MODULE 1 psychological profiling, and deviant sex crime.

Included also is
“Forensic Document Examination is the study of physical the examination of suicide cases.
evidence, and physical evidence cannot lie. Only failure to fit it Forensic Questioned Document Examination - The
or to hear its true testimony can deprive it of its value” Richard application of this science to law or court litigations in the
Huber administration of justice. It identifies the identity of a document
Document The term document came from the Latin word in question.
“documentum’, which means “lesson’, or example’ (in Medieval Exemplar - A term used by some document examiners and
Latin “instruction or official paper’) .it may have been derived attorneys to characterize known material. Standard is the older
also from the French word “docere” meaning “to teach”. term.
Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, Holographic Document - Material completely written and
partially visible that may present or ultimately convey a signed by one person; also known as holograph. In a number
meaning to someone, maybe in the form of pencil, ink writing. of jurisdictions, a holographic will can be probated without
Or type writing, printing on paper. anyone having witness its execution.
Legal Definition of Documen A Document is every deed or Reference Collection - Material compiled and organized by
instrument executed by person by which some disposition or the document examiner to assist him answering special
agreement is gproved, evidenced or set forth (People vs. questions. Reference collections of type writing, check writing
Nilosquin, CA, 48 O.G> 4453). specimens, inks, pens, and papers are frequently maintained.
The term document is said to apply to writings; to words Criminalistics Examination
printed, photographed; to seals, plates, or stones on which The division of the QDE is concerned with the detection of
inscriptions are cut or engraved; to photographs and pictures; forgeries, alterations and obliterations.
to maps and plans (Frial vs. Fadrigo, December 26, 1974). The Criminalistics Examination of questioned document is
In relation to Criminal Jurisprudence under the Best Evidence similar to the other kinds of laboratory work. Dr. Wilson
Rule, document is any physical embodiment of information or Harisson, the noted British Examiner of questioned Document,
ideas; says that an intelligent police investigator can detect almost
Writings Which Do Not Constitute Documents- based from the 75% of all forgeries by careful inspection of a document with
Supreme Court Rulings. simple magnifiers and measuring tools, the examination of
A draft of a Municipal Payroll which is not yet approved by the document in the criminalistics laboratory is also a scientific
proper authority (People vs. Camacho, 44 Phil. 484). Mere procedure which can be learned in a very short time.
blank forms of official documents, the spaces of which are not Hand Writing Identification
filled up. (People vs. Santiago, CA 48 O.G> Concerned with finding out the author of writing.
4558).Pamphlets or books which do not evidence any Handwriting Identification on the other hand is a more difficult
disposition or agreement are not document but are mere procedure and requires a long study and experience. Because
merchandise (people vs. Agnis 47 Phil. 94545 we recognize the handwriting of other person easily, we think
Questioned - Any material which some issues have been that it is simple matter to detect forgery in handwriting. This is
raised or which is under scrutiny not true. The handwriting experts have to learn differences of
Questioned Document/Disputed Document One in which form and structure by a sort of intuition, which is not easy to
the facts appearing therein may not be true, and are contested reduce to a science. For this reason, the police investigator or
either in whole or part with respect to its authenticity, identity, the laboratory criminalistics should confine his work to the
or origin. It may be a deed, contract, will, election ballots, detection of forgeries and erasures and leave the identification
marriage contract, check, visas, application form, check writer, of handwriting to a more qualified document expert.
certificates, etc. Phases/Process of Scientific Handwriting Examination
Document is questioned because its origins, its contents, or the Recognition of characteristics (analysis) – Here, properties
circumstance and story regarding its production arouse or characteristics are observed, measured and determined
suspicion as to its genuiness or it may adversely scrutinize Complete comparison of all characteristic (comparison) –
simply because it displeases someone. Further, it is said to be Properties or characteristics of the unknown items determined
questioned when it is disputed or attacked, either in whole or in thru analysis are compared with the familiar or recorded
part as to its date or age, as to its source or origin, as to the properties of known items.
material used in their production, and as to its relation in some Correct interpretation of characteristics(Evaluation) –
other documents. Similarities or dissimilarities in property or characteristics that
Questioned documents may be disputed or not. In other words, have certain value for identification are determined by their
not all questioned documents are disputed. likelihood or occurrence. The examination involves, therefore,
Standard Document Are condensed and compact set of the recognition, complete comparison, and correct
authentic specimens which, if adequate and proper, should interpretation or evaluation of the handwriting.
contain a cross section on a material form a known source. Kinds of Documents
They are used by a document examiner as the basis for his Public Document - Any instrument notarized by a public or
identification or non- identification of the questioned document, competent official with solemnities required by law. (Cacnio vs.
as for example the known handwriting which serves to Baens, 5 Phil. 742) Official Document - Any instrument issued
establish who wrote the disputed letter. “Standard” in by the Governmentor its agents or its officers having the
questioned documents investigation, means those things authority to do so and the offices, which in accordance with
whose origins are known and can be proven and which can be their creation, they are authorized to issue and be issued in the
legally used as examples to compare with other matters in performance of their duties.
question. Usually a standard consist of the known handwriting Private Document - Every deed or instrument executed by a
of the person such case, “standard” has the same meaning as private person without the intervention of a notary public or of
is understood by the word “specimen” of handwriting. any person or of any person legally authorized, by which the
Questioned Document Examination - Questioned Document documents some disposition or agreement is proved,
Examination has been a profession, at least since 1870, and is evidenced or set forth. (US vs. Orera, 11 Phil. 596)
frequently done in cases of forgery, counterfeiting, mail fraud, Commercial Document - Any instrument defined and
kidnapping, gambling, organized crime, white collar crimes, regulated by the Code of Commerce (People vs. Cobeng,
theft, robbery, arson, burglary, homicide, serial number, 1913) or any other commercial law.
Classes of questioned Documents The term “insertion” and “interlineation” include the addition of
Documents containing questioned signatures writing and other material between lines or paragraphs or the
Questioned documents alleged to have been containing addition of whole page to a document.
fraudulent alterations. Conclusion A scientific conclusion results from relating to
Questioned or disputed holographic will. observed facts by logical, common- sense reasoning in
Holographic Will- will entirely written in the handwriting of the accordance with established rules of laws. The document
testator examiner’s conclusion, in legal term is referred to as “opinion”.
Notarial Will-signed by the testator acknowledged before a Document Examiner/ Handwriting Identification Expert-
notary public in one who studies scientifically the details and elements of the
the presence of at least 3 witnesses. documents in order to identify their source or to discover other
Documents investigated on the question of typewriting. facts concerning them. Document examiners are often referred
Anonymous and disputed letters, to as handwriting identification experts, but today the works
Superscriptions, registrations and miscellaneous writings. has outgrown this latter title and involves other problems than
With a view of ascertaining their resources merely examination of handwriting.
With a view of ascertaining their dates Erasure vs Obliteration
With a view of determining whether or not they contain ERASURE
fraudulent alterations or substituted pages. The removal of writings, type writing or printing, from a
Questioned documents on issues of their age or date. document is an erasure. It may be accomplished by either of
Questioned documents on issues of materials used in their two means. A chemical agent (e.g. liquid ink eradicator); and
production. an abrasive erasure is where rubbing with a rubber eraser or
Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that scratching out with knife or other sharp with implement effaces
they identify some persons through handwriting. the writing.
OBLITERATION
MODULE 2 Refers to the blotting out or shearing over the writing to make
Kinds of Documents the original invisible as an addition.
Public Document - Any instrument notarized by a public or Examination - It is the act of making a close and critical study
competent official with solemnities required by law. (Cacnio vs. of any material, and with questioned documents, it is the
Baens, 5 Phil. 742) process necessary to discover the facts about them. Various
Official Document - Any instrument issued by the types are undertaken, including microscopic, visual
Governmentor its agents or its officers having the authority to photographic, chemical, ultra violet and infra-red examination.
do so and the offices, which in accordance with their creation, Expert Witness - A legal term used to describe a witness who
they are authorized to issue and be issued in the performance by reason of his special training or experience is permitted to
of their duties. express an opinion regarding the issue, or a certain aspect of
Private Document - Every deed or instrument executed by a the issue, which is involved in a court action. His purpose is to
private person without the intervention of a notary public or of interpret technical information in his particular special.
any person or of any person legally authorized, by which the Identification vs Non-identification
documents some disposition or agreement is proved, Used in this text it is the state of being identical or absolutely
evidenced or set forth. (US vs. Orera, 11 Phil. 596) the same in similarity of source or authorship of the questioned
Commercial Document - Any instrument defined and document and the standard document.
regulated by the Code of Commerce As used in this text it means that the sources or authorship of
(People vs. Cobeng, 1913) or any other commercial law. the compared questioned and standard specimens are
Classes of questioned Documents different.
Documents containing questioned signatures Opinion A belief stronger than impression and less strong than
Questioned documents alleged to have been containing positive knowledge. In legal language document Examiner’s
fraudulent alterations. conclusion. Throughout this text, opinion and conclusion are
Questioned or disputed holographic will. used synonymously.
Holographic Will- will entirely written in the handwriting of the Qualification - Refers to the professional experience,
testator education, and ability of a document examiner. Before he is
Notarial Will-signed by the testator acknowledged before a permitted to testify as an expert witness, the court must rule
notary public in the presence of at least 3 witnesses. that he is qualified.
Documents investigated on the question of typewriting. Rationale:
Anonymous and disputed letters, Superscriptions, registrations Generally, examination of questioned documents id ristricted to
and miscellaneous writings. Scientific Comparison” which means that determination of
With a view of ascertaining their resources authenticity, genuiness, falsifiacation or forgery lies on the
With a view of ascertaining their dates availibility of known standards for comparison. After thorough
With a view of determining whether or not they contain comparison, the following PRINCIPLE OF IDENTIFICATION is
fraudulent alterations or substituted pages. applied: “when two items contain a combination of
Questioned documents on issues of their age or date. corresponding or similar and specifically oriented
Questioned documents on issues of materials used in their characteristics of such number and significance as to the
production. preclude to the possibility of their occurrence by mere
Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that coincidence and there are no unaccounted differences, it may
they identify some persons through handwriting. be concluded that they are the same in their characteristics
DOCUMENT AND QUESTIONED DOCUMENT attributed to the same cause”.
EXAMINATION Questioned Document Timeline
Definition of terms: 1609 – The first treatise on systematic document examination
Addition/ Insertion/Interlineation was published by Francis Demelle of France.
A part of the document after its original preparation may be 1622 – The first person that carried out systematic
referred to as addition. observations on the manner of handwriting was Camillo Baldi.
He published the book entitled “treated how, by a letter
missive, one recognizes the writer’s nature and qualities”, Classes of ink
which is considered the first known graphological essay. Fountain pen ink- is a water-based ink intended for use with
1810 – The first recorded use of questioned document analysis fountain pens Consist of ordinary iron Gallotannate ink W/ a
occurred in Germany. A chemical test for a particular ink dye lower iron content in most but W/ Higher dyestuff content than
was applied to a document known as Konigin Hanschritt normal inks
1882 – Gilbert Thompson, railroad builder with the US Dyestuff Ink- Composed of aqueous solution of synthetic
Geological survey in New Mexixo, put his own thumbprint on dyestuff, to which a preservative and a flux are added. the
wage chits to safeguard himself from forgeries. quality of the ink is improved by the addition of substance such
1894 – Alfred Dreyfus of France was convicted of treason as glycerol, glucose or dextrin.
based on mistaken handwriting identification by Bertillion. Water Resistant Writing and Drawing Inks- This ink are
1910 – Albert S. Osborne and arguably the most influential special group of dyestuff ink. it consists of pigment paste and
document examiner, published Questioned Documents. solution of shellac made soluble in water by means of borax,
PAPER liquid ammonia or ammonium bicarbonate.
DEVELOPMENT OF PAPER MANUFACTURING Alkaline Writing Ink- This are quick drying ink, which possess
Is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, a ph of 9 to 11. they penetrate quickly through the size of the
drawing or for packaging? It is produced by pressing together paper allowing the ink to penetrate the paper.
moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or Ball point Pen ink- It was developed during World War 2
grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets. because the Army and Air Force needed a writing instrument
Sumerian is one of the earliest known forms of written which would not leak at high altitude and which supplied quick
expression. Emerging in Sumer around the 30th century BC, drying water-resistant writing.
with predecessors reaching into the late 4th millennium (the Stamp Pad Ink- They are made w/ acid substances such as
Uruk IV period), cuneiform writing began as a system of glycerol, acetone, glycol, benzyl alcohol
pictographs. In the three millennia the script spanned, the The hectograph- The hectograph or gelatin duplicator or
pictorial representations became simplified and more abstract jellygraph is a printing process which involves transfer of an
as the number of characters in use also grew gradually original, prepared with special inks, to a pan of gelatin or a
smaller, from about 1,000 unique characters in the Early gelatin pad pulled tight on a metal frame.
Bronze Age to about 400 unique characters in Late Bronze Typewriter ribbon- A typewriter ribbon is an expendable
Age (Hittite cuneiform). module serving the function of transferring pigment to paper in
Vellum Vellum is derived from the Latin word “vitulinum” various devices for impact printing. Such ribbons were part of
meaning "made from calf", leading to Old French standard designs for hand- or motor- driven typewriters,
“Vélin” ("calfskin"). It is mammal skin prepared for teleprinters, stenotype machines, computer-driven printers and
writing or printing on, to produce single pages, scrolls, or many mechanical calculators, before electronic alternatives
books. It is generally smooth and durable, although there are replaced most of them.
great variations depending on preparation, the quality of the Liquid-lead pencil Ink- sharpie company, has just reinvented
skin and the type of animal used. Modern "paper the genre. Instead of making an erasable pen, it has made a
vellum" (vegetable vellum) is used for a variety of non-erasable pencil.The Sharpie Liquid Pencil contains an “ink”
purposes, especially for plans, technical drawings, and made from liquid graphite and lays it down just like a pen.
blueprints. Once written, you have three days to think on the validity and
Parchment Parchment is a thin material made from hide; often weight of your words. During this period, you can erase it just
calfskin, sheepskin or goatskin, and often split. Its most like pencil-marks. After the three days is up, the pencil lines will
common use was as a material for writing on, for documents, turn to ink and remain inscribed forever.
notes, or the pages of a book, codex or manuscript. It is distinct Iron Gallotannin Ink- Iron gall ink (also known as iron gall nut
from leather in that parchment is limed but not tanned; ink or oak gall ink) is a purple-black or brown-black ink made
therefore, it is very reactive to changes in relative humidity and from iron salts and tannic acids from vegetable sources. It was
is not waterproof. Finer- quality parchment is called vellum. the standard writing and drawing ink in Europe, from about the
Papyrus Plant How Papyrus Paper were made? The tall 12th century to the 19th century, and remained in use well into
stems were cut down and carried off in bundles. Each stem the 20th century. Iron gall ink (also known as iron gall nut ink or
was stripped of it is rind and cut into short pieces which were oak gall ink) is a purple-black or brown-black ink made from
then cut lengthwise into narrow strips. The papyrus pith was iron salts and tannic acids from vegetable sources. It was the
kept soaked in water until the fibers become flexible and standard writing and drawing ink in Europe, from about the
translucent. Two layers of papyrus strips arranged at right 12th century to the 19th century, and remained in use well into
angles were put on a hard-flat object and beaten or pressed to the 20th century.
desorb the water until they fused together. The resulting sheets Pen A pen (Latin penna, feather) is a device used to apply ink
were left to dry in the direct sun for several days, then they to a surface, usually paper, for writing or drawing. Historically,
were polished and glued together to form scroll reed pens, quill pens, and dip pens were used, with a nib
Abaca Plant dipped in the ink. Ruling pens allow precise adjustment of line
Abaca (balbalat)Papers width, and still find a few specialized uses. Modern types also
Abaca Paper Process include ballpoint, rollerball, fountain, and felt or ceramic tip
Paper Hemp Process Purchase hemp from a reputable buyer pens.
(see Resources below). Hemp is illegal to grow in the United Reed Pen/ Swamp Reed It came from especially selected
States because it is from the same family as marijuana. water grasses found in Egypt. Armenia and along the shores of
However, it is not illegal to own hemp or hemp products. the Persian Gulf, were prepared by leaving them under dung
heaps for several months. It was the first writing tool that had
MODULE 3 the writing end slightly frayed like a brush. About 2,000 years
WRITING INSTRUMENT B.C, this reed pen was first used in NEAR EAST on papyrus
Ink- is a liquid or paste that contains pigments or dyes and is and later on parchment.
used to color a surface to produce an image, text, or design. a Quill pen A quill pen is a writing implement made from a
fluid viscous marking material used for writing or printing. Ink is moulted flight feather (preferably a primary wing-feather) of a
used for drawing or writing with a pen, brush, or quill. large bird.
Dip pen A dip pen or nib pen usually consists of a metal nib Extended Writing- Any writing by an individual other than his
with capillary channels like those of fountain pen nibs, mounted own signature or initial.
on a handle or holder, often made of wood. Other materials Graphoanalysis- The study of handwriting based on the two
can be used for the holder, including bone, metal and plastic, fundamental strokes, the curve and the straight strokes.
while some pens are made entirely of glass. Generally Graphology- The art of determining the character disposition
speaking, dip pens have no ink reservoir; therefore the user and amplitude of a person from the study of handwriting. It also
has to recharge the ink from an ink bowl or bottle in order to means the scientific study and analysis of handwriting,
continue drawing or writing. especially with reference to the forgeries and questioned
Fountain pen A fountain pen is a nib pen that, contains an documents.
internal reservoir of water-based liquid ink. The pen draws ink Graphometry- The analysis by comparison and measurement.
from the reservoir through a feed to the nib and deposits it on Reprographic Examination- This refers to examination of
paper via a combination of gravity and capillary action. Filling documents which includes
the reservoir with ink may be achieved manually, via an photocopies, facsimile, photographs and the like.
internal filling mechanism which creates suction (for example, Cacography- A bad writing
through a piston mechanism) to transfer ink directly through the Calligraphy- The art of beautiful writing
nib into the reservoir. Some pens employ removable reservoirs Hand Writing Style- A kind of Copybook system and not the
in the form of pre-filled ink cartridges. A fountain pen needs particular style of an individual.
little or no pressure to write. Majuscule- A capital letter
Ballpoint pen A ballpoint pen is a writing instrument, with an Miniscule- A small letter
internal ink reservoir and a sphere for a point. The internal
chamber is filled with a viscous ink that is dispensed at its tip MODULE 4
during use by the rolling action of a small sphere. The sphere, Early Forms of Writing/ Forerunners of Writing
usually from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter, may be made of Cuneiform The cuneiform script is one of the earliest known
brass, steel, tungsten carbide, or any durable, hard forms of written expression. Created by the Sumerians about
(nondeformable) material. 3000 BCE cuneiform writing began as a system of pictographs.
Fiber Tip Pens A marker pen, marking pen, felt-tip pen, flow or Over time, the pictorial representations became simplified and
marker, is a pen which has its own ink-source, and usually a tip more abstract. Cuneiforms were written on clay tablets, on
made of a porous, pressed fibres such as felt. A typical which symbols were drawn with a blunt reed for a stylus. The
permanent marker consists of a container (glass, aluminum or impression left by the stylus were wedge shaped, thus giving
plastic) and a core of an absorbent material such as felt. This rise to the name cuneiform (“wedge shaped”, from the Latin
filling serves as a carrier for the water-proof ink. The upper part Cuneus, meaning “wedge”).
of the marker contains the nib that was made in earlier time of Palaeography
a hard-felt material, and a cap to prevent the marker from Palaeogrpahy, (from the Greek palaios, “old” and graphein, “to
drying out. Until the early 1990s the most common solvents write”) is the study of ancient handwritings, and the practice of
that were used for the ink were toluene and xylene. These two deciphering and reading historical manuscripts. The first time
substances are both harmful and characterized by a very the term ‘palaeography” was used perhaps in1703 by Bernard
strong smell. Today, the ink is usually made on the basis of de Montfaucon, a Benedectine monk.
alcohols JEAN MABILLON- a French monk, originated Latin
Pencil A pencil is a writing implement or art medium usually palaeography in 1861, when he published De re Diplomatica, a
constructed of a narrow, solid pigment core inside a protective study of forms of official documents.
casing. The case prevents the core from breaking, and also Calligraphy The art of beautiful or elegant handwriting.
from marking the user’s hand during use. Calligraphy (from Greek Kallos”beauty’ + graphe “writing”) is
HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION AND EXAMINATION the art of writing. A contemporary definition of calligraphic
Terminologies Related to Handwriting Identification and practice is “the art of giving form to signs in impressive,
Examination harmonious and skillful manner”. The story of writing is one of
Handwriting aesthethic evolution framed within the technical skills
It is the result of a very complicated series of acts, being used transmission speed/s and materials limitations of a person,
as a whole, and combination of certainforms of visible mental time and place. A style of writing is described as a script, hand
and muscular habits acquired by long, continued painstaking or alphabet.
effort. Some defined handwriting as “visible speech”. Petroglyphs Petroglyphs are images created by removing part
According to HUBER, handwriting is an acquired skill and of rock surface by incising, pecking, carving, and abrading.
clearly one that is a complex perceptualmotor task, sometimes Outside North America, scholars often use terms such as
referred to as neuro-muscular task. That our hand contains 27 “carving”, “engraving”, or other descriptions of the technique to
bones controlled by more than 40 muscles. refer to suchimages. Petroglyphs are found world-wide, and
In Wignore’s principles of judicial proof, handwriting is defined are often (but not always) associated with prehistoric peoples.
as a visible effect of body movement which is almost The word comes from the Greek words petros meaning “stone”
unconscious expression of fixed muscular habits, reacting from and glyphein” meaning ‘to carve” (it was originally coined in
fixed mental impression of certain ideas associated with script French as petroglyphe).
form. The term petroglyph should not be confused with pictograph
Collation- Side by side comparison; the critical comparison (petrograms), which is an image drawn or pointed on a rock
thru side by side examination. face. Both types of image belong to the wider and more
Comparison- The act of setting two or more items side by side general category of rock art. Petroforms, or patterns and
to weight their identifying qualities; it refers not only a visual but shapes made by many large rocks and boulders over the
also the mental act in which the element of one item are ground, are also quite different. Inukshuks are also unique, and
related to the counterparts of the other. found only in the Arctic.
Disguised Writing- A writer may deliberately try to alter his Iconographs- Neolithic man began written communication as
usual writing habits of hiding his identity. The results regardless long as 20,000 years ago when he graphically represented
of their effectiveness are termed disguised writing. objects and ideals in drawings on cave walls known as
Iconographs. Later people made their pictures simpler and
simpler. The pictures gradually became signs called designed for writing down notes and letters by hand. In the
Pictographs. And each stood for a word or idea. This kind of Latin and Cyrillic languages, the letters in a word are
picture writing probably reached its highest point about 3000 connected, making a word one single complex stroke. In British
B.C. in Egypt. The Egyptians used a kind of picture writing English, the phrases ‘joined-up writing” is far more commonly
called Heiroglyphics. used, while the term “running writing” is sometimes used in
Egyptian Heiroglyphs It is a formal writing system used by Australia. Cursive is commonly known as simply “handwriting”
the ancient Egyptians that contained a combination of in Canada.
logographic and alphabetic elements. Egyptians used cursive Script- separated or printed writings, also printing.
hieroglyphs literature on papyrus and wood. The word Block- all capital letters, also called “block letter”
hieroglyph comes from the Greek adjective (hieroglyphika), a Print Writing- a cross between cursive and printing, with some
compound of (hieros ‘sacred’) and (glypho “to engrave”. The unconnected letters and some connected.
glyphs themselves were called (ta ieroglyphikagrammata, “the Physiological Basis of Handwriting
sacred engraved letters”). The impulse to form a letter begins in the brain’s writing center,
Ideogram/Ideograph- (Greek word idea “idea” + grafo “to the cortex. This center is a skin to brain areas that control
write”)is a graphic symbol that represents an idea, rather than vision, hearing and walking, and it guides the muscles as they
a group of letters arranged according to the phonemes of a weave through the complex movement that makes the words.
spoken language, as is done in alphabetic languages, or a Since writings begin in the mind, emotions and attitudes
strictly representational picture of a subject as may be done in influence how he writes just as they influence how we walk and
illustration or photography. talk. In writing, the pen or other writing instrument functions as
Graffiti (Singular graffito) an extension of the hand. The fingers transmit to the pen the
from Italian “graffito” meaning ‘a scratch” refers to handwriting directive impulses and the variation in muscular tension that,
or image on the walls or surfaces of a public area, such as according to the nature of the writer’s nervous organization,
buildings, parks, toilets, and trains, etc. The word was occur during the act or writing. Hence, as each writer has his
originally, used by archaeologists to describe drawings and own way of holding his pen, manipulating the pen, and exerting
inscriptions scratched on walls and other surfaces in ancient pressure, the same pen in different hands will produce entirely
Pompie and Rome. different strokes. The center near the motor area of the cortex
Scribes is responsible for the finger movement involve in handwriting.
in ancient times, few people knew how to write. Most of the The importance of this center is that when it becomes diseased
people who wanted to send letters dictated them to people as in agraphia, one loses the ability to write although could still
called Scribes, who made grasp a writing instrument. Thus, the ability or power to hold a
their living writing for the public. A Scribe or scrivener is a pen or pencil to form symbols and words can be said to
person who writes books or documents by hand as a emanate from this cortical center. The hand contains two
profession. The profession, previously found in an all literate groups of muscles which function in the act of writing. A group
cultures in some form, lost most of its importance and status of Extensor pushes up the pen to form the upward strokes and
with the advent of printing. The work could involve copying ease the tension produced as a result of flexion by a group of
books, including sacred texts, or secretarial and administrative muscle called Flexor Muscles which push the pen to form the
duties such as taking of dictation and cities. Later the downward strokes. This flexor and extensor muscles combine
profession developed into public servants, journalist, with lumbrical muscles to form lateral strokes. Generally
accountants and lawyers. Both manuscript and cursive writing speaking, four groups of muscles are employed in writing-
come from the Roman alphabet. In fact, we write a number of those which operate the joints of the fingers, wrist, elbow and
letters almost exactly as the Romans wrote them. shoulder. The delicate way in which various muscles used in
In printing Roman refers to straight up-and-down letters similar writing work together to produce written forms is known as
to those used in the manuscript writing. motor “coordination”.
Printers use term Italic, for letter that slant to the right, similar Basis of Handwriting Identification Environment, education
to those used in cursive writing. Printing in italic began in and occupation affect individuals so variously in the formation
Venice Italy, during the 1500’s. Several of cursive writing of these muscular habits that finally the act of writing becomes
developed at this time. an almost automatic succession of acts simulated by these
Development of Handwriting habits. Thus, a person’s style of writing in most details
The following are the different steps in the development of becomes as fixed as the habit and serves as continuous
person’s handwriting: inseparable mark of that one person. The manner in which
When a person first begins to learn the art of handwriting, writing is produced is shown by itself, that is, the appearance of
penmanship copybook form or blackboard illustration of the the writing strokes will indicate where attention was focused in
different letters is placed before him. His first step is one of the the writing process. Where the writing is more or less
imitations only or a process of drawing; painstaking, laborious automatic or unconscious, as attention was focused on the
and slow copying of the letter’s forms. The forms of each letter, subject matter and not on the writing process itself, the
at first, occupy the focus of his attention. As the person careless abandon in the writing process will be shown by free,
progresses, the matter of forms recede, and the focus of coordinated strokes. On the other hand, a forgery of simulated
attention is centered on the execution of various letters, that is, or copied class is produced by a method similar to that
they are actually writing instead of drawing. The manual employed by a person learning to write. The imitation of the
operation in the execution of letters, after more progress, is style of writing by another person becomes difficult because
likewise soon relegated to the subjective mind and the the other person cannot by mere ill power reproduce in himself
progress of writing by many repetitions, writing becomes an all the muscular combination from the habit of the first writer
unconscious coordinated movement that produces a record. Principles Involved in Handwriting Identification No two
Attention is no longer given to the process of writing itself writers write exactly alike Early workers in the field who
because the subject matter to be written now occupies the pioneered in the scientific identification of handwriting assumed
focus of attention. that “no two writers write exactly alike”. This assumption has
Kinds of Writings stood the test of time. When the numerous problems have
Cursive- means running; connected; writing in which one letter been submitted to document examiners throughout the years
is joined to the next Cursive is any style handwriting that is there has never been found an example of two identical
handwritings. The characteristic of a person is acquired Individuality in handwriting can only be determined through
through a long process by many repetitions. This constitutes a comparative examination with the standard written or prepared
habit in the handwriting process. The mental and physical under comparable conditions.
condition of a person as well as his emotional aspect affects Writing standards are necessary to establish the individual’s
the process of handwriting. Modifications and changes come normal writing habit and to show the degree of variation
into individuals’ handwriting during different periods of his life common to his writing... In fact, standards which do not comply
but in most instances, they are very gradual and may not be with these requirements, may in certain instances, lead to
discernible except by studying specimens written at widely erroneous conclusion especially in the elimination of a writer
separate dates. The long span of middle life as a rule is only a who actually prepared the specimen in question. The best
slight modification. standard includes writing that was prepared for a comparable
The physical writing condition and position of the person purpose and under similar writing conditions to the matter
including his writing instrument may affect the under investigation. The problem is one of selection and
handwriting characteristics but they do not confine all its control; thus, in writing, standards and all influencing factors
identifying elements. Deterioration in writing results less should be kept as much as those of the questioning material. It
accurate coordination of the highly complicated interrelated does not mean, however, that writing a very different purpose
factors which go into the writing process. Thus, one would not may not permit an accurate identification. If the two writings
expect only one or two identifying characteristics to be altered contain the same identifying elements, then certainly the
while the others will to continue to be reproduced exactly as identification is valid. It does not mean, however, that the best
before. Both illness and old age may be reflected in procedure is to seek writing prepared for a similar purpose, as
handwriting. Not every serious illness, however, causes a reference has shown that writing generally leads to the best
lessening in writing ability. Diseases such as heart ailments, identification and requires far less interpretation by the experts.
high blood pressure, and the like, normally, are not Similarity does not mean identity
accompanied by deterioration in handwriting, although a Many people resemble one another, some in greater detail,
layman may attempt to explain away a poorly forged signature and others in less. But even persons, who are said to be
by this type of illness. Writing during sickness in which the “doubles”, are not the same in appearance in every detail.
patient is confined to bed probably reflects more strongly the There are always differences. Some of those differences are
effects of adverse writing conditions that the illness itself. A gross and easily discernible; while others may be subtle and
transitory change may be injected into handwriting by discernible only upon close examination. Just as there are
temporary physical and mental conditions such as, fatigue, people who “look alike” but are not the “same” so are there
nervous tension and intoxication or severe illness, from which many handwritings which are similar to each other in
the writer ultimately recovers. In these cases, handwriting appearance, especially in common formation of letters, but no
reverts to its normal qualities after the causes of deterioration identical in individual writing characteristics, especially with
are removed. There are many illnesses which weaken the regard to subconscious unique writing characteristics and
writer and make him incapable of producing his normal distinctly individual writing habits. Unfortunately, too frequently
handwriting. In due course, the writer completely recovers and in courtrooms so-called non-expert “experts” testify as to
his handwriting again assumes its normal qualities and habit. similarities. The ability to evaluate and distinguish between
Likewise, the writing position may also affect the qualities of similarity and identity is a basic and imperative requirement for
handwriting. It is also given a consideration that no all every handwriting expert. Comparison based upon similarity
deterioration in handwriting is due to physical illness or old age. can be fatal to any conclusion. “Just as no two persons
Thus it produces changes in the handwriting characteristics ‘fingerprints are identical, so no two persons’ handwriting is
which are different in the usual writing process. However, these identical. Since forgery is imitation, the forger sets out to
changes are purely temporary and do not affect all the imitate handwriting or a signature with all the skill he
identifying elements of the person’s handwriting. Most of the possesses. He will do this either by practicing the signature, or
identifying elements of the characteristics will continue to be by tracing, or by carefully coping it. His aim is a perfect
produced. There are some people that in any situation and likeness of the signature or writing.
condition will continue to produce handwriting not affected by Complete identity means definite forgery.
any condition. If a signature is geometrically identical with another, it points
A writer cannot exceed his maximum writing ability or skill almost inevitably to a tracing; for neither the forger nor the
without serious effort and training applied over a period of owner of the signature himself can produce such a perfect
time. The preceding principle says that no writer can copy. No person writes his signature precisely the same twice
spontaneously exceed his best handwriting. Disguise for the in succession. The precise imitation, like a rubber stamp of a
most part is completely unpracticed and even if it has been signature, is quickly detected as forgery. If a signature, for
practiced, it will never develop to the point that the person’s example, looks, on first impression, different from other
writing ability and habit are bound to bring about a less fluent authentic signature, that fact alone may indicate genuineness.
and less skillful mode of writing. Disguise is seldom rehearsed. A forger cannot afford to present an obviously different
It is an unnatural form of writing. In its execution, the writer signature. Only the owner of the name can safely permit
must concentrate his attention on eliminating personal himself that leeway.
identifying details and at the same time devise and execute a A writing was written by one person when there is a
new style of writing. This task cannot be accomplished on the sufficient number of identical writing habits and identical
spur of the moment. The end result is that the page of disguise primary controlling characteristics and addition, the
contains inconsistencies and irregularities. absence of divergent characteristics. A writing was not
The combination of handwriting characteristics including written by one person when there is a sufficient number of
those derived from form and writing movements are divergent writing characteristics and the absence of
essential elements of identification. The elements of identical primary controlling characteristics.
movements such as skill, rhythm, writing pressure, emphasis Illnesses That May Affect Handwriting of an Individual
and shading, location and quality of starts and stops, pen lifts Agraphia or Dysgraphia – a deficiency in the ability to write,
and the like, are reflected in the finished specimen. The regardless of the ability to read, not due to intellectual
combination of these and other elements describes the impairment. People with dysgraphia often can write on some
fundamental writing movement.
level, but often lack coordination, and may find other fine motor National Characteristics- this refers to the extent that writing
tasks such as tying shoes difficult. system within a country share common features and induce
Aphasia (from Greek, aphatos: ‘speechless’- also known as class characteristics in the writing of its people, different from
aphemia, is a loss of the ability to produce and/or comprehend other countries.
language. Example of Common Characteristics or Qualities
Dyslexia- (from Greek dys: impaired, and lexis: word)- Ordinary copy book form
considered to be a learning disability. It manifests primarily as Usual systematic slant
a difficulty with written language, particularly with reading and Ordinary scale of proportion
spelling Conventional spacing
Paragraphia- the inability to write the correct words, but ability Individual or Personal Characteristics
to copy text is retained. Writing of unintended words or letters They are those introduced into the handwriting, consciously or
A condition in which words or letters other than those intended unconsciously by the writer. They are highly personal or
are written. peculiar and are unlikely to occur in other instances They are
Alzheimer’s Disease- is due to the old age a person who is characteristics which are the result of the writer’s muscular
above 60 years of age, due to the senility he reverts to control, coordination, age, health, nervous, temperament,
childhood and loses memory and ability to read and write. frequency, personality and character.
James Parkinson’s Disease- belongs to agroup of conditions Examples of Individual Characteristics
called movement disorders. It is characterized by muscles Hook to the right and hook to the left
rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement (akinesia) Shape, position, size and angle or “I” dots and “t” crossing
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)- or LOU GEHRIG Idiosyncrasies
DISEASE, which includes weakening of muscles. Bulbs and distinctive initials and final pen pressure
Arthritis- From Greek arthro ‘joint’, and it is : ‘inflammation’)- a Embellishment, added strokes, and free movement
group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body. Abbreviation of letters
Cerebral palsy- an abnormal alteration of movement or motor Simple and compound curves and graceful ending
function arising from defect, injury or disease of the nerve Labored movement producing ragged lines
tissue in the cranial cavity. Terminal shading and forceful ending
Hypnosis- a trance- like condition or an induced state that WRITINGS CHARACTERISTICS
resembles sleep in which the subject experiences diminished Alignment
will power and very responsive to the suggestion of the The relation of the parts of the whole line of writing or line of
hypnotizer. individual letters in words or signature to the baseline. It is the
Does it affect handwriting? - In this state the person is more alignment. The relative alignment of letters.
relaxed, thus, interest in the task is lost. In general, a signature is written in a more style and often
associated with greater degree of misalignment of the letters.
2.Angular Forms- Sharp, straight strokes that are made by
MODULE 5 stopping the pen and changing direction before continuing.
Early Forms 3.Arcade Form- Forms that look like arches rounded on the
Copybook Form (School Model) - The standard of top and open at the button
handwriting instruction taught in particular school. Classes of 4.Connecting Strokes this refers to the strokes of links that
copybook depend on the standard copy adopted by a writer. connects a letter with the following. In signatures, it is common
Early Forms of Copybook Style practice among practice among many writers to write their
Spencerian Script signatures with the initials and connected without lifting the
Palmer Copybook pen.
D’Nealian Copybook In writing, many writers habitually drop the connection before
British Copybook certain letters (particularly small letters within words). When
French Copybook such dropping of connections occurs occur habitually, it would
German Copybook be difficult for a writer to break such writing habit. This
Groups of Characteristics peculiarity in disconnections may occur in connection with any
Handwriting characteristics come in two categories- general, or letter and when this shows consistency in certain writing, it
class characteristics, and individual characteristics. Depending assumes an importance of high significance in writing
on the cultural setting (time and place) when writing is learned, identification.
entire group of individuals may be taught or trained to write in Letter of connections- Determine the essential expression of
the same way. When this individuals are first learning to write, the writing pattern. It is a mean indicator of the neuromuscular
there are differences in their ability to do the task, and the function. Words are formed by the connection of letters to one
results are not all the same, but the true individualizing another. Even letters are formed by the joining of the upward
differences becomes more of an individual product- through and downward strokes.
conscious changes to fit a metal picture of how we want our A. Arcade
writing to appear, or unconsciously. B. Garland
General/Common/Class Characteristics c. Angular connective form
These characteristics refer to those habits are part of basic d. The threadlike connective form
writing system or which are modification of the system of
writing found among so large of writers that have only slight 5.Down Strokes- the movement of the pen toward the writer.
identification value. 6.Form- The writer’s chosen writing style. This refers to the
They are those which conform to the general style acquired shape or design of the individual letters.
when one is learning to write and which is fashionable at a 7.Garland Forms- A cup-like connected form that is open at
particular time and place. It is the style taught to the child in the top and rounded on the bottom
school or by the parents. Not all characteristics encountered in 8.Gestalt A German that means “complete” or “whole”. A good
document examination are peculiar to a single person, but gestalt needs nothing added or taken away to make it “look
rather common to a group. right”. Also a School of handwriting analysis that looks at
handwriting as a whole picture.
9.Hand Lettering- Any disconnected style of writing in which 23. Pen position- Relationship between the pen point and the
each letter is written separately; also called hand printing. paper. The orientation of the writing instrument.
10.Hiatus/Pen jump a gap occurring between continuous 24. Pen Pressure- It is the average force in which the pen
strokes without lifting the pen. A gap between strokes due to makes contact with the paper or the usual force involved in
speed in writing and defective writing instruments. Most people writing. Pen pressure is one of the most personal but
have no fixed writing habit regarding the inclusion of hiatus. It somewhat hidden characteristics in writing. Pen pressure more
is common to find a slowly written specimen written shortly accurately describes the proportion of strokes to each other in
afterwards is practically devoid of hiatus. Therefore, hiatuses width as affected by shading and by shading by unconscious
are included or omitted in the handwriting according to the emphasis.
whim of the writer. 25. Print Script- A creative combination of printing and cursive
11. Left Hand Writing also known as the wrong hand writing writing.
Sinistral. Any writing executed with the opposite hand that 26. Proposition- individual characteristics in relative proportion
normally used; a.k.a. as “with the awkward hand’. It is one of letters or proportion of a part of a letter or relative height of
means disguise. one letter to another letter can be found in different writings.
Thus, the writing of a right-handed person, which has been 27. Ratio- For purposes of comparison, letters of the alphabets
executed with his left hand, accounts for the common is divided into two groups namely:
terminology for this class of disguise as “left-hand writing. a. Letters written entirely between the lines are referred to as
12.Letter Space- the amount of space left between letters short
13.Line Direction- movement of the baseline. May slant up, b. Letters with upper or lower loops or other projected portions
down, or straight across the page. will be chased as tall. The relation between the tall and short
14.Line Quality The overall character of the ink lines from the letters is referred to as the ratio of the writing. In the ordinary
beginning to the ending strokes. There are two classes: copybook form, the length of the upper and lower loops of the
a. Good line Quality tall letters is twice the length of the short letters.
b. Poor line Quality Quality/ Line Quality
The visible records in the written stroke of the basic refer to the visible record in the written stroke of the basic
movements and manner of holding the writing instrument are movement and manner of holding the writing instrument. This
characterized by the term “Line Quality’. It is derived from a quality of the visible record is derived from a combination of
combination of factors including writing skill, speed rhythm, factors including writing skills, speed, rhythm, shading, pen
freedom of movements, shading and pen position. pressure, pen position and freedom of movement. It is the
15.Manuscript Writing- A disconnected form of script or semi- overall character of the written strokes from initial to the
script writing. This type of writing is taught in young children in terminal.
elementary schools as the first step in learning to write. A signature will either have good or poor line quality depending
16.Margins- the amount of space left around the writing on all upon the reflex movement of the hand and arm of the writer.
four sides. Good line quality is produced when the writer concentrate his
17.Movement- it is an important element in handwriting. It attention on what he is writing rather than on how the pen point
embraces all the factors which are related to the motion of the is being moved. When a writer concentrate his attention on the
writing instrument skill, speed freedom, hesitation, rhythm, movement of his pen point, reflex movement is retarded lines
emphasis, tremors and the like. The manner in which the are irregular and there will be no smoothness.
writing instrument is move that is by finger, hand, forearm or 29. Rhythm- The elements of writing movement that are
whole arm. marked by regular or periodic recurrences. It may be classed
18. Natural writing- Any specimen of writing executed as smooth, intermittent, or jerky in its quality; the flourishing
normally without any attempt to control or alter its identifying succession of motion which are recorded in a written record.
habits and its usual quality or execution a. Lack of Rhythm- Characterized by a succession of awkward,
19. Natural Variation- These are normal or usual deviations independent poorly directed and disconnected motions.
found between repeated specimens of any individual b. Importance of Rhythm- by studying the rhythm of the
handwriting. succession of strokes, one can determine if the writer normally
20. Pen Emphasis- It is the periodic increase in pressure of and spontaneously or write with hesitation as if he is attempting
intermittently forcing the pen against the paper surface. When to form another signature.
the pen-point has flexibility, this emphasis produces shading, 30. Shadings Is the widening of the ink strokes due to the
but with more rigid writing points heavy point emphasis can added pressure on a flexible pen point or the use of a stub pen.
occur in writing without any evidence of shading; the act It is the widening of the ink strokes with increase pressure on
intermittently forcing the pen against the paper with increase the paper surface. It is the widening of the ink strokes with
pressure. increase pressure on the paper surface. It is due to the spitting
21. Pen Hold- The place where the writer grasps the barrel of of the pen-nib resulting in the widening of the ink lines as
the pen and the angle at which he holds controlled by the variation in pressure of fine and delicate lines
22. Pen lift it is an interruption in a stroke caused by removing is more specifically referred to as “unconscious emphasis”.
the pen from the paper. Pen lift or disconnections between A forger, who is unfamiliar with the manner and manipulation of
letters and letter combinations are maybe due to lack of the pen by another person, will have difficulty in imitating his
movement of control. In cases of those who write clumsily or handwriting as to the exact location of the shading, most often
with difficulty, the pen is raised frequently to a new adjustment resort to retouching of inclines. With the adoption of ballpoint
to make a fresh start. Words may be broken after almost any pen wherein the width of the incline is not affected the shading
letter regardless of where it is in the world. by change in pressure, shading in handwriting is becoming
Generally, pen lift has a little significant value because their rare.
frequency and location is largely governed by several 31. Significant Writing Habit- Any characteristic of
conditions such as: handwriting that is sufficiently uncommon and well-fixed to
Slow and carefully executed writing may have so many pen- serve as a fundamental point in the identification.
lifts; and Writing, done rapidly, will exhibit no pen-lift, except 32. Simplification- Eliminating extra or superfluous strokes
those at the end of the words. from the copybook model.
33. Size- May refers to the overall size of the writing or the rather limited spaces. Some writers prefer to reduce the size of
proportions between zones. their writing to an almost illegible manner, rather than depart
34. Skill- in any set there are relative degrees or ability or skill from the usual word spacing habit.
and a specimen of handwriting usually contain evidences of the 44. Writing Conditions- Both the circumstances under which
writers proficiency; degree, ability, or skill of a write proficiency. the writing was prepared and the factors influencing the writer’s
35. Slope of Slant- The angle or inclination of the axis of the ability to write at the time of execution. It includes the writer’s
letters relative to the baseline. There are three classes: position, the paper support and backing, and the writing
a. Slant to the left; instrument; writing ability may be modified by the conditions of
b. Slant to the right; the writer’s nervous state, or degree of intoxication.
c. Vertical slant 45. Writing Skill- it is the relative degree of ability of a writer’s
36. Speed of Writing/ Speed (Speedy) Writing- the personal proficiency. Writing skills are dependent upon many factors,
pace at which the writer’s pen moves across the paper. Not manual dexterity being the most important of them. Manual
everyone writes at the same rate so that consideration of the dexterity is either inherent or acquired.
speed of writing may be significant identifying element. Writing The bases upon which skills (pleasing pictorial aspect of
speed can be measured precisely from the finished handwriting writing) are judged are:
but can be interpreted in broad terms of slow, moderate, or Legibility
rapid. Symmetry
37. Tension- The degree of force exerted on the pen MODULE 6
compared to the relaxation. Kinds of Movement of Handwriting
38. Terminal Strokes and Initial Strokes- When a letter, word Finger Movement- The thumb, the first, the second and
or name (signature) is completed in a free, natural writing, the slightly the third finger are in actual motion. Most usually
pen is usually raised from the paper while in motion with “fling employed by children and illiterates.
finish” and with many writers, the motion of the pen also slightly Hand Movement- Produced by the movement or action of the
precedes the putting of the pen on the paper at the beginning whole hand with wrist as the center of attraction.
with a “flying start” so that strokes at the beginning and end of Forearm Movement- the movement of the shoulder, hand and
words gradually diminish or taper to a “vanishing point”. arm with the support of the table.
39. Thread Form- An indefinite connective form that looks flat Whole arm movement- Action of the entire arm without
and wavy. resting.
40. Tremor- Writing weakness portrayed by irregular shaky COMMON TERMS AND DESCRIPTION OF LETTERS
strokes is described as writing tremor. Tremor means Stroke - The path followed by the pen in the paper.
“deviations from uniform strokes due to lack of smoothness 2. Arch- any arcade form in the body of a letter found in small
perfectly apparent even without magnification”. letters which contain arches.
41. Variability- The degree to which the writing varies from the 3. Ascender- is the top portion of a letter or upper loop.
copybook model. 4. Baseline- maybe actually on a ruled paper, it might be
42. Variation- The act or process of changing. imaginary alignment of writing; it the ruled or imaginary line
A more or less definite pattern for each is stored away in the upon which the writing rests.
subjective mind the hand does not always produce a stereo 5. Beaded- preliminary embellished initial stroke which usually
type of the pattern. The hand ordinarily is not an instrument of occurs in capital letters.
precision and therefore we may not expect every habitual 6. Beard- a rudimentary curved initial stroke of a letter.
manual operation to be absolutely uniform. The greater skill in 7. Blunt- the beginning and ending stroke of a letter (without
the art of Penmanship, the less the variations there will be in hesitation). Blunt ending and initial strokes are results of the
the form of individualize letters as well in the writing as a drawing process in forgery.
whole. 8. Body- the main portion of the letter, minus the initials of
Causes of variation strokes, terminal strokes and the diacritic, of any. Ex: the oval
Function of some external factors. of the letter “O” is the body, minus the downward stroke and
Lack of machine-like precision of the human hand. the loop.
Abnormal conditions such as physical injury, toxic effects, 9. Bowl- a fully rounded oval or circular form on a letter
inebriations, emotion, complete into “O”.
nervousness, and age writer. 10. Buckle/Buckleknet- a loop made as a flourished which is
Position of letter- all letters are to be found initially, medially, added to the letters, as in small letter “k” & “b”, or in
and finally. The fact of the capital letters “A”,”K”,”P”; the horizontal and looped strokes that
different position, especially in combination with another and are often used to complete a letter.
particular letter, may 11. Descender- opposite of ascender, the lower portion of a
modify any of them in some way or another. letter.
Due to the quantity of the writing prepared in the course of 12. Diacretic-“t” crossing and dots of the letter “i” and “j”. The
time, variation in genuine signature appears in superficial parts matters of Indian script are also known as diacritic sign; an
and does not apply to the whole process of element added to complete a certain letter, either a cross bar
writing. The degree of care given to the act of writing creates or a dot.
variation. Change of slope and the size of the signature 13. Eye/Eyelet/Eyeloop- a small loop or curved formed inside
superficially affect the appearance of the signature. a letters. This may occur inside the oval of the letters “a,d,o”;
43. Word Space/Lateral spacing- the amount of space left the small loop form by the stroke that extend in divergent
between words. Abnormally, wide spacing or cramping of direction as in small letters.
letters may be regarded as personal characteristics of some 14. Foot- lower part which rest on the base line. The small
value. Most writers retain their abnormal spacing habits even letter “m” has three feet, and the small letter “n” has two feet.
there is an attempt to disguise other features in handwriting. 15. Habits- any repeated elements or details, which may serve
In signatures, when both the Christian name and surname are to individualize writing.
written, most writers have fixed habits in spacing. 16. Hesitation- the term applied to the irregular thickening of
Spacing of words is often a feature in handwriting. It remains ink which is found when writing slows down or stop while the
constant even when handwriting is disguised or written in pen take a stock of the position.
17. Hook/Trough e. marked uncertainty as to the location of the dot of small
18. Hump- the rounded outside of the bend, crook, or curve in letters “I”, “J” &crosses of small letter “t”
small letters. f. increased spontaneity of words or small letter “t” connected
19. Knob- the rounded appearance at the beginning or ending with the following words.
strokes; the extra deposit of ink in the initial and terminal stroke g. letter curtailed or degenerated almost to the eligibility
due to the slow withdrawal of the pen from the paper (usually towards the end or words.
applicable to the fountain paper). h. wide writing and spacing
20. Long letter- those letters with both upper and lower loops. i. marked difference in pressure on up and down strokes
21. Loop- a oblong curve such as found on the small letter j. marked simplification of letters especially capital letters.
“f,g,l” and letter stroke “f” has two. A loop maybe blind or open. k. rising lines
A blind loop is usually the result of the ink having filled the l. increased pen pressure
open space. m. increase in the margin to left at the beginning of the line.
22. Movement impulses- this refers to the continuality of
stroke, forged writing is usually produced by disconnected and INDICTION OF SLOW WRITING
broken movements and more motion or movement impulses a. broken strokes
then in genuine writing. b. frequent signs or tendencies to the left.
23. Retouching or Patching- retouching or going back over to c. conspicuous certainly as to the location of the dots of small
repair a defective portion of a stroke. Careful patching is letters “I”, “j”, or “t” crosses with scarcely
common defect on forgeries. perceptible deviation from the intended direction.
24. Retrace/Retracing- a stroke that goes back over another d. frequent pauses by meaningless blobs, angels, divided
writing stroke; any part of a stroke which is super imposed letters and retouches.
upon the original stroke. Ex: vertical stroke of the letters “d,t” e. careful execution of detail of letters, toward the end of
while coming downward to the top to bottom will have a names.
retracing stroke; any stroke which goes back over another f. narrow writing and spacing.
writing stroke. In natural handwriting there may be instances in g. no difference in emphasis in upstrokes and down stroke.
which the pen doubled back over the course. h. ornamentals or flourishing letters.
25. Shoulder- outside portion of the top curve, small letter “m” i. sinking lines.
has three shoulders and the small letter “n” has two, the small j. carefully made final pen pressure and spacing.
letter “h” has one shoulder. INVESTIGATION AND EXAMINATION OF SIGNATURES
26. Spur- short, horizontal beginning strokes. Signature
27. Staff- backspace of a letter; any major long downward A signature (from Latin signare, “sign” is a hand written (and
stroke of a letter that is the long downward stroke of the letter” sometimes stylized) depiction of someone’s name, nickname
b,g”. or even a simple “x” that a person writes on documents as a
28. Shank Stem or Main Stroke- the upright long downward proof of identity and intent. The writer of a signature is a
stroke that is the trunk or stalk, normally seen in capital letters. signatory. Like a handwritten signature, a signature work
Downward strokes of any letter. describes the work as readily identifying its creator.
29. Tick/Hitch- any shorts stroke, which usually occurs at the It is the name of a person written by him/her in a document as
top of the letter. a sign of acknowledgment. Or, it is name or a mark that a
30. Whirl- the upward strokes usually on letters that have long person puts at the end of a document to attest that he is its
loops. author or that he ratified its contents.
31. Linear Letters- lower case letters having no ascending Many persons who have done a lot of writing transform their
loops or stems, or descending loops or stems sometimes name. Letters become simplified or condensed, complex
called minuscule. No capital letters. movement appears. This is now a signature.
32. Supralinear- letters that extend a distance vertically above It is mark but this mark is now personal. It is a personal
the linear letters, (b,d,h,k,l and t). combination of strokes in which it is possible to recognize the
33. Infralinear- Letters are those that extend a distance writer.
vertically below the baseline of the writing or of the linear Signatures should be considered not just from the point of view
letters. (g,j,p,q,y,z) whether there is any difference whatever. The problem is to
34. Double-Length Letters- are those few letters that extend a form a judgment first about the normal range of variation in the
distance vertically both above and below the linear letters. standard and then to consider whether the questioned
(f,y,z,p) signature has significant similarity and whether any difference
Other Terminologies Concerning Strokes you observe is within the range of normal variation established
1. Air stroke- the movement of the pen as it is raised from the by the standards or whether variations shown by several
paper and continues in the same direction. signatures.
2. Covering Stroke- a stroke that unnecessarily covers Function of Signatures
another stroke in a concealing action. The traditional function of a signature is evidential: it is to give
3. Final- the ending stroke of a letter when it is at the end of a evidence of:
word. The provenance of the document (identity)
4.Upstroke- movement of the pen away from the letter. The intention (will) of an individual with regard to that document
5. Sequence of Stroke- the order in which writing strokes are CROSS MARK - Historically, many who could not write signed
placed on the paper is referred to as their sequence. with a cross mark or crude x. This authenticating mark is still
6. Supported Strokes- upstroke partially covering the previous used today illiterates, and if properly witnessed, it can legally
down strokes. Originally taught in European schools. stand for a signature. Ballot marks are also referred to as cross
INDICATIONS OF SPEED WRITING marks because of the common practice of making with an X.
a. smooth unbroken strokes. EVIDENTIAL SIGNATURE - Is not simply a signature- it is a
b. misplaced and misshaped diacritics. signature, signed at a particular time and place, under
c. Joining of initials or of words particular conditions, while the signer was at particular age, in
d. letters are tapered illegibly towards the end of words a particular physical and mental condition, using implements,
and with a particular and purpose for recording his name.
FRAUDULENT SIGNATURE - A forged signature. It involves This kind of forgery is easily detected as fraudulent in view of
the writing of a name as a signature by someone other than the the fact that it is widely different from the other genuine
person himself, without his permission, often with some degree signature even in general appearance alone. The only question
of imitation. is to tackle the determination of the probable writer of the
FREEHAND SIGNATURE - A fraudulent signature that was forgery. Seldom are these fraudulent signature disguise.
executed purely by simulation rather than by tracing the outline Simulated or Freehand Imitation Forgery- it is a fraudulent
of a genuine signature. signature which was executed purely by simulation rather than
GUIDED SIGNATURE - A signature that is executed while the by tracing the outline of a genuine signature can be referred as
writer’s hand or arm is steadied in any way. Under the law of freehand imitation or simulated forgery. Or it refers to the free-
most jurisdictions such as a signature authenticates a legal hand drawing in imitation of model signature.
document provided it is shown that the writer during a serious Simulated with the Model Before the Forger- The forger
illness or a deathbed. makes an effort to obtain a reproduction of the model
TYPES OF Guided Signature signature. He works slowly, stroke after stroke.
Inert Hand- refers to completely involuntary; incapability of Direct Technique- Forger works directly with ink
motor activity and signatory may be conscious or even Indirect Technique- Forger works first with pencil and
unconscious. (illiterate persons). afterwards covers the pencil strokes with ink.
Guided-hand- situation is one in which the person providing Simulated Free Hand Forgery (Technique) - Used by forgers
the portion of control. (partial incapacitation). who have a certain skill in writing. After some practice, the
Forced Hand- signatory is forced to write against his will, by forger tried to write a copy of the model quickly.
threats, constraints and the like. Traced Forgery (Traced Signature) - Any fraudulent
Assisted-hand- one in which the person assisting (co- signature which was executed by actually following the outline
adjutant) provides help to a lesser degree, perhaps only to the of a genuine signature with a writing instrument. A traced
point of steadying a tremulous arm or hand, without actually forgery is the result of an attempt to transfer to a fraudulent
directing the movement of the writing instrument. document an exact facsimile of a genuine signature or writing
MODEL SIGNATURE - A genuine signature that was used to by some tracing process.
prepare an imitated or traced forgery. a.Direct Tracing- Tracing is made by transmitted light
Theory of Comparison - The act of setting two or more b.Indirect Tracing- Forger uses a carbon paper and place
signature in an inverted position to weight their identifying document on which he will trace the forged signature under the
significance, the reason being that those we fail to see under document bearing the model signature with a carbon paper
normal comparison may readily be seen under this theory. between the two.
THE EXAMINATION OF SIGNATURE IS CONSIDERDED A c.Indentation Process- An indented or “canal like” outline of
SPECIALIZED BRANCH OF HANDWRITING the genuine signature is produced in the fraudulent (lower
IDENTIFICATION FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: sheet) by tracing (with suitable pressure or force) the outline of
A signature is a word most practiced by many people and the genuine (top sheet0 with a pointed instrument. The outline
therefore most fluently written; is directly inked in some instances. The outline is first retraced
A signature is a means to identify a person and has a great lightly with a pencil before it is finally retraced with suitable ink.
personal significance; d.Projection Process or Transmitted Light Process- A
A signature is a little attention to spelling and some other spurious document is placed immediately over the genuine
details; signature, with strong light directed through to sheets of paper
A signature is a word written without conscious thought about from below or behind. The outline that is seen through the
the mechanics of its production and is written automatically; upper sheet is then traced.
and 4. Forgery by means of a Stamped Facsimile of a genuine
A signature is the only word the illiterate can write with or Model - Some individuals very often used a stamped
confidence. facsimile of their signature.
5. Forgery by Computer Scanning
TYPES OF SIGNATURE
Formal (a.k.a. Conventional or Copybook Form)- complete MODULE 7
correct signature for an important document such as will. Classification of Suspect Signature Seven Classifications of
Informal (Cursory) – usually for routine documents and suspect signatures (according to “Suspects Documents”
personal Harisson):
correspondence. 1. forged signature where no attempt has been made to make
Personalized a copy of the genuine signature of the person purporting to
Semi-personalized sign the document;
Careless Scribble- for the mail carrier, delivery or the 2. forged “signatures of fictitious persons”
autograph collector The events immediately preceding the 3. forged signatures which closely resemble the genuine
execution of a signature may have a material bearing on its signature since they have been produced by a tracing process;
execution or otherwise as when writers are affected by illness, 4. forged signatures which resemble the genuine signature,
old age, emotion, unusual writing position, intoxication and written freehand to produce what is known as a “simulated
deception. The writing variations that appear as a result of forgery”;
these different conditions might mislead the document 5. genuine signatures which have been obtained by trickery;
examiner. 6. genuine signatures which the writers are honestly unwilling
Classes/Kinds of Forged Signature to accept as genuine;
Simple Forgery (Spurious Signature) 7. genuine signatures which have been deliberately written
A fraudulent signature in which there was no apparent attempt illegibly or in unusual manner, so as to afford the signatories
of simulation or limitation. Forger does not try to copy a model some plausible grounds for disclaiming them should they deem
but writes something resembling what we ordinarily call a it expedient.
signature. For this, he uses a false (spurious) name and makes Indicators of Simulated and Traced Forgery The following
a rapid stroke, disturbing his usual writing by adopting a are the indications stroke of simulated and traced forgery;
camouflage called disguise. 1. Absence of rhythm
2. Carefulness or unusual care and deliberation There being no doubt as to the origin of this writing, it will likely
3. Observed contrast between upward and downward strokes. survive an attack upon its writing and frequently provide a clear
4. Slow writing cut, demonstrable opinion of either authenticity or
5. Absence of spontaneity or lack of smoothness of letters spuriousness. Handwriting standards are frequently referred to
6. Restrained writing or lack of freedom or “inhibited” as “exemplars”, “specimens,” or “knowns.” These terms are for
movements the most part interchangeable, however some laboratories
7. Absence of variation assign slightly different meanings to one or more of these
8. Patching - This may be done in order to make the signature terms, such as referring to “exemplars” as “requested”
more readable or because a defect in the pen or paper has standards.
affected what we perceived to be our “normal” signature. Standard
9. Pen Lifts and hesitation - This is occasioned when the pen They are known writings which indicate how a person writes. A
stops at an unusual point in the writing, perhaps where a writer manifests fixed habits in his writing that identify him. This
radical change in direction is about to take place or a new letter fact provides the basis for an opinion of conclusion regarding
formation is about to be started. This may take the appearance any writing identification problem.
of a small gap in the written lie where one is not expected, or Standard in questioned document investigation refers to those
an overlapping of two ink lines where there should be only one things whose origins are known and can be proven and which
continuously line. can be legally used as samples to compare with other matters
10. Tremor - It is because the creation of most forms of non- in question.
genuine signatures are little more than drawings, the pen is In handwriting identification, the standard of comparison or
moving slowly that small, almost microscopic, changes in what is commonly referred to as the basis of comparison
direction take place in what should be a fluid-looking line. The consists of known authenticated writing of a person.
result line is not smooth, but reflects the “shaking” pen. Sample - A selected representative portion of the whole is
11. Speed and Pressure - Because the pen is moving slowly known as a sample. In this text, the term “sample” follows
rather than with the dynamic movement associated with most closely the statistical usage.
genuine writings, the ink lines remains constant in thickness, Types of Handwriting Standards
resulting from the same constant pressure exerted on a slowly Collected/procured/Non-Request standards- Standards are
moving pen. quite simply writings which were indisputably prepared by the
Defects of Forged Signatures accused when he had no reason to think that they would be
A forged signature is based upon the presence of defects in used for a handwriting comparison. They are, therefore,
the signature. These faults of forgery are determined through a inherently devoid of any attempt to disguise. The disadvantage
study of the questioned signature and comparison of the to non-request standards is that it may be difficult to find
various genuine signatures of the writer. samples that fit the criteria of repeating the format and context
The greatest defect of an imitated forgery is its poor execution of the questioned writing.
revealed in slow or hesitant writing movement, pen lifts and In a relatively simple straightforward case, especially one that
interruptions, and patching and reworking of the signature. A involves signatures, adequate standards should not be a
forged signature, however, is also apt to be deficient in form. problem. Sources of non-request standards could include eye-
Forgery is established by a combination of abnormalities in a witnessed writings, admitted writings and signatures, normal
questioned signature which are not found among a group of course of business records, and legal documents, such as:
genuine signatures. Affidavits, automobile Repair Estimates
Hesitation in Forged Signatures - Hesitation and slow writing Bank Signature Cards
movement are other common defects of imitated forgeries. The Bills of Sale
finished signature is not necessarily made up entirely of Checks
strokes of this nature, but many forgeries contain recurring Credit Applications
defects of this type. Diaries
Educational and Vocational Materials
GENUINESS OF WRITING Employment Applications
1. What is genuine signature? Insurance Applications
Genuine signatures are normally smoothly written and Letters
executed with at least, moderate speed containing an Receipts
occasional uncertain stroke or signs of an occasional slow Signed Fingerprint Cards - These are known (genuine)
writing movement. Pen lifts and interruptions in genuine handwriting of an individual such as signature and
signatures may be perfectly natural. It may writers have fixed endorsement and canceled checks, legal papers letters,
habits of taking the pen from the paper and starting a new. commercial, official, public and private document and other
Some do it spasmodically, joining the letter combinations in handwriting such as letters, memoranda, etc. written in the
some signatures and writing them separately in others. The course of daily life, both business and socials.
ending is free; the start if free. They may connect or they may Request Standards
not. Requested standards are those in which the subject is asked to
2. When a forgery established? write specific material,usually through dictation. These
A forgery is established when it can be shown that the standards will be used for the express purpose of comparison.
signature is unnatural either in the way that it is written or in its These are signatures or other handwritings (or hand printings)
form. Most frequently, both types of faults are present. written by an individual upon request for the purpose of
3. Signature written under abnormal condition comparison with other handwriting or for specimen purposes.
Signatures written under abnormal such as when the writer is Post Litem Motam Exemplars- writings produced by the
standing, reclining, riding or writing upon an uneven surface subject after evidential writings have come into dispute and
are not completely characteristics. The written document or solely for the purpose of establishing his contentions.
signatures is not his natural writing, but that does not mean is Basic Points that Should be Considered in Obtaining
signatures are not genuine; they are merely variable. Standards
STANDARDS Procured or Collected Standard
Amount of standard writing available There is no fixed rule as Writing Instrument and Paper used should be Similar to those
to the definite number of standards that may be considered Used in the Questioned document.
adequate or sufficient. Experience shows, however, that at Dictation should be interrupted at Intervals so that the Suspect
least seven standards usually constitute a sufficient amount, will feel Relaxed and will write his Own Natural Writing. Rest
but effort should not be made merely to comply with this between Dictations Usually Makes a Writer Forget About his
minimum requirement, but as must as possible, more should Previous Writing.
be procured. As a rule, ten is better than seven, fifteen is better If the material in question is a signature, the writer should have
than ten, twenty is better than fifteen. More standards provide a placed in front of him a 3x5 cards or small slip of paper and
wider field for selection of the more appropriate standards. asked to write the questioned name. This writer again would be
Similarity of Subject Matter asked to write the questioned name. This procedure should be
As a rule, like things must be compared repeated some fifteen or twenty times; more if disguise is
A signature cannot be compared with extended writing, neither suspected.
a cursive writing with a block (hand- By taking away the 3x5 card after each signature, the writer
lettered or hand-printed) writing, or an extended or attempting to disguise would not have the advantage seeing
conventional (lay hand) writing with block writing. what he has already affected and then copying that alteration
Therefore, a signature should be compared with a signature, from one exemplar to another.
extended writing with an extended writing. Normal Writing Conditions Should be Arranged
Relative Date of the Questioned Signature or Writing with the CARE, PRESERVATION AND HANDLING OF QUESTIONED
Standards The standard must be those or affixed on DOCUMENT EVIDENCE
documents with date contemporaneous with, or close to the Disputed should not be cut, torn in any manner mutilated in the
date of the questioned signature. The best standards are those slightest degree.
made on dates, which comes during a period before, about, Documents should not be touched with neither an eraser nor
and after the date of the questioned signature. In some cases, any kind, nor with pen, pencil, nor sharp instrument of any
where the standards do not show radical changes or variations character.
in a few years, writings made before or after the date of the Documents should not be folded in any new place.
questioned signature, may prove appropriate as standards. Documents should not be folded unfolded unnecessarily.
Conditions Under which known Writing or Signature is Except by special permission, no chemical is should apply to
Prepared Serious illness, intoxication, haste, lack of care, or papers in any manner that will injure deface them, and test of
unnatural writing positions as resting the paper on knee or this kind should be made only by those properly qualified to
magazine or back held with the other hand while riding on a make them.
moving vehicle may introduce variations in writing which may Never point closely at letters or any parts or it with a pencil.
render such writing not appropriate or unsuited standard for Sharp pointed dividers or measuring instruments should not be
comparison with more carefully written material. Writing made put a questioned writing except with the greatest case and only
under such unusual or unnatural conditions should not be by those skilled in the used of instruments, and a direct tracing
solely the basis of comparative examination of a writing made should not be made of it by anyone at any time.
or done in a normal condition or position. The main difficulty greatest case and only by those skilled in the used of
encountered in comparative examination of questioned writing instruments, and a direct tracing should not be
under unusual condition is that there are no available made of it by anyone at any time.
standards written under similar conditions.
Kinds of Instrument and Paper Used The kind of writing MODULE 8
instrument and paper used might influence or affect writing. TECHNIQUES IN THE EXAMINATION OF QUESTIONED
Pencil writing, for example may not entirely show the DOCUMENTS
characteristics of a fountain pen or ball pen writing. MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION -Stereoscopic examination
As a rule, some of the standards at least should be those with low and high-power objectives is used to detect
which were written with the same instrument as that in the retouching, patching and unnatural pen lift in signature
questioned document, and as far as possible, the paper used analysis. With proper angle and intensity of illumination, its aids
in the standard should be of the same size, shape, ruling and in the decipherment of erasures, some minute’s manipulation
composition as the one in the questioned document. not perfectly pictured to the unaided eye and the sequence of
Requested Standard The following steps are aimed at entries done by different writing instrument.
minimizing if not eliminating, disguise in the writing of the TRANSMITTED LIGHT EXAMINTION -Documents are
subject or person being required to furnish his handwriting objected this type of examination to determine the presence of
specimen: Questioned Material Must be Dictated erasures, matching of serration and some other types of
The ideal exemplar session is one in which the examiner alteration.
dictates the questioned material and the writer never sees the ULTRA VIOLET EXAMINATION -This is the type of
disputed writing. This dictation should be accomplished without examination is done after the lamp has been warmed up in
punctuation, capitalization, or spelling direction. Such error in order to give a maximum output of the ultra violet light should
these areas may become vital cogs in the identification be to the minimum duration in order to avoid fading of some
process. writing ink and type writer ribbon. The exposures of a
Dictated Text Must be Carefully Selected It is not a good document the ultra violet light is useful when it consists of
practice to dictate the contents of the questioned document. several pages and substitution is being suspected. The color
Therefore, a substitute text to be devised may be a and intensity of fluorescence reaction is very apparent in case
composition or paragraph which contains all of the alphabetical of substituted page. Mechanical and chemical erasures will
letters and other writing characters and which contains most of certainly change the reflectivity and fluorescence of the area
the words in the questioned document. affected.
Adequate Amount of Writing Must be Included Some Portions ESDA (ELECTROSTATIC DETECTION APPARATUS) -
of Dictation Must be repeated at Least Three Times Detects indention/ indented writings. Records transparencies of
Writings should be made on three different sheets of paper; any indentations.
each sheet being removed from the writer’s view upon
conclusion.
OBLIQUE LIGHT- Decipherment of faded handwriting, Included in this class of admissible standards are writings
determination of outlines in traced forgery, embossed voluntarily prepared by a party in the presence of an
impression, etc. are subjected to this type of examination. investigator these generally are known as requested writings.
PHOTOGARPHIC EXAMINATION - This type of examination Standards writings admitted
is very essential in every document examination. If the party whom a handwriting standard is to be admits the
THE DANGER OF OFF HAND OPINIONS: genuity of the standard, he could hold that further proof of
1.A conscientious expert should not be influenced to form an genuineness is unnecessary.
offhand opinion, no matter how urgent a case seems to be, no Record Maintained in Regular Course of Business as Standard
matter how a client may influence him, no matter how much Writings. Government Document as standard writings
money is being offered for the “LATE HOURS OR WORKING Signatures of government officials on document treated as
DURING THE WEEKEND.” authentic and produced from official archives maybe admitted
2.An expert can never afford to “just take a look” and express in evidence as standard of comparison whether being as issue
an opinion, or arrive at any conclusion. This is permissible only as to the forgery of the signature of the same persons on other
for a layman. documents.
3.An expert always need time to make a painstaking and
careful examination needs enough time to use the necessary Ancient writings
instruments and optical tools; or time to make proper photo Other Writings Standards
enlargements for the examination and study of the case.
4.If has happened in some cases that an offhand opinion, has Among writings admissible as standard are signature: on
sent an innocent man to prison, while a murderer was given a spelling motion or other instruments, such as an appearance
chance to escape. bond, which may without further proof of genuineness be used
CARE OF DISPUTED DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENTARY as a standard.
EVIDENCE: Familiarity Sometimes establish standard writings
It is a basic requirement, not only a common-sense principle, Testimony to the genuineness of a collection of standards of
that when a document becomes disputed writing by witness who are familiar with a person’s handwriting.
and deposited in court or with the attorney, in order to maintain Opinion Evidence The court seem to be in general agreement
its original condition, it should be kept UNFOLDED AND IN A that proof of the genuineness of a standard cannot be
SEPARATE, PROPER SIZE ENVELOPE OR FOLDER. This is established by the opinion of experts testifying from a
true not only for the disputed documents, but for many other comparison of the writing sought to be used as standard with
important documentary evidence. anther writing.
It is also advisable and preferable in all instances that right Genuineness of standard decided by court
after the document becomes disputed, questioned or Sufficient of the proof of the genuineness of a standard of
important, to make not only the usual photo static copy, but writing is a matter to be decided by the court.
also a proper photograph or photo – enlargement, done if DISGUISE WRITING The individual who is attempting to
possible by the document expert or under the supervision of disguise her or his handwriting is trying to produce a
the document expert. convention that they are not accustomed to.
When working in the preparation of case, it is often necessary What are the indications of disguise in writing?
for the lawyer or court to handle repeatedly the disputed Abnormally large writing.
document. Should this be necessary, instead of handling and Abnormally small writing.
working with the original document, the photograph should be Alteration in slant (usually backhand).
used. Usually variation in slant within a single unit of writing (with in a
Every touching, folding, refolding or pointing to certain parts of single signature).
a document, can change the physical condition of the case. For Printed forms instead of cursive writing.
example, touching with wet hands or fingers can create Diminution in the usual speed of writing.
smearing in the ink, pointing with a pencil can leave marks that Unusual widening or restriction of lateral spacing.
create a suspicion of previous pencil, or experiments as proof Kinds of Disguises:
of attempted forgery. Change of slant – from right to left or vice versa.
Pointing a document with any other instruments, such as sharp Change of letter, either from cursive to block style or vice-
stick, can cause slight damage, which although it cannot be versa.
seen by the naked eye, can show definite marks under the Change from cursive (conventional style) to block form or vice
microscope or on the enlarged photograph. versa.
No test should be made to alter the conditions of the Change of style from small to big or vice versa.
document; for example, the old-fashioned ink test, Deteriorating one’s handwriting.
which was used to determine the age of the ink writing. Using the wrong hand (MABIDEXTOUS)
Should any test be necessary, insist that it should be done in Evidence of Alcoholic Intoxication in Handwriting
the presence of a chemist, or in court, or in front of both parties includes:
involved the case. Bizarre letterforms.
Admissibility of Standard Writings: Greatly enlarged writing.
Standard used by the document examiner in an identification Illegible forms and writing generally.
writing on which the document examiner bases his conclusion Uneven baseline.
cannot be introduced, then the document examiner may not be Meaningless blobs or extraneous strokes in the writing.
able to provide convincing or his testimony maybe weakened. Inconsistency in slant of writing.
The following are Classes of standard writings, which are Inconsistency in the form of repeated letters.
admissible for comparison. Importance of Contemporaneous Standard:
Standard writings witnessed For the reason that characteristic and qualities of handwriting
The courts accept as sufficient proof that evidence in the form gradually change with many writes, the alleged date of writing
of uncontradicted testimony of eyewitness to the execution of in question and the actual date of all standard writings should
writing is sufficient to permit the use of such writings as be known. Because of this possibility of change the standard
standard to test to other writing. always should include all that are available within a certain
definite period, including the item when it is claimed the TERMINOLOGIES IN TYPEWRITER EXAMINATIONS:
questioned writing was written. 1.ALIGNMENT DEFECT - Include character which write
If it is alleged that writing was produced under unusual of any improperly in the following respects. A twisted letter, horizontal
kind, the examiner should know this fact. If the writer subjects mal-alignment, vertical, malalignment and a character special
to unusual changes in physical or mental condition due to age, adjustment to the types lock.
disease or personal habits, or through any cause, these facts 2.CARBON IMPRESSION - any type writing which is classed
also should be known. Certain general qualities in handwriting as a carbon by action of the typefaces striking through carbon
necessarily are affected by conditions of the writer or paper is classed as carbon impression. Generally, carbon
surrounding the writer and often it is necessary to determine impression is “Carbon Copies” but sometimes-original
whether the written results are in harmony with alleged typewriting is made directly through a carbon paper carbon.
condition. 3.CHARACTER- in connection with typewriting identification
Illegible writing the terms “character” is use to include either letters, symbols,
Erasures: mechanical and chemical numerals, or point of punctuation.
Can be deciphered with ultraviolet 4.CLOGGED (DIRTY) TYPEFACE - with use the typefaces
Visual inspection becomes filled with lint, is allowed to progress without cleaning,
Photography there comes of time when the written impression actually print
Chemical analysis with the clogged areas shaded on a solid block.
TRANSMITTED LIGHT EXAMINTION 5.DEFECTS - the term defect describes any abnormality or
Obliterated writing - Can be deciphered with magnifying lens, maladjustment in typewriter which is reflected in its works and
stereomicroscope, UV, visual, photography, iodine fuming, which leads to its individualization or identification.
ammonium sulfide, carbon tetrachloride, turpentine, amyl 6.HORIZONTAL MAL-ALIGNMENT - an alignment defect in
acetate, and ethanol. which the character prints the right on left of its proper position
Invisible writing is known as horizontal alignment.
-Also called sympathetic ink 7.MAL-ALIGNMENT - is synonymous with the term “Alignment
-Can be deciphered by using chemical agents like precipitating Defects”
agents, physical agents like heat. 8.OFF ITS FEET - The condition of a typeface printing heavier
Indented writing - Can be deciphered by using side- lighting, on one side or corner than over the remainder of its outline.
use of powders, iodine fuming. 9.PERMANENTDEFECT- Any identifying characteristics of a
Carbon paper writing - Can be deciphered by photography typewriter, which cannot be corrected by simply cleaning the
Contact writing - Can be deciphered by using photography typeface, or replacing the ribbon is classed permanent defect.
Charred document - Can be deciphered by using Actually, this term is not absolutely accurate since all defects in
photography and fuming chamber typewriters undergo modification and change in time.
TYPEWRITER/TYPEWRITING EXAMINATION AND 10.PLATEN - The cylinder, which serves as the backing of the
IDENTIFICATIO paper and which absorbs the blown the typeface, is known as
TYPEWRITER: a platen.
A machine that can reproduce printed characters on papers or 11.PROPORTIONALSPACING TYPEWRITING - a modern
that can produce printed letters and figures on paper. from of typewriting which resembles printing in that all of the
Typewriting Examination: horizontal space as they do with the conventional typewriter,
The typewriters have become an instrument of worldwide for example the “I” occupies two units. The “o” three and the
importance in the correspondence and commence of the world “m” five. A typewriter of this design is known as repression
and therefore could be an effective screen for commenting spacing machine.
crime. In several articles written between 1901 and 1907, 13.RIBBON CONDITION - typewriter ribbons gradually
Albert S. Osborne, the foremost document examiner of the deteriorate with use and the degree of determination is a
early 20th century, defined the principles points enunciated by measure of the ribbon conditions.
Osborne are as follows: 14.RIBBON IMPRESSION - typewriting which is made directly
a. The typefaces used by the different typewriter manufacturer through a cloth ribbon s called ribbon impression.
can be differentiated on the basis of design and have dating 15.TRANSITORY DEFECTS - identifying typewriter
significance. characteristics, which can be eliminated by cleaning.
b. Through usage, typewriters develop individually which can 16.TYPEFACE - the printing surface of the type block is known
serve to identify the typewriting of a particular typewriter. as the typeface, with most modern typewriter this block is
c. The gradual development of typewriters develops attached at the end of a movable arm or type bar, which
individuality plus ribbon condition and typeface. Cleanliness propels the typeface giants the ribbon and paper to make the
can be used to date a document of fix it written a period of time typewriter impression.
d. Horizontal and vertical alignment, titling characters, lock of 17.TYPE FACE DEFECTS - any peculiarity of typewriting
uniformity of impression (off footedness), type-face score, caused by actual damage to the typeface is known as typeface
breads, defects, defects and deformities all serve to identify the defects. This defect may be actual breaks in the outline of the
type writing of a particular machine. letter where the metal has been chipped away sometimes
e. Peculiar habits of striking the typewriter keys, spacing, referred to as broken type, or they may be misruled outlines
arrangement, punctuation, mistakes, corrections, can be used of the letters where the type face metal has become bent or
to identify at typist or differentiate typists. smashed, they can only be corrected by replacing the type
f. A sheet of paper cannot be reinserted in a typewriter in exact block.
register with previous typing done on the sheet of paper. 18.TWISTED LETTER - Each letter and character is designed
Classification of Typewriters as to Typeface: to print a certain fixed angle to the base line, due to wear, and
a. Pica-Type - the typefaces are spaced ten characters to the damage to the type bars and the type block, some letters
horizontal inch become twisted so that they lean to the right or left of their
b. Elite - type - the typefaces are spaced twelve characters to correct slant.
the horizontal 19.VERTICAL MAL-ALIGNMENT - a character printing above
or below its proper position has the quality of vertical mal
MODULE 9 alignment.
IDENTIFICATION OF TYPEWRITTEN DOCUMENTS: This is a typewriter equipped with a type device called a print
A preliminary step in the identification of typewriting it is wheel; the printwheel contains all of characteristics capability of
necessary to establish that the style and size of the letters and typing 10,12 and 15 letters per inch.
numerals are the same and that both the letter spacing and the
line spacing are the same. In order to make a further study MODULE 10
leading either towards an identification or non- identification CHEQUE cheque is an account holder’s order to the bank to
such instrument as magnifying lenses, microscopes and pay the stated amount to the payee listed on it. It is also, a
various kinds of measuring devices are used. These promise of the check maker to pay the stated sum to the
instruments make it possible to study the following: payee. (or check in American English) is a document that
1.SLANT- A study is made of each character to determine to orders a payment of money from a bank account. The person
what extent, if any, it leans either to the right or to the left. writing the cheque, the drawer, usually has a current account
2.ALIGNMENT - if a typewriter is in proper alignment each (most English-speaking countries) or checking account (US)
character should strike in the center of an imaginary rectangle. where their money was previously deposited. The drawer
3.FOOTING- a letter may strike heavier either on the right, on writes the various details including the monetary amount, date,
the left, on the top or on the bottom. and a payee on the cheque, and signs it, ordering their bank,
4.DEFECTS IN THE TYPE FACE - these maybe brought about known as the drawee, to pay that person or company the
either through mistreatment or as results of ordinary wear and amount of money stated.
tear. When questioned typewriter is compared with known The Different Kinds of Checks
typewritten exemplars, three general areas of examination are Bearer Checks- Is payable to the person specified therein or
made: to any other else who presents it to the bank for payment.
* Size and spacing (vertical and horizontal) Order checks- is payable to the person specified therein as
* Type style the payee, or to any one else to whom it is endorsed
* Unique identifying characteristics - character and alignment (transferred). Uncrossed/ Open checks- maybe a bearer check
defects. or an order check.
OBTAINING KNOWN TYPEWRITTEN EXEMPLARS: Anti-dated checks- checks bears a date earlier than the date
Properly prepared known typewriting samples not only facilities on which it is presented to the bank, valid up to six months
the examination in the laboratory but they aid immeasurably in from the date of the check.
the demonstration in the courtroom. 5. Post-dated Checks- bears a date which is yet to come
HOW TO OBTAIN EXEMPLARS OF TYPEWRITING: (future date), cannot be honored earlier than the date on the
1. If the typewriter ribbon is obviously new, remove if room the check.
typewriter and send it to the laboratory with the typewriting 6. Stale checks- check is presented after 6 months from the
exemplars prepared from another ribbon (the text of the date of the check, not honored by the bank.
material in question may still be discernible of the ribbon) Personal Check - A personal check is the means for the
2. Use paper of about the same size as the questioned checking account holder to pay the money. Most banks allow
material, type out of full word for word copy of the message ion you to write as many checks as you want per month without a
question, typographical errors, using as nearly as possible the fee, but some banks set a limit on the number of checks per
same degree of touch as that used in typing the questioned month and charge a fee if you exceed it.
material. Business Check - Business owners can open business
3. After placing the typewriter in a stencil position or removing checking account and issue business checks. Business checks
the cloth ribbon, obtain samples of each character on the are similar to personal checks. The account owner pays for
keyboard by typing through carbon paper which has been supplies, business expenses and payroll with business checks.
inserted carbon side down over a piece of white bond paper. Most banks charge monthly fees for business checking
4. Make certain that each specimen contains the make, model accounts. They can also limit the number of checks the owner
and serial number of the typewriter from which it was produced can write per month.
as well as the date and initials of the officer. cashier’s Check A cashier’s check is a check by the bank on its
5. Typewriter specimen should be taken from suspected own funds. The bank takes the money out of an account
typewriter. It is usually not necessary to forward the typewriter holder’s account and issues the check from its own account.
to the laboratory if completed known exemplars are obtained. Businesses prefer cashier’s checks for large purchases.
6. If possible, after a typewritten is obtained from a suspected Cashier’s checks take less time to clear when compared with
typewriter, the investigation should insure that the typewriter is personal checks.
kept in its current condition. Traveler’s Check Traveler’s checks come in specific
7. With evidence this obtain from typewritten documents, the denominations and were convenient to use during trips before
laboratory experts are in position to lend valuable assistance to credit and debit cards have rendered them nearly obsolete.
the solution and subsequent prosecution of many cases. The bank can replace travelers checks fast if you lose them,
TYPES OF TYPEWRITERS but you need to order traveler’s checks ahead of time, pay fees
1. CONVENTIONAL TYPEWRITERS USING TYPE Bars and get enough checks for the trip. Debit and credit cards have
a. Pica type - 10 letters /inch become a more convenient substitute for travelers check.
b. Elite type 12 letters/inch Payroll cheque A cheque used to pay wages may be referred
c. 6 Lester/inch to as a “payroll cheque”. Even when the use of cheques for
d. Teletype Machine paying wages and salaries became rare, the vocabulary ‘’pay
e. 14-16 letter/inch - special s typewriters cheque’’ still remained commonly used to describe the
1. TYPEWRITER USING SINGLE ELEMENTS OR BALL payment of wages and salaries. Payroll cheques issued by the
A typewriter machine, capable, of typing 10 or characteristic military to soldiers, or by some other government entities to
per inch. Change of horizontal spacing is done easily by the flip their employees, beneficiates, and creditors, are referred to as
of a switch. warrants.
2. TYPEWRITER USING A PRINT WHEEL Oversized cheques
(ELECTRONICTYPEWRITER) are often used in public events such as donating money to
charity or giving out prizes such as
Publisher Clearing House. The cheques are commonly 18 by Relief of the features can be felt by running the fingers on the
36 inches (46 × 91 cm) in size, however, according to the design.
Guinness Book of World Records, the largest ever is 12 by 25 COUNTERFEIT
meters (39 × 82 ft). Regardless of the size, such cheques can Imitation of the portrait is done on the finished paper.
still be redeemed for their cash value as long as they have Wax or other oily medium is stamped to give transparency to
the same parts as a normal cheque, although usually the the portion where the design appears.
oversized cheque is kept as a souvenir and a normal cheque is SECURITY FIBERS
provided. A bank may levy additional charges for clearing an GENUINE
oversized cheque. Red and blue fibers are scattered at random on both surfaces.
Bounced Check’ A slang word for a check that cannot be Can be picked –off by means of any pointed instrument
processed because the writer has insufficient funds. A bounced Luminous under ultra the violet light
check will often be returned to the writer along with a penalty COUNTERFEIT
fee for non-sufficient funds. ‘’Passing’’ bad checks is illegal, Simulated by printed lines that cannot be picked-off, but can be
and the crime can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, easily erased with ordinary rubber.
depending on the amounts involved and whether the activity Sometimes, fibers are pasted on the surface that can be
involved crossing state lines. Also known as a rubber removed by agitating the fiber.
check, dishonored check, or bad check. PORTRAIT
Parts of a Check GENUINE
The date. Appears life-like
The Pay to the Order of line - This is where you write the name The eyes “sparkle”
of the person or company to whom you will give the check. Shadings are formed by fine lines that give a characteristics
After writing the name, you can draw a line to the end. This facial expression which is extremely
prevents anyone from adding an additional name on your difficult to replicate.
check. COUNTERFEIT
The dollar amount of the check in numbers. The dollar amount Appears “dead”, dull, smudgy and poorly printed.
of the check in words - Such as 75/100. After writing out the Eyes do not sparkle
amount of the check, draw a line to the end. This prevents The concentric lines depicting the eyes often merge into solid
anyone from adding an additional amount after what you have printed areas. The hair strands are not discernable.
written. SERIAL NUMBER
5. The memo section - This area is optional. You can use this GENUINE
area to remind yourself why you wrote the check or to record Prefix/esand numbers (normally six digits) are clearly printed.
the account number of the bill you are paying. Have a peculiar style and are uniform and alignment is even.
6. The signature line. Ink used is special that fluoresces under an ultra violet light.
7. Your name and address - Your phone number is sometimes COUNTERFEIT
included. Letter(s) and numbers are poorly printed.
8. The check number - The number is used to identify each Usually of different style Not evenly-spaced and are poorly
check written. aligned, either too big or too thin and in certain cases, shaded
9.Codes for the state where the bank is located and the on the curves.
regional Federal Reserve Bank that will handle this check. No reaction under the ultraviolet light.
10.Your bank’s number and branch. BACKGROUND/ LACE DESIGN
11. Routing numbers - This includes the bank and state GENUINE
computer routing numbers, as well as your account number. Background designs are multi- colored and are composed of
The four main items on a cheque sharp lines which are continuous and traceable even at the
1. Drawer- the person or entity who makes the check. joints.
2. Payee- the recipient of the money. Lacework design are fine, web like cross- crossing lines which
3. Drawee- the bank or other financial institution where the are continuous and traceable even at the joints.
check can be presented for payment. COUNTERFEIT
4. Amount- the currency amount. Background designs are often blurred and blotched on the
intersections resulting in a different color scheme making the
MODULE 11 general appearance pale or dark.
PHILIPPINE BILL COLOR
RECOGNIZING GENUINE FROM COUNTERFEIT PESO GENUINE
NOTES Have a polychrome background with one predominant color for
PAPER each denomination.
GENUINE 1000-peso BLUE
Made up of special kind of paper which is rough to touch. 500-peso YELLOW
Does not react to ultraviolet light. 100-peso MAUVE
Watermark/ security fibers and security thread are incorporated 50-peso RED
during its manufacture. 20-peso ORANGE
COUNTERFEIT COUNTERFEIT
Made up of ordinary paper which usually reacts under the Irregular spattering of white spot caused by non- registry of
ultraviolet light. breaks of the background tint. Most often, counterfeit notes
WATERMARK lack the vividness of color inherent in genuine bills.
GENUINE VIGNITE
GENUINE
Watermark located on the unprinted portion of the note is the The line and dashes composing the vignette are fine, distinct
portrait appearing on the face of the note. and sharp; the varying colors that give a vivid look to the
Shadow effects are discernable when viewed with the aid of a picture that makes it stand out of the paper.
transmitted light. COUNTERFEIT
Usually dull and poorly printed It appears dirty Counterfeit note usually contain this feature, if ever, the figure
MAIN PRINT “500” is not recognizable as the genuine, even when held in
GENUINE the same manner.
Fingers will readily feel main print on the front and back on
fairly notes. MODULE 13
COUNTERFEIT QUESTION DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
The fingers are hardly feeling the main prints of the front and Alignment defect - characters that write improperly in the
back even on new notes following respect: a twisted letter, horizontal misalignment,
OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK vertical misalignment, or a character ‘’off its feet’’ these defects
GENUINE can be corrected by special adjustments to the type bar and
Very expensive inks applied on banknotes as a security type block of a type bar machine.
feature. Only 1000 peso Altered document - a document that contains a change either
bills have this. as an addition or a deletion.
CODE FOR THE BLIND Archive - collection of documents and records purposely
GEUINE stored for a defined period of time.
Located at the upper left corner of the bank note. Assisted writing - the result of a guided hand, produced by
It is purposely raised so that the blind can still feel it even after the cooperation of the two minds and two hands of two
some wear. persons.
MICROPRINTING Baseline - the ruled or imaginary line upon which the writing
GENUINE rests.
1000, 500, 200, 100, 50-peso banknotes may at first seem like Bow - a vertical curve stroke as in capitals D and C.
of any of the many crisscrossing lines, but upon closer Carbon copy - a copy of a typewritten document made by
examination, they reveal words. means of carbon paper. An exact replica; duplicate.
SECURITY THREAD Case file - a collection of documents comprising information
GENUINE concerning a particular investigation.
Special thread placed vertically on the paper during its Case records - all notes, reports, custody records, charts,
manufacture. analytical data, and any correspondence generated in the
Appears as a broken line for 5’s, 10’s, 100’s, 500’s, and laboratory pertaining to a particular case.
1000’s. Character - any typed or handwritten mark, sign or insignia,
COUNTERFIET abbreviation, punctuation mark, letter, or numeral whether
Faked by means of printing a vertical line either in front or at legible, blurred or indistinct.
the back of note. Charred document - a document that has become blackened
WINDOWED SECURITY THREAD and brittle through burning or through exposure to excessive
GENUINE heat.
View the widowed security thread on the improved version of Class characteristics - not all characteristics encountered in
100’s, 500’s, 1000’s and 200 document examination are peculiar to single person or thing
notes. and one that is common to a group may be described as a
IRIDISCEND BAND class characteristic. Traits that define a group of items
GENUINE collectively.
A wide glistening gold vertical stripe with the numerical value Clogged (dirty) typeface - over prolonged use, the typeface
printed in series. Can be view in 100’s, 500’s, 100’s and 200,s becomes filled with lint, dirt, and ink particularly in letters with
peso notes. closed loops such as p and g. If these conditions are allowed to
continue without cleaning, the printed impression will actually
VALUE PANEL print with the clogged areas shaded or solid black.
GENUINE Cursive - a form of continuous writing in which letters are
Numerals found at the four corners of the front and back of the connected to one another and designed according to some
note denoting the denomination. commercial system; the most common allograph of a
SPECIAL FEATURES grapheme.
GENUINE Decipher - to determine the meaning of, as hieroglyphics or
Also called invisible print, the fluorescent print is one feature illegible writing, or to translate from cipher into ordinary
that appears at the center of the face of the note which is not characters, or to determine the meaning of anything obscure.
seen by the naked eye except by the use of ultraviolet light. Defect - any abnormality of maladjustment in a typewriter that
COUNTERFEIT is reflected in its work and leads to its individualization or
Imitated by using a yellow- orange ink is visible even under identification.
normal condition. Disguised writing - a deliberate attempt to alter handwriting in
MICROPRINTS hopes of hiding one’s identity.
GENUINE Disputed document - a term suggesting that there is an
Microprints are clearly printed and readable. argument or controversy over a document. Disputed document
Present only denominations of 50, 100, 500, and 1000. and Questioned document can be used interchangeably to
COUNTERFEIT signify a document that is under special scrutiny.
Microprints are not clear and fine as the genuine and not Document - any material that contains marks, symbols, or
readable. signs either visible, partially visible, or invisible that may
LATENT IMAGE/ CONCEALED VALUE ultimately convey a meaning or message to someone.
GENUINE Document examiner - an individual who scientifically studies
True only for 500 denomination the details and elements of documents in order to identify their
Located at the lower left corner of the face of the note. source or to discover other facts concerning them.Documents
Recognizable when the note is held at the eye level. examiners are often referred to as handwriting identification
COUNTERFEEIT experts.
Documentation - written notes, audio/video tapes, printed Reference collection - collections of typewriting, check-writer
forms, sketches, or photographs that form a detailed record of specimens, inks, pens, pencils, paper, etc., compiled and
the scene, evidence recovered, and actions taken during the organized by the document examiner as standards of the
search of the crime scene. products.
Erasure - the removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a Request standards - writing samples written at the request of
document.It may be accomplished by either of two means, a another person.
chemical eradication in which the writing is removed or Restoration - any processed in which erased writing is
bleached by chemical agents (liquid ink eradicator, abrasive developed or brought out again on the document itself.
erasure in which the writing is effaced by rubbing with a rubber Retouching - going back over a written line to correct a defect
eraser) or scratching out with a knife. or improve its appearance, synonymous with patching.
Exemplar - a specimen of an identified source acquired for the Retracing - any stroke that goes back over another writing
purpose of comparison with an evidence sample. An example stroke. In natural handwriting there may be many instances in
of a person’s writing, a standard for use in comparisons, a which the pen doubles back over the same course but some
collected or a request specimen. retracing in fraudulent signatures represents a reworking of a
Facsimile - an image of printed matter that has been letter form or stroke.
transmitted electronically. Rhythm - the element of the writing movement marked by
Forgery - (free hand imitation) a legal term that involves not regular or periodic recurrences. It may be classed as smooth,
only a non-genuine signature or document but also intent on intermittent, or jerky in its quality.
the part of its marker; to defraud. https://criminologyboardexamreviewer.weebly.com/
Fountain pen - a modern nib pen containing a reservoir of ink
in a specially designed chamber or cartridge. After complete MODULE 14
filling, the pen maybe used to write a number of pages without Early Forms
refilling. Copybook Form (School Model) - The standard of
Fraudulent signature - a forged signature. It involves the handwriting instruction taught in particular school.
writing of a name as signature by someone other than the Classes of copybook depend on the standard copy adopted by
person without his/her permission, often with some degree of a writer.
imitation. Early Forms of Copybook Style
Freehand simulation - a fraudulent signature that is produced Spencerian Script
by copying or imitating the style and size of genuine signature Palmer Copybook
without the use of physical aids or involving a tracing process. D’Nealian Copybook
Graphology - the art of attempting to interpret the character of British Copybook
personality of an individual from his handwriting, also called French Copybook
graph analysis. German Copybook
Graphometry - a method of characterizing a handwriting by Groups of Characteristics
measurement of the proportionate values of the angle and ratio Handwriting characteristics come in two categories- general, or
of the heights and widths of letters. class characteristics, and individual
Movement - an important element in handwriting. It embraces characteristics. Depending on the cultural setting (time and
all the factors related to the motion of the writing instrument, place) when writing is learned, entire group of individuals may
skills, speed, freedom, hesitation, rhythm, emphasis, tremor, be taught or trained to write in the same way. When this
and the like. The manner in which the writing instrument i individual is first learning to write, there are differences in their
moved. ability to do the task, and the results are not all the same, but
Natural writing - any specimen of writing executed normally the true individualizing differences becomes more of an
without an attempt to control or alter its identifying habits and individual product- through conscious changes to fit a metal
its usual quality of execution. It is the typical writing of an picture of how we want our writing to appear, unconsciously.
individual. General/Common/Class Characteristics
Patching - retouching or going back over a defective portion of These characteristics refer to those habits are part of basic
a writing stroke. Careful patching is a common defect in writing system or which are modification of the system of
forgeries. writing found among so large of writers that have only slight
Pen - any writing instrument used to apply ink to the paper. identification value.
Pen lift - an interruption in a stroke caused by removing the They are those which conform to the general style acquired
writing instrument from the paper. when one is learning to write and which is fashionable at a
Pen position - the relationship between the pen point and the particular time and place. It is the style taught to the child in
paper. Specifically, the angle school or by the parents.
between the nib of the pen and the line of writing and between Not all characteristics encountered in document examination
the pen point and the paper surface are the elements of pen are peculiar to a single person, but rather common to a group.
position. National Characteristics- this refers to the extent that writing
Pencil - a writing instrument in which the marking position system within a country share common features and induce
consists of a compressed stick of graphite or colored marking class characteristics in the writing of its people, different from
substance usually mixed with clays and waxes. other countries.
Pencil grade - a qualitative description of the hardness or Example of Common Characteristics or Qualities
softness of a pencil. Ordinary copy book form
Pencil lead - not really lead but a mixture of various types of Usual systematic slant
waxes, clays, graphite, and carbon. Ordinary scale of proportion
Permanent defect - any identifying characteristic of a Conventional spacing
typewriter that cannot be corrected by simply cleaning the Individual or Personal Characteristics
typeface or replacing the ribbon. They are those introduced into the handwriting, consciously or
Questioned document - any document about which some unconsciously by the writer. They are highly personal or
issue has been raised or that is under scrutiny. peculiar and are unlikely to occur in other instances They are
characteristics which are the result of the writer’s muscular
control, coordination, age, health, nervous, temperament, which has been executed with his left hand, accounts for the
frequency, personality and character. common terminology for this class of disguise as “left-hand
Examples of Individual Characteristics writing.
Hook to the right and hook to the left Shape, position, size and 12.Letter Space- the amount of space left between letters
angle or “I” dots and “t” crossing 13.Line Direction- movement of the baseline. May slant up,
Idiosyncrasies down, or straight across the page.
Bulbs and distinctive initials and final pen pressure 14.Line Quality The overall character of the ink lines from the
Embellishment, added strokes, and free movement beginning to the ending strokes. There are two classes:
Abbreviation of letters a. Good line Quality
Simple and compound curves and graceful ending b. Poor line Quality
Labored movement producing ragged lines The visible records in the written stroke of the basic
Terminal shading and forceful ending movements and manner of holding the writing instrument is
WRITINGS CHARACTERISTICS characterized by the term “Line Quality’. It is derived from a
Alignment combination of factors including writing skill, speed rhythm,
The relation of the parts of the whole line of writing or line of freedom of movements, shading and pen position.
individual letters in words or signature to the baseline. It is the 15.Manuscript Writing- A disconnected form of script or semi-
alignment. The relative alignment of letters. script writing. This type of writing is taught in young children in
In general, a signature is written in a more style and often elementary schools as the first step in learning to write.
associated with greater degree of misalignment of the letters. 16.Margins- the amount of space left around the writing on all
2.Angular Forms- Sharp, straight strokes that are made by four sides.
stopping the pen and changing direction before continuing. 17.Movement- it is an important element in handwriting. It
3.Arcade Form- Forms that look like arches rounded on the embraces all the factors which are related to the motion of the
top and open at the button writing instrument skill, speed freedom, hesitation, rhythm,
4.Connecting Strokes this refers to the strokes of links that emphasis, tremors and the like. The manner in which the
connects a letter with the following. In signatures, it is common writing instrument is move that is by finger, hand, forearm or
practice among practice among many writers to write their whole arm.
signatures with the initials and connected without lifting the 18. Natural writing- Any specimen of writing executed
pen. normally without any attempt to control or alter its identifying
In writing, many writers habitually drop the connection before habits and its usual quality or execution
certain letters (particularly small letters within words). 19. Natural Variation- These are normal or usual deviations
When such dropping of connections occurs occur habitually, it found between repeated specimens of any individual
would be difficult for a writer to break handwriting.
such writing habits. 20. Pen Emphasis- It is the periodic increase in pressure of
This peculiarity in disconnections may occur in connection with intermittently forcing the pen against the paper surface. When
any letter and when this shows consistency in certain writing, it the pen-point has flexibility, this emphasis produces shading,
assumes an importance of high significance in writing but with more rigid writing points heavy point emphasis can
identification. occur in writing without any evidence of shading; the act
Letter of connections- Determine the essential expression of intermittently forcing the pen against the paper with increase
the writing pattern. It is a mean indicator of the neuromuscular pressure.
function. Words are formed by the connection of letters to one 21. Pen Hold- The place where the writer grasps the barrel of
another. Even letters are formed by the joining of the upward the pen and the angle at which he holds
and downward strokes. 22. Pen lift it is an interruption in a stroke caused by removing
A. Arcade the pen from the paper. Pen lift or disconnections between
B. Garland letters and letter combinations are maybe due to lack of
c. Angular connective form movement of control.
d. The threadlike connective form In cases of those who write clumsily or with difficulty, the pen is
5.Down Strokes- the movement of the pen toward the writer. raised frequently to a new adjustment to make a fresh start.
6.Form- The writer’s chosen writing style. This refers to the Words may be broken after almost any letter regardless of
shape or design of the individual letters. where it is in the world.
7.Garland Forms- A cup-like connected form that is open at Generally, pen lift has a little significant value because their
the top and rounded on the bottom frequency and location are largely governed
8.Gestalt A German that means “complete” or “whole”. A good by several conditions such as:
gestalt needs nothing added or taken away to make it “look Slow and carefully executed writing may have so many pen-
right”. Also, a School of handwriting analysis that looks at lifts; and Writing, done rapidly, will exhibit no pen-lift, except
handwriting as a whole picture. those at the end of the words.
9.Hand Lettering- Any disconnected style of writing in which 23. Pen position- Relationship between the pen point and the
each letter is written separately; also called hand printing. paper. The orientation of the writing instrument.
10.Hiatus/Pen jump a gap occurring between continuous 24. Pen Pressure- It is the average force in which the pen
strokes without lifting the pen. A gap between strokes due to contacts the paper or the usual force involved in writing. Pen
speed in writing and defective writing instruments. Most people pressure is one of the most personal but somewhat hidden
have no fixed writing habit regarding the inclusion of hiatus. It characteristics in writing. Pen pressure more accurately
is common to find a slowly written specimen written shortly describes the proportion of strokes to each other in width as
afterwards is practically devoid of hiatus. Therefore, hiatuses affected by shading and by shading by unconscious emphasis.
are included or omitted in the handwriting according to the 25. Print Script- A creative combination of printing and cursive
whim of the writer. writing.
11. Left Hand Writing also known as the wrong hand writing 26. Proposition- individual characteristics in relative proportion
Sinistral. Any writing executed with the opposite hand that of letters or proportion of a part of a letter or relative height of
normally used; a.k.a. as “with the awkward hand’. It is one one letter to another letter can be found in different writings.
means disguise. Thus, the writing of a right-handed person,
27. Ratio- For purposes of comparison, letters of the alphabets speed can be measured precisely from the finished handwriting
is divided into two groups namely: but can be interpreted in broad terms of slow, moderate, or
a. Letters written entirely between the lines are referred to as rapid.
short 37. Tension- The degree of force exerted on the pen
b. Letters with upper or lower loops or other projected portions compared to the relaxation.
will be chased as tall. 38. Terminal Strokes and Initial Strokes- When a letter, word
The relation between the tall and short letters is referred to as or name (signature) is completed in a free, natural writing, the
the ratio of the writing. In the ordinary copybook form, the pen is usually raised from the paper while in motion with “fling
length of the upper and lower loops of the tall letters is twice finish” and with many writers, the motion of the pen also slightly
the length of the short letters. precedes the putting of the pen on the paper at the beginning
Quality/ Line Quality with a “flying start” so that strokes at the beginning and end of
refer to the visible record in the written stroke of the basic words gradually diminish or taper to a “vanishing point”.
movement and manner of holding the writing instrument. This 39. Thread Form- An indefinite connective form that looks flat
quality of the visible record is derived from a combination of and wavy.
factors including writing skills, speed, rhythm, shading, pen 40. Tremor- Writing weakness portrayed by irregular shaky
pressure, pen position and freedom of movement. It is the strokes is described as writing tremor. Tremor means
overall character of the written strokes from initial to the “deviations from uniform strokes due to lack of smoothness
terminal. perfectly apparent even without magnification”.
A signature will either have good or poor line quality depending 41. Variability- The degree to which the writing varies from the
upon the reflex movement of the hand and arm of the writer. copybook model.
Good line quality is produced when the writer concentrates his 42. Variation- The act or process of changing. A more or less
attention on what he is writing rather than on how the pen point definite pattern for each is stored away in the subjective mind
is being moved. When a writer concentrates his attention on the hand does not always produce a stereo type of the pattern.
the movement of his pen point, reflex movement is retarded The hand ordinarily is not an instrument of precision and
lines are irregular and there will be no smoothness. therefore we may not expect every habitual manual operation
29. Rhythm- The elements of writing movement that are to be absolutely uniform. The greater skill in the art of
marked by regular or periodic recurrences. It may be classed Penmanship, the less the variations there will be in the form of
as smooth, intermittent, or jerky in its quality; the flourishing individualize letters as well in the writing as a whole.
succession of motion which are recorded in a written record. Causes of variation Function of some external factors.
a. Lack of Rhythm- Characterized by a succession of awkward, Lack of machine-like precision of the human hand.
independent poorly directed and disconnected motions. Abnormal conditions such as physical injury, toxic effects,
b. Importance of Rhythm- by studying the rhythm of the inebriations, emotion, nervousness, and age writer.
succession of strokes, one can determine if the writer normally Position of letter- all letters are to be found initially, medially,
and spontaneously or write with hesitation as if he is attempting and finally. The fact of the different position, especially in
to form another signature. combination with another and particular letter, may modify any
30. Shadings Is the widening of the ink strokes due to the of them in some way or another.
added pressure on a flexible pen point or the use of a stub pen. Due to the quantity of the writing prepared in the course of
It is the widening of the ink strokes with increase pressure on time, variation in genuine signature appears in superficial parts
the paper surface. It is the widening of the ink strokes with and does not apply to the whole process of writing. The degree
increase pressure on the paper surface. It is due to the spitting of care given to the act of writing creates variation. Change of
of the pen-nib resulting in the widening of the ink lines as slope and the size of the signature superficially affect the
controlled by the variation in pressure of fine and delicate lines appearance of the signature.
is more specifically referred to as “unconscious emphasis”. 43. Word Space/Lateral spacing- the amount of space left
A forger, who is unfamiliar with the manner and manipulation of between words. Abnormally, wide spacing or cramping of
the pen by another person, will have difficulty in imitating his letters may be regarded as personal characteristics of some
handwriting as to the exact location of the shading, most often value. Most writers retain their abnormal spacing habits even
resort to retouching of inclines. With the adoption of ballpoint there is an attempt to disguise other features in handwriting. In
pen wherein the width of the incline is not affected the shading signatures, when both the Christian name and surname are
by change in pressure, shading in handwriting is becoming written, most writers have fixed habits in spacing.
rare. Spacing of words is often a feature in handwriting. It remains
31. Significant Writing Habit- Any characteristic of constant even when handwriting is disguised or written in
handwriting that is sufficiently uncommon and well-fixed to rather limited spaces. Some writers prefer to reduce the size of
serve as a fundamental point in the identification. their writing to an almost illegible manner, rather than depart
32. Simplification- Eliminating extra or superfluous strokes from the usual word spacing habit.
from the copybook model. 44. Writing Conditions- Both the circumstances under which
33. Size- May refers to the overall size of the writing or the the writing was prepared and the factors
proportions between zones. influencing the writer’s ability to write at the time of execution. It
34. Skill- in any set there are relative degrees or ability or skill includes the writer’s position, the paper
and a specimen of handwriting usually contain evidences of the support and backing, and the writing instrument; writing ability
writers proficiency; degree, ability, or skill of a write proficiency. may be modified by the conditions of the
35. Slope of Slant- The angle or inclination of the axis of the writer’s nervous state, or degree of intoxication.
letters relative to the baseline. There are three classes: 45. Writing Skill- it is the relative degree of ability of a writer’s
a. Slant to the left; proficiency.
b. Slant to the right; Writing skills are dependent upon many factors, manual
c. Vertical slant dexterity being the most important of them. Manual dexterity is
36. Speed of Writing/ Speed (Speedy) Writing- the personal either inherent or acquired. The bases upon which skills
pace at which the writer’s pen moves across the paper. Not (pleasing pictorial aspect of writing) are judged are:
everyone writes at the same rate so that consideration of the Legibility
speed of writing may be significant identifying element. Writing Symmetry
46. Writing Impulse- the result of the pen touching down on identification of the questioned document, as for example the
the paper and moving across the page, until it is raised from known handwriting which serves to establish who wrote the
the paper. disputed letter. “Standard” in questioned documents
47. Rubric or Embellishment- This refers to the traditional investigation, means those things whose origins are known and
unnecessary strokes to legibility of letterforms or writings but can be proven and which can be legally used as examples to
incorporated in writing for decorative or ornamental purposes. compare with other matters in question. Usually a standard
Embellishment is usually added to signatures to enhance, what consists of the known handwriting of the person such case,
is to the writer, their “pleasing “standard” has the same meaning as is understood by the word
appearances”. This serves as “security” to make a signature “specimen” of handwriting.
more difficult to imitate or forge. Questioned Document Examination - Questioned
Document Examination has been a profession, at
MODULE 15 least since 1870, and is frequently done in cases of
Document forgery, counterfeiting, mail fraud, kidnapping, gambling,
The term document came from the Latin word organized crime, white collar crimes, theft, robbery, arson,
“documentum’, which means “lesson’, or example’ (in burglary, homicide, serial number, psychological profiling, and
Medieval Latin “instruction or official paper’) .it may have deviant sex crime.
been derived also from the French word “docere” Included also is the examination of suicide cases.
meaning “to teach”. Forensic Questioned Document Examination – The
Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either application of this science to law or court litigations in the
visible, partially visible that may present or ultimately administration of justice. It identifies the identity of a document
convey a meaning to someone, maybe in the form of in question.
pencil, ink writing. Or type writing, printing on paper. Exemplar - A term used by some document examiners and
Legal Definition of Document attorneys to characterize known material. Standard is the older
A Document is every deed or instrument executed by person term.
by which some disposition or agreement is proved, evidenced Holographic Document - Material completely written and
or set forth signed by one person; also known as holograph. In a number
The term document is said to apply to writings; to words of jurisdictions, a
printed, photographed; to seals, plates, or stones on which holographic will can be probated without anyone having
inscriptions are cut or engraved; to photographs and witness its execution.
pictures; to maps and plans Reference Collection - Material compiled and organized by
In relation to Criminal Jurisprudence under the Best Evidence the document examiner to assist him answering special
Rule, document is any physical embodiment of information questions. Reference collections of type writing, check writing
or ideas; specimens, inks, pens, and papers are frequently maintained.
Writings Which Do Not Constitute Documents- based from Criminalistics Examination The division of the QDE is
the Supreme Court Rulings. concerned with the detection of forgeries, alterations and
A draft of a Municipal Payroll which is not yet approved obliterations.
by the proper authority (People vs. Camacho, 44 Phil. The Criminalistics Examination of questioned document is
484). similar to the other kinds of laboratory work. Dr. Wilson
Mere blank forms of official documents, the spaces of Harisson, the noted British Examiner of questioned Document,
which are not filled up. (People vs. Santiago, CA 48 O.G> says that an intelligent police investigator can detect almost
4558). 75% of all forgeries by careful inspection of a document with
Pamphlets or books which do not evidence any simple magnifiers and measuring tools, the examination of
disposition or agreement are not document but are document in the criminalistics laboratory is also a scientific
mere merchandise (people vs. Agnis 47 Phil. 94545 procedure which can be learned in a very short time.
Questioned - Any material which some issues have been Hand Writing Identification Concerned with finding out the
raised or which is under scrutiny author of writing. Handwriting Identification on the other hand is
Questioned Document/Disputed Document a more difficult procedure and requires a long study and
One in which the facts appearing therein may not be experience. Because we recognize the handwriting of other
true, and are contested either in whole or part with person easily, we think that it is simple matter to detect forgery
respect to its authenticity, identity, or origin. It may be a in handwriting. This is
deed, contract, will, election ballots, marriage contract, not true. The handwriting experts have to learn differences of
check, visas, application form, check writer, certificates, form and structure by a sort of intuition, which is not easy to
etc. reduce to a science. For this reason, the police investigator or
Document is questioned because its origins, its contents, the laboratory criminalistics should confine his work to the
or the circumstance and story regarding its production detection of forgeries and erasures and leave the identification
arouse suspicion as to its geniuses or it may adversely of handwriting to a more qualified document expert.
scrutinize simply because it displeases someone. Further, Phases/Process of Scientific Handwriting Examination
it is said to be questioned when it is disputed or attacked, Recognition of characteristics (analysis) – Here, properties
either in whole or in part as to its date or age, as to its or
source or origin, as to the material used in their characteristics are observed, measured and determined
production, and as to its relation in some other Complete comparison of all characteristic (comparison) –
documents. Properties or characteristics of the unknown items determined
Questioned documents may be disputed or not. In other thru analysis is compared with the familiar or recorded
words, not all questioned documents are disputed. properties of known items.
Standard Document Are condensed and compact set of Correct interpretation of characteristics (Evaluation) –
authentic specimens which, if adequate and proper, should Similarities or dissimilarities in property or characteristics that
contain a cross have certain value for identification are determined by their
section on a material form a known source. They are used by a likelihood or occurrence. The examination involves, therefore,
document examiner as the basis for his identification or non-
the recognition, complete comparison, and correct
interpretation or evaluation of the handwriting.
Kinds of Documents
Public Document - Any instrument notarized by a public or
competent official with solemnities required by law. (Cacnio vs.
Baens, 5 Phil. 742)
Official Document - Any instrument issued by the
Governmentor
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.
Private Document - Every deed or instrument executed by a
private person without the intervention of a notary public or of
any person or of any person legally authorized, by which the
documents some disposition or agreement is proved,
evidenced or set forth. (US vs. Orera, 11 Phil. 596)
Commercial Document - Any instrument defined and
regulated by the Code of Commerce (People vs. Cobeng,
1913) or any other
commercial law.
Classes of questioned Documents
Documents containing questioned signatures
Questioned documents alleged to have been containing
fraudulent alterations.
Questioned or disputed holographic will.
Holographic Will- will entirely written in the handwriting of the
testator
Notarial Will-signed by the testator acknowledged before a
notary public in the presence of at least 3 witnesses.
Documents investigated on the question of typewriting.
Anonymous and disputed letters, Superscriptions, registrations
and miscellaneous writings.
With a view of ascertaining their resources
With a view of ascertaining their dates
With a view of determining whether or not they contain
fraudulent alterations or substituted pages.
Questioned documents on issues of their age or date.
Questioned documents on issues of materials used in their
production.
Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that
they identify some persons through handwriting.