitted will be dependent on the questioned documents under
investigation. First the original document is necessary and the standards to be collected or requested
should be sufficient; and observance of similarity of the subject matter is necessary.

12
THE LOGICAL PROGRESS OF INQUIRY IN DOCUMENT EXAMINATION.

A. FIRST - ASCERTAIN THE FACTS: to select "QUESTIONED", "DENIED" or "ADMITTED",

"AUTHENTIC", and "DOUBTFUL" documents.

1. Concerning the Document in Questioned.

a. Is only one signature in questioned?
b. Is any part of the document in question?
c. Is the date of the document in questioned?
d. Is the paper or the typewriter used in the document in questioned? Etc.

2. Regarding the Standards:

a. Make sure that there are sufficient numbers of authentic documents for comparison
submitted. If there are inadequate standards, obtain more.
b. Determine whether the standards are authentic ones, on which a foundation can be built for
admitting them in evidence.

B. SECOND - ANALYZE THE DETAILS: Synthesize the elements, date, circumstances,

conditions, technical problems and the like.
1. The examiner after ascertaining the facts, should have detailed information as to the
circumstances of the document in questioned, the condition of an alleged writer, or of any
condition that may have affected the writing or typewriting or any facts that are part of the
technical problem with the document that is submitted to the expert.
2. He should inquire about the circumstances and conditions as far as the client knows, such as;
was the document signed sitting on the wall, on the lap, or lying in bed? Sitting on bed, lying
on his back or side? For example, a document could have been signed in a moving automobile
or while having a drink at the bar.

C. THIRD - QUALIFY THE CASE:

1. How much time is needed for the examination?
2. Is it possible to complete the study from the original papers, or is it necessary to make special
photo-enlargements for proper examination?
3. If it is possible to make arrangements with the client for photo-enlargement, is it advisable to
do so?
4. Photo-enlargements are always useful for demonstrating the reasons on which the opinion is
based, especially in Court.

LESSON 2.3 SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

A. Analysis (Recognition)- properties or characteristics, observed or measured.
B. Comparison- Properties or characteristics of the unknown determined thought analysis are
now compared with the familiar or recorded properties of known items.
C. Evaluation- Similarities or dissimilarities in properties or characteristics will each have a
certain value for identification, determined by its likelihood of occurrence. The weight or
significance of each must therefore be considered.
D. Verification- It is the process of double checking the accuracy and correctness of the
examination usually conducted by other experts in the said field.

13
The criteria of scientific examination of documents
A. Accuracy- correspondence between results obtained and the truth.
B. Precision- measure of the consistency of the results obtained in repeated study or
experimentation.
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS
• It is the initial examination conducted on a document to determine whether it is genuine or not.
It is not a misnomer, for in reality it consists of painstaking analysis more than looking at a
document and expressing an off-hand opinion.

A. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF QUESTIONED

DOCUMENT:
1. ensures preparedness;
2. avoidance of delay; and
3. ensures success of the case.

B. Principal points for consideration in the PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION of questioned

documents. Please note that these questions may not be applicable in every case.
1. Is the signature genuine?
2. Is the signature in a natural position?
3. Are the signatures of the witnesses genuine and were they written in the order as they appear?
4. Does the signature touch the other writings? Or was it written last?
5. Are there remains of pencil or carbon marks which may have been an outline for the signature
of other writings?
6. Is the signature shown in an embossed form on the back of the sheet?
7. Is the writings written before the paper was folded?
8. Is the signature written before or after the paper was folded?
9. Is more than one kind of ink used in the preparation of the document?
10. Are the several sheets of the document exactly the same sizes, thickness and colors?
11. Is the paper torn, burned or mutilated in any way, and if so, for what purpose?
12. Is the paper unnecessary soiled or crumpled?
13. Does the document contain abrasion, chemical/pencil erasures, and alterations/substitutions of
any kind?
14. Does the document show abrasion, erasure or lack of continuity when viewed by transmitted
light?
15. Has the document been wet in any way and if so, for what purpose?
16. If typewritten, are the contents of the document all written on the same machine?
17. Was each sheet written continuously at one time without being removed from the typewriter?
18. Are there added figures, words, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or pages written on a different
typewriter?
19. Do the perforations agree with the stubs from which the alleged document came?
20. If the document is a carbon copy, does it conform in the size, position, and arrangement of
matters with original letterheads?
21. If the document is a letter, does postmark, postage stamps, manner of sealing and opening of
envelope have any significance?
22. Are there indentations in the paper from handwriting or typewriting on a sheet placed above
the paper examined?
23. Is the rubber-stamp impression if any appears made from a genuine stamp?
24. Is the attached seal of proper date or the seal impression made from a genuine seal and is it
made in proper sequence?

14
C. Who Conducts the Preliminary Examination? – It should be conducted by a QUESTIONED
DOCUMENT EXPERT.

D. Who is a Questioned Document Expert? A Questioned Document Expert is one who has:
1. Attained the appropriate education and training;
2. Sufficient knowledge on the technical, scientific, and legal aspects of document examinations;
and
3. A broad experience in handling questioned document cases.

E. REASONS FOR UTILIZING A QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXPERT:

1. Assurance of preparedness;
2. Trial fiscal or judges are infrequently confronted with document cases; consequently, they do
not possess the knowledge of the documents expert's ability of the various methods that exist
for determining forgeries.
3. Avoidance of an “OFF-HAND” opinion.

F. What is an “OFF-HAND OPINION”? Off-hand opinion is usually a conclusion that is not based
on thorough scientific examination.

G. THE DANGER OF OFF-HAND OPINIONS - It has happened in some cases that an off-hand
opinion, has sent an innocent man to prison, while a murderer was given a chance to escape.

LESSON 2.4 INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS USED IN QUESTIONED

DOCUMENT EXAMINATIONS

A. MAGNIFYING LENS- Bank personnel and other people involved in currency

examinations usually use and ordinary hand-lens; the maximum diameter of which is four
inches, and this appears big with its wide frame it has a magnifying power of two times the
original only. Magnifying lenses of five times or more magnifying power, with built-in-
lighting are more useful.
B. SHADOWGRAPH- a pictorial image formed by casting a shadow, usually of the hands,
upon a rightful surface or screen.
C. STEREOSCOPIC BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE- a tri-dimensional (3D) enlargement
is possible.
D. MEASURES AND TEST PLATES (TRANSPARENT GLASS)- those used for
signatures and typewriting.
E. TABLE LAMPS WITH ADJUSTABLE SHADES (Goose Neck Lamps) - used for
controlled illumination; needed in sidelight examination wherein light is placed at a low-
angle in a position oblique to plane or document.
F. TRANSMITTED LIGHT GADGET- a device where light comes from beneath or behind
glass on document is placed.
G. ULTRA VIOLET LAMP- this is usually used in the detection of counterfeited bills but
can actually be used to detect security features of qualified documents.
H. INFRARED VIEWER- primarily used to decipher writings in a charred document.
I. COMPARISON MICROSCOPE- similar to that of the bullet comparison microscope.
J VIDEO SPECTRAL COMPARATOR (VSC)- It used in the examination of the masked
or obliterated text, watermarks, visible fluorescence, paper fluorescence and oblique
illumination of indented writing and embossing. It is a comprehensive imaging device. It
enables forensic document examiners to analyse, compare and distinguish between different

15
inks and papers, reveal alterations on a document, identify obliterated entries, identify instances
of page substitution, and visualize hidden security printing features.
K ELECTROSTATIC DETECTION APPARATUS (ESDA)- The device that can detect
indention/ indented writings that can records transparencies of any indentations. It is a piece of
equipment commonly used in questioned document examination, to reveal indented
impressions on paper which may otherwise go unnoticed. It is a non-destructive technique (will
not damage the evidence in question) thus allowing further test to be carried out. It is a sensitive
technique, and has been known to detect the presence of fresh fingerprints. It used to detect
and to assist in the decipherment of indented impressions of handwriting on paper.

LESSON 2.5 TECHNIQUES IN THE EXAMINATION OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

A. MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
• Any examination or study which is made with the microscope in order to discover minute
physical details. Stereoscopic examination with low and high power objectives is used to detect
retouching, patching and unnatural pen-lift in signature analysis.
• With proper angle and intensity or illumination, it aids in the decipherment of erasures, some
minute manipulations not perfectly pictured to the unaided eye and the sequence of entries done
by different writing instruments.
B. TRANSMITTED LIGHT EXAMINATION
• In this examination, the document is viewed with the source of illumination behind it and the
light passing through the paper. Documents are subjected to this type of examination to
determine the presence of erasures, matching of serrations and some other types of alterations.
C. OBLIQUE LIGHT EXAMINATION
• An examination with the illumination so controlled that it grazes or strikes the surface of the
document from one side at a very low angle. Decipherment of faded handwriting,
determination of outlines in traced forgery, embossed impressions, etc. are subjected to this
type of examination.
D. PHOTOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
• This type of examination is very essential in every document examination. Actual observations
are recorded in the photographs.
E. ULTRA-VIOLET EXAMINATION
• Ultraviolet radiation is invisible and occurs in the wave lengths just below the visible blue-
violet end of the spectrum (rainbow). These visible rays react on some substances so that
visible light is reflected, a phenomenon known as FLOURESCENCE.
• This type of examination is done in a darkroom after the lamp has been warmed up in order to
give a maximum output of the ultra-violet light. Exposure to the ultra-violet light should be to
the minimum duration in order to avoid fading of some writing ink and typewriter ribbon.
F. INFRARED EXAMINATION
• This examination of documents employs invisible radiation beyond the red portion of the
visible spectrum (rainbow) which is usually recorded on a specially sensitized photographic
emulsion.

16
PHOTOGRAPHY AND QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

A. PURPOSES OF PHOTOGRAPHS IN QDE:

1. serve as record of the initial condition of a disputed document;
2. make clear what otherwise may be hidden or indistinct;
3. enlarge a writing in question so that every quality and characteristics of it can be clearly and
properly interpreted whether the facts so shown point to genuineness or to forgery;
4. enable any number of accurate reproductions of document, thus affording unlimited
opportunity for study, comparison and evaluation by any number of examiners, which would
not be possible by using the document alone;
5. allow cutting apart as may be desired and the various parts classified for comparisons;
6. can show delicate discolorations due to chemical erasures or other fraudulent changes, which
may otherwise be overlooked, or misinterpreted;
7. can show very clearly any erasures by abrasions made by ordinary rubber eraser and it can
record in permanent form with the paper placed obliquely to the plane of the lens and plate
and inclined at just right angle of reflection so as to show differences in the reflected light
from different portions of the paper surface; and
8. with transmitted light, photographs is useful in:
a. examination of watermarks
b. determining the identity, or the differences in paper by showing arrangement of the
fibers and the markings of the wire gauze and dandy roll
c. showing the continuity of strokes and
d. determining retouching or patching of a writing by showing clearly the presence of
added ink film and the uneven distribution of ink in interrupted strokes.

MISCELLANEOUS EXAMINATIONS:

A. ERASURES - One of the common inquiries in questioned document is whether or not an erasure
was actually made on a document. In cases like this, the following examinations are made:
1. Physical inspection: using ultraviolet light, observation with light striking the surface at a
sharp angle, and observation under the microscope maybe considered.
2. Fuming with iodine may cause an almost negligible stain, but in most instances not the
slightest semblance of a stain remains.

B. INDENTED WRITING - Indented writing is a term usually applied to the partially visible
depressions appearing on a sheet of paper underneath the one on which the visible writing
appears. These depressions or indentation are due to the application of pressure on the writing
instrument and would appear as a carbon copy if a sheet of carbon paper had been properly
inserted. Indentation may also appear on a blank sheet of paper if such is used as a backing sheet
while typing out a message on a typewriter.

Methods of examination are:

1. Physical methods maybe used by passing a strong beam of nearly parallel light almost
horizontally over the surface of the paper.
2. Fuming the document maybe of values in some cases.
3. Powders of various kinds maybe used without changing the document.

C. BURNED OR CHARRED PAPER - A piece of paper maybe subjected to the action of a limited
amount of heat, causing it to become scorched and retaining a certain amount of its identity or it
may be subjected to intense heat, reducing it to ashes and losing its identity. However, if the

17
 combustion is incomplete, a certain amount of success maybe realized provided the pieces are
large enough to form a coherent message.

The following methods maybe applied to decipher the original message contained thereon:

1. Photographic methods, using various types of filters and different angles of illumination may
determine the writing contained thereon without changing the appearance of the charred
fragments.
2. Chemical methods, such as spraying, painting, or bathing charred pieces with solutions of
different chemical reagents.
3. Photographic plates maybe utilized by allowing the charred paper to remain in contact with
the emulsion sides in total darkness from one to two weeks.

D. ADDING MACHINES - The construction of an adding machine differs greatly from the typewriter
but the methods and principles of identification are related. Manufacturers use different types of
numerals and from time to time change their design. The spacing between columns is also not
standardized for all machines. Those factors form the basis of determining the make of the
machine and for estimating the period in which it was built. Another kind of approach is the
ribbon impression, for the ribbon is made and operates very similarly to the typewriter.

LESSON 2.6 HANDLING OF DOCUMENTS AND QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

A. THE CARE OF DISPUTED DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE:

1. It is a basic requirement, that when a document becomes disputed and deposited in court
or with the attorney, in order to maintain its original condition, it should be kept
UNFOLDED AND IN A SEPARATE, PROPER SIZE ENVELOPE OR FOLDER. This
is true not only for the disputed documents, but for many other important documentary
evidence.
2. It is also advisable that right after the document becomes disputed, or questioned, it is
important to make not only the usual Photostat copy (Xerox), but also a proper photograph or
photo-enlargement, done if possible by the document expert or under the supervision of the
document expert.
3. When working in the preparation of case, it is often necessary for the lawyer or court to
handle repeatedly the disputed document. Should this be necessary, instead of handling and
working with the original document, the photograph should be used.
4. Every touching, folding, refolding or pointing to certain parts of a document, can change the
physical condition of the case. For example, touching with wet hands or fingers can create
smearing in the ink, pointing with a pencil can leave marks that create a suspicion of previous
pencil marks, or experiments as proof of attempted forgery.
5. Pointing a document with any other instruments, such as sharp stick, can cause slight damage
which although it cannot be seen by the naked eye, can show definite marks under the
microscope or on the enlarged photograph.
6. No test should be made to alter the conditions of the document; for example, the old-fashioned
ink test, which was used to determine the age of the ink-writing.
7. Should any test be necessary, insist that it should be done in the presence of a chemist, or in
court, or in front of both parties involved the case.

B. DO's and DON'T's in the CARE, HANDLING AND PRESERVATION OF DOCUMENTS

1. “DO’S”
a. Take disputed papers to Document Examiner's Laboratory at the First Opportunity.
b. If storage is necessary, keep in dry place away from excessive heat strong light.

18
 c. Maintain in consequential document, unfolded and in transparent plastic envelope or
evidence preserver.

2. “DONT’S”
a. Do not underscore, make careless markings, fold, erase, impress rubber stamps, sticker,
write on, or otherwise alter any handwriting.
b. Do not smear with fingerprints powder or chemicals.
c. Do not carry handwriting document carelessly in wallet, notebook or brief case on grounds
of interviews.
d. Do not handle disputed papers excessively or carry then in pocket for a long time.
e. Do not marked disputed documents (either by consciously writing instruments or dividers)
f. Do not mutilate or damage by repeated refolding, creasing, cutting, tearing or punching for
filing purposes.
g. Do not allow anyone except qualified specialist to make chemical or other tests; do no treat
or dust for latent finger prints before consulting a document examiner.

C. HANDLING CHARRED DOCUMENTS:

1. Those extremely fragile must be handled as little as possible and transporting them to the
laboratory requires extra-ordinary care. With forethought and caution they can be brought from
the distant fire scene to the laboratory.
2. They should be moved in the container in which they are found whenever possible. When
the fragments are not packed tightly, they should be padded with lightweight absorbent cotton.
If jarring cannot be entirely eliminated jarring the box must be kept to a minimum.
3. Thus every precaution must be taken in handling and transporting the charred residue in order
to prevent the large pieces from becoming unnecessarily and badly broken. The fragment must
be held firmly without crushing and prevent movement or shifting when finally packed in a
sturdy container.

References:

Camara, RT (2016) Questioned Document Examination: An Instructional material for criminology students with laboratory manual.
Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc. Quezon City, Philippines.

Gonzales, J.A.(2008) Forensic Questioned Documents, Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc. Quezon City, Philippines.

19
All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. Congratulations for getting this
far on your 3rd & 4th week module.

For that, Receive this LP (Learning Points)!

Weekly LP (Learning Points)

You Just earned 200 points!

Name:______________________________________________
Contact Number:_____________________________________
Name of Parent/ Guardian Signature:____________________
Contact Number:_____________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________

How to redeem your “Learning Points”?

1. Write your Full Name on the line provided.

2. Help your parents/guardian on household activities during weekend and;
3. Let one of your parents/guardians sign your weekly Learning Points.
4. Write the date of completion.
5. Don’t lose your Learning Points Rank. Collect it! You will need this at the end of the semester to
claim your FINAL GRADE.

End of Week 4 Learning Module. Your Learning Points Rank is:

Private First Class

“Be honest, for God is the helper of honest people. Avoid telling lies since it will ruin your faith. Know that honest people
are on the verge of nobility and honor, while liars are on the verge of collapse and destruction.” Imam Ali RA

20