Questioned Document

Questioned Document
A Comprehensive Review
Rhem Rick N. Corpuz, Ph. D Crim
Questioned Document Specialist
RHEM RICK N. CORPUZ, Ph. D Crim
Order of Presentation
Preliminaries Questioned Document: Timeline and Personalities Examination of Questioned Handwriting Standards in Questioned Document Examination of Signatures Examination of Fraudulent Alteration
RHEM RICK N. CORPUZ, Ph. D Crim 2
Order of Presentation
Examination of Counterfeiting Examination of Inks and Writing Materials Examination of Typewritten Notes and Materials Laws on Questioned Documents Current Trends in Questioned Documents
Preliminaries
Document
The term document came from the Latin word documentum, which means lesson, or example. It may have been derived also from the French word docere means to teach. Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs in which these components may either be visible or partially visible in conveying message or meaning to someone.
Kinds of Document
Public document
A document created, executed or issued by a public official in response to the exigencies of the public service, or in the execution of which a public official intervened. (U.S. v. Asensi, 34 Phil. 765)
Official document
A document which is issued by a public official in the exercise of the functions of his office. An official document is also a public document. It falls within the larger class called public document. (U.S. v. Asensi)
Kinds of Document
Private Document
Every deed or instrument executed by a private person without the intervention of a notary public or of any person legally authorized, by which the documents some disposition or agreement is proved, evidenced or set forth (US v. Orera,11 Phil. 596).-
Commercial Document
Any instrument defined and regulated by the Code of Commerce (People v. Co Beng, 1913) or any other commercial law.
What may not constitute as document?
A draft of municipal payroll which not yet approved by the proper authority. Mere blank forms of official documents. Pamphlets or books which do not evidence any disposition or agreement are not documents but are mere merchandise.
Questioned Document
Is a document or paper/s whose contents have been contested either in whole or in any part as to their authenticity. A document is questioned when there is a controversy over its preparation, contents and other circumstances surrounding it.
Questioned Document Examination
Is a term used to refer to the act of making a close and critical study of any document which is questioned, disputed or attacked, necessary to discover the facts about them.
Two Division of QDE

Criminalistics Examination. This involves the detection of forgery, erasure, alteration or obliteration of documents.
Dr. Wilson Harrison, a noted British Examiner of questioned documents said that an intelligent police investigator can detect almost 75% of all forgeries by careful inspection of a document with simple magnifiers and measuring tools.
Handwriting Investigation/Analysis. This is more focused in determining the author of writing. It is more difficult procedure and requires long study and experience.
Aspects of QDE
Handwriting Examination (Graphology/Graphoanalysis)
examination of signatures and initials examination of anonymous letters hand printing examination
Examination of Typewritings and typeprints. Examination of Inks Examination of Erasures, alterations or obliterations, etc.
Detection of alteration Decipherment of erased writings Restoration of obliterated writings
Counterfeiting
Examination of currency bills and coins and the like Examination of fake documents
Miscellaneous aspects
Determination of age of documents Identification of stamps Examinations of seal and other authenticating RHEM RICK N. CORPUZ, Ph. D Crim devices
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Purpose of QDE
To reveal/ discover the following: Identity of the author. True contents of the document. Origin of the instrument or paper used in making the document. Alterations or erasures which have been made. Authenticity of the document.
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Scientific Examination of QDE

Analysis (Recognition) - properties or characteristics, observed or measured. Comparison - Properties or characteristics of the unknown determined thought analysis are now compared with the familiar or recorded properties of known items. Evaluation- Similarities or dissimilarities in properties or characteristics will each have a certain value for identification, determined by its likelihood of occurrence. The weight or significance of each must therefore be considered.
Instruments used in QDE

Stereoscopic Microscope The stereoscopic microscope, two lowpowered microscopes arranged to converge on a single specimen, provides a threedimensional image.
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The compound microscope uses two lenses, an objective lens and an ocular lens, mounted at opposite ends of a closed tube, to provide greater magnification than is possible with a single lens. The objective lens is composed of several lens elements that form an enlarged real image of the object being examined.
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Shadowgraph an instrument that the images are cast in shadow: an image of a shape made by casting a shadow onto a surface

Handwriting Protractor An instrument for measuring angles: an instrument shaped like a semicircle marked with the degrees of a circle, used to measure or mark out angles.

UV Lamp this is usually used in the detection of counterfeited bills but can actually be used to detect security features of qualified documents.

Transmitted Light a device where light comes from beneath or behind glass on document is placed.
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Photo- enlarger A device used to enlarge negatives and transfer the image to the photo paper.
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Forensic Comparator An instrument which captures images and projects them on a black and white screen for enlargement purposes.

Electro- Static Detection Device
An Electro Static Detection Apparatus is used to visualize indentations by applying an electrostatic charge to a transparent film. The film is laid across the page in question and once the charge has been applied, black toner is passed across the film and reveals any indentations. This method can also determine if something has been added to a journal or log after the original entry was made

Video Spectral Comparator is used to analyze inks and see whether they are the same or different. This is done by looking at them under different lighting conditions where some wavelengths of light are blocked. This technique can uncover layers in documents where words have been scribbled out or written over

Thin Layer Chromatography is used to do a more thorough analysis of ink. The ink is mixed with chemicals and deposited onto a silicate plate where its constituents can be measured

Infrared Reflectance is used to show the residue of pencil marks. This can be done clearly even if the writing has been erased. Pencils are made of graphite which is a form of carbon and this absorbs infrared light well

Magnifying Lens For increased magnification
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Camera with Macro Lens To capture the handwriting sample and enlarge the same for court presentation.
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Basic Terminologies
DISPUTED DOCUMENT. A term suggesting that there is an argument or controversy over the document, and strictly speaking this is true meaning. STANDARD a.k.a. STANDARD DOCUMENT Are condensed and compact set of authentic specimens which, if adequate and proper, should contain a cross section of the material from a known source. EXEMPLAR. A term used by some document examiners and attorneys to characterize known material. Standard is the older term.
Basic Terminologies
HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENT. Any document completely written and signed by one person; also known as a holograph. REFERENCE COLLECTION. Material compiled and organized by the document examiner to assist him in answering special questions. Reference collections of typewriting, check writing specimens, inks, pens, pencils, and papers are frequently maintained.
Basic Terminologies
ERASURE - The removal of writings, typewriting or printing, from a document is an erasure.
Mechanical Chemical
EXAMINATION - It is the act of making a close and critical study of any material and with questioned documents, it is the process necessary to discover the facts about them. EXPERT WITNESS. A legal term used to describe a witness who by reason of his special training or experience is permitted to express an opinion regarding the issue, or a certain aspect of the issue, which is involved in a court action.
Basic Terminologies
HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION EXPERT. A common name for the document examiner. IDENTIFICATION (Identity) as used in this text it is the state of being identical or absolutely the same as in similarity of source or authorship of the questioned document and the standard document. INSERTION OR INTERLINEATION The term "insertion" and "interlineations" include the addition of writing and other material between lines or paragraphs or the addition of whole page to a document.
Basic Terminologies
NON-IDENTITIFICATION (Non-identity) as used in this text it means that the source or authorship of the compared questioned and standard specimens is different. OBLITERATION - the blotting out or shearing over the writing to make the original invisible to as an addition. OPINION. In legal language, it refers to the document Examiner's conclusion. Actually in Court, he not only expresses an opinion but demonstrates the reasons for arriving at his opinion. Throughout this text, opinion and conclusion are used synonymously. QUALIFICATION. The professional experience, education, and ability of a document examiner. Before he is permitted to testify as an expert witness, the court must rule that he is qualified in his field.
Basic Terminologies
ADDITION - Any matter made a part of the document after its original preparation may be referred to as addition. CONCLUSION - A scientific conclusion results form relating observed facts by logical, common-sense reasoning in accordance with established rules or laws. The document examiner's conclusion, in legal term is referred to as "opinion". DOCUMENT EXAMINER. One who studies scientifically the details and elements of documents in order to identify their source or to discover other facts concerning them.
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Care and Preservation of Documents

The improper or careless handling of a disputed document can lead to serious curtailment of certain technical examinations. DOs Keep documents unfolded in protective envelope. The most useful and effective protective covering of a disputed documents is a transparent plastic envelop.
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Take disputed papers to the documents examiners laboratory at the first opportunity. If storage is necessary, keep the document in a dry place away from excessive heat and strong light. Once a document is disputed it is seldom stored or filed for a long, but important documents should be kept properly for a long period of time.
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Do not handle disputed papers excessively or carry them in a pocket for along time. Do not mark disputed documents (either by consciously writing or by pointing at them with writing instrument or dividers). Do not mutilate or damage by repeated refolding, creasing, cutting, tearing or punching for filing purposes.
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Do not allow anyone except qualified specialist to make chemical or other do not treat or dust for latent fingerprints before consulting a document examiner. Do not allow Amateur Testing When possible, the charred documents should be moved in the container in which they all found.
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Historical Developments in QDE

1609- The first treatise on systematic document examination was published by Francis Demelle of France 1622- The first person that carried out systematic observations on the manner of handwriting was Camillo Baldi. He published the book entitled Treated how, by a letter missive, one recognizes the writers nature and qualities, which is considered the first known graphological essay. 1810- The first recorded use of questioned document analysis occurred in Germany. Konigin Hanschritt.
Historical Developments in QDE

1810- The first recorded use of questioned document analysis occurred in Germany. A chemical test for a particular ink dye was applied to a document known as Konigin Hanschritt. 1882- Gilbert Thompson, railroad builder with the US Geological survey in New Mexico, put his own thumbprint on wage chits to safeguard himself from forgeries. 1894- Alfred Dreyfus of France was convicted of treason based on mistaken handwriting identification by Bertillion. 1910- Albert S. Osborne- an American and arguably the most influential document examiner, published Questioned Documents. RHEM RICK N. CORPUZ, Ph. D Crim 39
Techniques in Examination
MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION - Any examination or study which is made with the microscope in order to discover minute physical details. With proper angle and intensity or illumination, it aids in the decipherment of erasures, some minute manipulations not perfectly pictured to the unaided eye and the sequence of entries done by different writing instruments. TRANSMITTED LIGHT EXAMINATION In this examination, the document is viewed with the source of illumination behind it and the light passing through the paper. Documents are subjected to this type of examination to determine the presence of erasures, matching of serrations and some other types of alterations.
OBLIQUE LIGHT EXAMINATION - An examination with the illumination so controlled that it grazes or strikes the surface of the document from one side at a very low angle. Decipherment of faded handwriting, determination of outlines in traced forgery, embossed impressions, etc. are subjected to this type of examination. PHOTOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION - This type of examination is very essential in every document examination. Actual observations are recorded in the photographs
ULTRA-VIOLET EXAMINATION - Ultraviolet radiation is invisible and occurs in the wave lengths just below the visible blue-violet end of the spectrum (rainbow). These visible rays react on some substances so that visible light is reflected, a phenomenon known as FLOURESCENCE. This type of examination is done in a darkroom after the lamp has been warmed up in order to give a maximum output of the ultra-violet light. Exposure to the ultra-violet light should be to the minimum duration in order to avoid fading of some writing ink and typewriter ribbon. INFRARED EXAMINATION - This examination of documents employs invisible radiation beyond the red portion of the visible spectrum (rainbow) which is usually recorded on a specially sensitized photographic emulsion.
Classes of QD
Documents containing questioned signatures. Questioned documents alleged to have been containing fraudulent alterations. Questioned or disputed holographic will. a. Holographic Will b. Notarial Will Documents investigated on the question of typewriting. 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.
Principle of QDE
When two items contain a combination of
corresponding or similar and specifically oriented characteristics of such number and significance as to preclude the possibility of their occurrence by mere coincidence and there are no unaccounted differences, it may be concluded that they are the same in their characteristics attributed to the same cause.
HANDWRITING ANALYSIS
Examination of Handwriting Specimen
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Handwriting Defined
It is the result of a very complicated series of acts, being used as a whole, and combination of certain forms of visible mental and muscular habits acquired by long, continued painstaking effort. Some defined handwriting as visible speech.
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Physiological Basis
This center near the motor area of the cortex is responsible for the finger movement involved in handwriting. The importance of this center is that when it becomes diseased as in a graphic, one loses the ability to write although he could still grasp a fountain pen, ball pen or pencil. Thus, the ability or power to hold a fountain pen or pencil to form symbols and words can be said to emanate from its cortical center.
Muscles involved in Handwriting

A group of extensor muscles push up the pen to form the upward strokes and ease the tension produced as a result by a group of muscle called the flexor muscles that push the pen to form a downward strokes.
Development of Handwriting
Children learn writing by following the school copy or model. After acquiring some degree of skill the children no longer follow the school model. As speed increases, conscious design and regularity begin to break down. In the course of trial and error, modification are made, simplification and elaborations, addition and omissions occur. The writing pattern of each child embodies unique combinations of such deviation from the standard letter forms or school model, and becomes his personal habits.
Kinds of Handwriting
Cursive connected; writing in which
one letter is joined to the next.

Script separated or printed writing. BLOCK all CAPITAL LETTERS.
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Basis of Handwriting Examination

In Wigmore's Principles of judicial Proof, handwriting is defined as a visible effect of bodily movement which is an almost unconscious expression of fixed muscular habits, reacting from fixed mental impression of certain ideas associated with script form. Environment, education and occupation affect individuals so variously in the formation of these muscular habits that finally the act of writing becomes an almost automatic succession of acts stimulated by these habits. The imitation of the style of writing by another person becomes difficult because the other person cannot by mere will power reproduce in himself all the muscular combination from the habit of the first writer.
History of Handwriting
Cuneiform Script
The impressions left by the stylus were wedged shaped, thus giving rise to the name cuneiform (wedge shape, form the Latin cuneus, meaning wedge) Is the earliest writing system in the world.
Handwriting as an Exact Science
In the hand of a qualified examiner operating under right conditions:

Sufficient questioned writing Sufficient known writing Sufficient time use of scientific instruments
Paleography (from Greek palais, "old" and graphein, "to write") is the study of ancient handwriting and the practice of deciphering and reading historical manuscripts. The first time the term "paleography" was used was perhaps in 1708 by Bernard de Montfaucon, a Benedictine monk
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Calligraphy (from Greek kallos "beauty" + graph "writing") is a type of visual art. It is often called the art of fancy lettering (Mediavilla 1996:17). A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner" (Mediavilla, 1996: 18).
Petrography The word comes from the Greek words petros meaning "stone" and glyphein meaning "to carve" (it was originally coined in French as ptroglyphe). (also called rock engravings) are images created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, pecking, carving, and abrading.
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Neolithic man began written communication as long as 20,000 years ago when he graphically represented objects and ideas in drawings on cave walls known as Iconography.
An Ideogram or Ideograph (from Greek idea "idea" + grafo "to write") is a graphic symbol that represents an idea or concept.
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From the Italian graffito meaning a scatch refers to handwriting or images on the walls or surfaces of a public area, such as building, parks, toilets, and trains, etc.. Graffiti" is applied in art history to works of art produced by scratching a design into a surface.
A scribe is a person who writes books or documents by hand as a profession and helps the city keep track of its records.
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Principles of Handwriting
No two writers write exactly alike. The physical writing conditions and position of the person including his writing instrument may affect the handwriting characteristics but they do not confine all its identifying elements.
Age, sickness, emotional state (transitory state), position
Principles of Handwriting
Individuality in handwriting can only be determined through comparative examination with the standard written or prepared under comparable conditions.
Under similar purpose
Similarity does not mean identity. Complete identity means definite forgery
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Variations in Writing
A more or less definite pattern for each is stored away in the subjective mind but the hand does not always produce a stereotyped duplicate of that pattern. The hand ordinarily is not an instrument of precision and therefore we may not expect every habitual manual operation to be absolutely uniform.
Causes of Variation
Function of some external condition i.e. influence of the available space. Abnormal conditions such as physical injury, toxic effects, inebriation's, emotion and deception. Position of letter - all the letters are to be found initially, medially, and finally. The fact of a different position, especially in combination with another and particular letter, may modify any of them in some way or another.
Importance of Variation
Personal variation encountered under normal writing conditions is also a highly important element of identification. The qualities of personal variation include both its nature and its extent. It becomes necessary to determine the amount, extent, and exact quality of the variations. With a group of signatures of a particular writer, certain normal divergence in size, lateral spacing and proportions actually indicate genuineness. Variation in genuine writing is ordinarily in superficial parts and in size, proportions, degree of care given to the act, design, slant, shading, vigor, angularity, roundness and direction of stroke.
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Copybook System
refers to the standard of handwriting instruction taught in particular school. Classes of copybook depend on the standard school copy adopted by a writer.
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Old Copybook System

Old English round hand - in fact an Italian hand popular in 1840. Modified round hand - early edition of the Spencerian, and the Payson, Dunton, and Scribners copybook - 1840 -1860. Spencerian - there is simplification by the omission of extra strokes and flourishes. And a general tendency toward plainer letters than the preceding system, some of which were very ornate - 1860-1890. Modern Vertical writing 1890-1900
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Modern Copybook System

Spencerian Script (1850- 1895)
Introduced by Platt Rogers Spencer
Palmer Copybook (1900- 1980)

Austin Norman Palmer
D Nealian Copybook (1980) British Copybook French Copybook German Copybook

Spencerian Script
Palmer Script
D Nealian Copybook
RRNC
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Importance of Copybook
to the nationality of the writer. to the system learned to the date when the writing was acquired and to some of the influences that have surrounded the writer.
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Terminologies in Handwriting
Alignment Is the relation of parts of the whole of writing or line of individual letters in words to the baseline. It is the alignment of words. The relative alignment of letters.
GARLAND FORMS A cup-like connected form that is open at the top and rounded on the bottom. ARCADE FORMS Forms that look like arches rounded on the top and open at the bottom.
ANGULAR FORMS Sharp, straight strokes that are made by stopping the pen and changing direction before continuing. THREADY FORM An indefinite connective form that looks flat and wavy.
DISGUISED WRITING - A writer may deliberately try to alter his usual writing habits in hopes of hiding his identity. The results, regardless of their effectiveness are termed disguised writing.
COLLATION - side by side comparison; collation as used in this text means the critical comparison on side by side examination. COMPARISON - the act of setting two or more items side by side to weigh their identifying qualities; it refers not only a visual but also the mental act in which the element of one item are related to the counterparts of the other.
Topline Midline Baseline Zones in Writing
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GRAPHOANALYSIS - the study of handwriting based on the two fundamental strokes, the curve and the straight strokes. GRAPHOMETRY - analysis by comparison and measurement. GRAPHOLOGY - the art of determining character disposition and amplitude of a person from the study of handwriting. It also means the scientific study and analysis of handwriting, especially with reference to forgeries and questioned documents.
GESTALT The German word that means complete or whole. A good gestalt needs nothing added or taken away to make it look right. Also a school of handwriting analysis that looks at handwriting as a whole picture. HANDLETTERING. Any disconnected style of writing in which each letter is written separately; also called handprinting
WRONG-HANDED WRITING. Any writing executed with the opposite hand that normally used; a.k.a. as with the awkward hand. It is one means of disguise. Thus, the writing of a right-handed person which has been executed with his left hand accounts for the common terminology for this class of disguise as "lefthand writing".
LETTER SPACE The amount of space left between letters. LINE DIRECTION Movement of the baseline. May slant up, down, or straight across the page. LINE QUALITY - the overall character of the ink lines from the beginning to the ending strokes. There are two classes: Good Line quality and Poor Line quality. LINE SPACE The amount of space left between lines.
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MANUSCRIPT WRITING. A disconnected form of script or semi-script writing. This type of writing is taught in young children in elementary schools as the first step in learning to write. MARGINS The amount of space left around the writing on all four sides. MOVEMENT It is an important element in handwriting. It embraces all the factors which are related to the motion of the writing instrument skill, speed freedom, hesitation, rhythm, emphasis, tremors and the like. The manner in which the writing instrument is move that is by finger, hand, forearm or whole arm.
PEN EMPHASIS - The act of intermittently forcing the pen against the paper surfaces. When the pen-point has flexibility, this emphasis produces shading, but with more rigid writing points heavy point emphasis can occur in writing w/out any evidence of shading; the act intermittently forcing the pen against the paper with increase pressure. PEN HOLD The place where the writer grasps the barrel of the pen and the angle at which he holds it. PEN POSITION - relationship between the pen point and the paper.
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PEN PRESSURE - the average force with which the pen contacts the paper. Pen pressure as opposed to pen emphasis deals with the usual of average force involved in the writing rather than the period increases. PRINTSCRIPT A creative combination of printing and cursive writing.
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PROPORTION or RATIO - the relation between the tall and the short letter is referred as to the ratio of writing. QUALITY. A distinct or peculiar character. Also, quality is used in describing handwriting to refer to any identifying factor that is related to the writing movement itself. RHYTHM The element of the writing movement which is marked by regular or periodic recurrences. It may be classed as smooth, intermittent, or jerky in its quality; the flourishing succession of motion which are recorded in a written record. Periodicity, alternation of movement.
SHADING - Is the widening of the ink strokes due to the added pressure on a flexible pen point or to the use of a stub pen. SIGNIFCANT WRITING HABIT Any characteristic of handwriting that is sufficiently uncommon and well fixed to serve as a fundamental point in the identification. SIMPLIFICATION Eliminating extra or superfluous strokes from the copybook model. SIZE May refer to the overall size of the writing or the proportions between zones. SKILL - In any set there are relative degrees or ability or skill and a specimen of handwriting usually contains evidence of the writer's proficiency; degree, ability, or skill of a write proficiency.
SLOPE/SLANT - the angle or inclination of the axis of the letters relative to the baseline. There are three classes: Slant to the left; Slant to the right; and Vertical Slant. SPEED OF WRITING - The personal pace at which the writers pen moves across the paper. TENSION The degree of force exerted on the pen compared to the degree of relaxation. WORD SPACE The amount of space left between words.
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Kinds of Handwriting
Finger Movement - the thumb, the first, second and slightly the third fingers are in actual motion. Most usually employed by children and illiterates. Hand Movement - produced by the movement or action of the whole hand with the wrist as the center of attraction. Forearm Movement - the movement of the shoulder, hand and arm with the support of the table. Whole Forearm Movement - action of the entire arm without resting. i.e., blackboard writing.
Strokes in Handwriting
Path followed by the pen in the paper
Arc- a curved formed inside the top curve of loop as in small letters h, m, n, & p. Arch- any arcade form in the body of a letter found in small letters which contain arches. Ascender- is the top portion of a letter or upper loop. Baseline- maybe actually on a ruled paper, it might be imaginary alignment of writing; it the ruled or imaginary line upon which the writing rests.
Diacritic- t crossing and dots of the letter i and j. The matters of Indian script are also known as diacritic sign; an element added to complete a certain letter, either a cross bar or a dot. Ending/Terminate stroke of toe- the end stroke of a letter. Eye/ Eyelet/Eyeloop- a small loop or curved formed inside the letters. This may occur inside the oval of the letters a,d,o; the small loop form by the stroke that extend in divergent direction as in small letters. Foot- lower part which rest on the base line. The small letter m has three feet, and the small letter n has two feet.
Hesitation- the term applied to the irregular thickening of ink which is found when writing slows down or stop while the pen take a stock of the position. Hiatus/ pen jump- a gap occurring between a continuous stroke without lifting the pen. Such as occurrence usually occurs due to speed; may be regarded also as a special form of pen lift distinguished in a ball gaps and appear in the writing. Hook- it is a minute curve or ankle which often occurs at the end of the terminal stroke. It also sometimes occurs at the beginning of a initial stroke. The terminal curves of a letters a,d,n,m,p,u is the hook.
Long letter- those letters with both upper and lower loops. Loop- a oblong curve such as found on the small letter f,g,I and letter stroke f has two. Majuscule- a capital letter. Miniscule- a small letter. Movement impulses- this refers to the continuality of stroke , forged writing is usually produced by disconnected and broken movements and more motion or movement impulses then in genuine writing. Patching- retouching or going back over a defective portion of a stroke. Careful patching is common defect on forgeries.
Shoulder- outside portion of the top curve, small letter m has three shoulders and the small letter n has two, the small letter h has one shoulder. Spur- a short initial or terminal stroke. Staff- any major long downward stroke of a letter that is the long downward stroke of the letter b,g. Stem or shank- the upright long downward stroke that is the trunk or stalk, normally seen in capital letters. Tick/ Hitch- any short stroke, which usually occurs at the top of the letters. Tremor- a writing weakness portrayed by irregular shaky strokes is described as writing tremor. Whirl- the upstroke of looping ascender.
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Linear Letters- lower case letters having no ascending loops or stems, or descending loops or stems sometimes called minuscule. No capital letters. Supralinear- letters that extend a distance vertically above the linear letters, (b, d,h,k,l and t) Infralinear- Letters are those that extend a distance vertically below the baseline of the writing or of the linear letters. (g,j,p,q,y,z). Double-Length Letters- are those few letters that extend a distance vertically both above and below the linear letters. (f, y, z,p)
Characteristics of Handwriting
GENERAL(CLASS) CHARACTERISTICS These characteristics refer to those habits are part of basic writing system or which are modifications of the system of writing found among so large a group of writes that have only slight identification value. INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS - They are characteristics which are the result of the writer's muscular control, coordination, age, health, and nervous temperament, frequency of writing, personality and character.
Individual Characteristics
Writing movement Form and design of letters Muscular control or motor control Loose writing - this is characterized by too much freedom of movement and lack of regulation. This is noticed especially in tall letters forms. Restrained writing - there is lack of freedom and inhibited movements. It gives you the impression that every stroke was made with great difficulty. This writing is small. There is distortion of letter forms which may lead to illegibility. Motor Coordination Shading Skill
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Individual Characteristics
Alignment Pen pressure Connection Pen hold Rhythm Disconnections or pen lifts between letters Speed. Slant as a writing habit Proportion of letters Quality of stroke or line quality Variation
Standards in Handwriting
STANDARD. They are known writings which indicate how a person writes. A writer manifests fixed habits in his writings that identify him. This fact provides the basis for an opinion of conclusion regarding any writing identification problem. EXEMPLARS - Specimen of the writing of suspects are commonly known as exemplars. The term standards is a general term referring to all authenticated writings of the suspects while exemplars refers more especially to a specimens of standard writing offered in evidence or obtained or request for comparison with the questioned writing. SAMPLE - A selected representative portion of the whole is known as a sample. In this text, the term "sample" follows closely the statistical usage.
Types of Standards
Collected Standards are KNOWN (genuine) handwriting of an individual such as signature and endorsements on canceled checks, legal papers letters, commercial, official, public and private document and other handwriting such as letters, memoranda, etc. written in the course of daily life, both business and socials. Request standards are signature or other handwritings (or hand printings) written by an individual upon request for the purpose of comparison with other handwriting or for specimen purposes. Post Litem Motan Exemplars - writings produced by the subject after evidential writings have come into dispute and solely for the purpose of establishing his contentions.
Considerations in Acquiring Standard

The amount of Standard written Similarly of Subject Matter. If the questioned writings are hand printed, then get hand printed standard or exemplar. Relative Dates of the questioned and the standards writing standard signatures or writing must be those written five (5) years before or five (5)after the date of the questioned signature or writing. Contemporaneous Standards Condition under which both the questioned and the standard are prepared. look for standards prepared under comparable circumstances such as: paper rested on the knee; standing; sitting; lying down; and/or while on moving vehicle. Writing Instrument and Paper.
Procedures for Examination

Determine whether all standards are written by same person. Examine the standard handwritings. Examine the individual handwriting characteristics of standards and questioned exemplar. Weigh the points of similarities and points of dissimilarities. Subject the questioned handwriting to a microscopic examination
Post Litem Motan

Standard writings witnessed Standards writings admitted Record Maintained in Regular Course of Business as Standard Writings Government Document as standard Writings Ancient writings
Signature Examination
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SIGNATURE
SIGNATURE defined It is the name of a person written by him/her in a document as a sign of acknowledgement. Or, it is a name or a mark that a person puts at the end of a document to attest that he is its author or that he ratifies its contents.
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Terminologies in Signature
FRAUDULENT SIGNATURE. A forged signature. It involves the writing of a name as a signature by someone other. CROSS MARK. Historically, many who could not write signed with a cross mark or crude X. This authenticating mark is still used today by illiterates, and if properly witnessed, it can legally stand for a signature. EVIDENTIAL SIGNATURE - Is not simply a signature - it is a signature, signed at a particular time and place, under particular conditions, while the signer was at particular age, in a particular physical and mental condition, using particular implements, and with a particular reason and purpose for recording his name. RHEM RICK N. CORPUZ, Ph. D Crim 105
Terminologies in Signature
FREEHAND SIGNATURE. A fraudulent signature that was executed purely by simulation rather than by tracing the outline of a genuine signature. GUIDED SIGNATURE. A signature that is executed while the writers hand or arm is steadied in any way. Under the law of most jurisdictions such a signature authenticates a legal document provided it is shown that the writer requested the assistance. Guided signatures are most commonly written during a serious illness or on a deathbed. IMITATED SIGNATURE. Synonymous with freehand forgery. MODEL SIGNATURE. A genuine signature that has been used to prepare an imitated or traced forgery.
Types of Signatures
FORMAL (a.k.a. CONVENTIONAL or COPYBOOK FORM) - complete correct signature for an important document such as will. INFORMAL (CURSORY) - usually for routine documents and personal correspondence. 1. Personalized 2. Semi-personalized CARELESS SCRIBBLE - for the mail carrier, delivery boy or the autograph collector.
Forgery
Forgery is, strictly speaking, a legal term which involves not only a non-genuine document but also and intent to fraud. However, it is also used synonymously with fraudulent signature or spurious document.
108
Classes of Forged Signatures

SIMULATED OR FREEHAND IMITATION FORGERY executed purely by simulation rather than by tracing the outline of a genuine signature can be referred as freehand imitation or simulated forgery. Or it refers to the free-hand drawing in imitation of model signature. TRACED FORGERY (TRACED SIGNATURE) DIRECT TRACING - tracing is made by transmitted light. INDIRECT TRACING - forger uses a carbon paper and place document on which he will trace the forged signature under the document bearing the model signature with a carbon paper between the two.
109
Classes of Forged Signatures

TYPES OF TRACED SIGNATURE:
CARBON PROCESS INDENTATION PROCESS TRANSMITTED LIGHT PROCESS
SPURIOUS SIGNATURE (SIMPLE FORGERY) - Forger does not try to copy a model but writes something resembling what we ordinarily call a signature. For this, he uses a false (spurious) name and makes a rapid stroke, disturbing his usual writing by adopting a camouflage called disguise.
Steps in Signature Examination

STEP 1 - Place the questioned and the standard signatures in the juxta-position or slide-by-side for simultaneous viewing of the various elements and characteristics. STEP 2 - The first element to be considered is the handwriting movement or the manner of execution (slow, deliberate, rapid, etc). The fundamental difference existing between a genuine signature and an almost perfect forgery is in the manner of execution. STEP 3 - Second elements to examine is the quality of the line, the presence or tremors, smooth, fluent or hesitation. Defect in line quality is only appreciated when simultaneous viewing is made. STEP 4 - Examine the beginning and ending lines, they are very significant, determine whether the appearance blunt, club-shaped, tapered or/vanishing.
111
Steps in Signature Examination

STEP 5 - Design and structure of the letters Determine as to roundness, smoothness, angularity and direction. Each individual has a different concept of letter design. STEP 6 - Look for the presence of retouching or patching. STEP 7 - Connecting strokes, slant, ratio, size, lateral spacing. STEP 8 - Do not rely so much in the similarity or difference of the capital letters, for theses are the often changed according to the whim of the writer.
Proof of Genuineness
Carelessness Spontaneity Alternation of thick and thin strokes Speed Simplification Upright letters are interspersed with slanting letters The upward strokes to a threadlike tracing Rhythm Good line quality Variation
Indicia of Forgery
Tremulous and broken connecting strokes between letters, indicating points at which the writer has temporarily struck. no rhythm carefulness or unusual care and deliberation no contrast between upward and downward strokes slow writing- angular writing blunt beginning and endings placement of diacritical marks just over the stem of letters absence of spontaneity - lack of smoothness of letters restrained writing - there is lack of freedom or "inhibited" movements THAT gives the impression that every stroke is made with great difficulty. This writing is small. no variation
COUNTERFEITING
COUNTERFEITING - It is the crime of making, circulating or uttering false coins and banknotes. Literally, it means to make a copy of; or imitate; to make a spurious semblance of, as money or stamps, with the intent to deceive or defraud. Counterfeiting is something made to imitate the real thing used for gain. FALSIFICATION The act/process of making the content/s of a document not the intended content. FORGERY The act of falsely making or materially altering, with intent to defraud, any writing which if genuine, might be of legal efficacy or the foundation of a legal liability.
Making of Paper Money

ENGRAVING It is the process by which the line to be printed are cut into pieces of metal by hand or with a machine. Ink is rubbed over the plate to fill the cuts in the metal and the extra ink wiped-off the top. The pressure of the paper on the plate causes the ink in the holes to be lifted on the surface of the paper. The ink lines will be felt to be raised above the surface. The engraving process is used for the production of all genuine bank notes. LETTERPRESS PRINTING is the most common form of printing books, magazine, letterheads and the usual printing in common uses. In the process, the letters are made on raised pieces of metal which covered with ink and then impressed upon the paper in the same form as a rubber stamp or clich. The serial numbers of a bank note are usually added by this letterpress process after the note has been produced by an engraving.
116
Making of Paper Money

OFFSET PRINTING is the method a photograph is taken of the desire material and a print is made on a specially prepared aluminum plate. The plate is kept wet with water. When ink is applied, it sticks only these parts of the plate where printing is desired. The aluminum plate is then put in contact with rubber roller which transfers the ink to the papers. The offset process is quite used in small printing plants. Because it was photographic process, it is the most common modern used by counterfeiter to make false paper money.
Characteristics of Genuine Bills

Generally smooth Distinctive feel & embossed effect 1. The fingers will readily feel 1. The fingers will hardly feel the the the main print on the main prints of the front & back even on new notes. front & back on fairly new notes. 2. This is brought about by offset 2. This is due to the print the most common measurable thickness of the process employed by counterfeiters ink deposited on the paper which gives the prints an 3. The prints are mere stains on embossed effect. the coating of the sensitized paper which is glossy.
118
Feature of the Paper Bills
119
Features of the Paper Bills
120
Paper Fibers
The first one is the visible security fibers. These are easily seen in current Philippine banknotes as the blue and red fibers that are randomly spread throughout the front and back of the paper bill.
Paper Fibers
The other kind is the invisible security fiber. These glow a fluorescent yellow under ultraviolet light.
122
Writing Materials and Papers

ANACHRONISM It refers to something wrong in time and in place. This means that the forger has trouble matching the paper, ink, or writing materials to the exact date it was supposed to have been written. PAPER These are sheets of interlaced fibers - usually cellulose fibers from plants, but sometimes from cloth rags or other fibrous materials, that is formed by pulping the fibers and causing to felt, or mat, to form a solid surface. WATERMARK - Certain papers are marked with a translucent design, a watermarks impressed in them during the course of their manufacture. WRITING MATERIALS Any material used primarily for writing or recording such as papers, cardboard, board papers, Morocco paper, etc.
123
Historical Development
PAPYRUS - This came into use about 3,500 B.C. - people of Egypt. Palestine, Syria, and Southern Europe used the pith (soft spongy tissue of the stem) of the sedge (grass-like herb) CYPERUS PAPYRUS to make a writing material known as PAPYRUS. PARCHMENT - writing material made from skin of animals primarily of sheep, calves or goats - was probably developed in the Middle East more or less contemporaneously with papyrus. It came into wide use only in the 2nd century B.C. in the city of PERGAMUM in ANATOLIA. VELLUM - writing materials from fine skins from young calves or kids and the term (name) was often used for all kind of parchment manuscripts, it became the most important writing material for bookmaking, while parchment continued for special manuscripts.
Anachronism
An anachronism (from the Greek "ana", "against, anti-", and "chronos", "time") is anything that is temporally incongruous in the time period it has been placed inthat is, it appears in a temporal context in which it seems sufficiently out of place as to be peculiar, incomprehensible or impossible.
Quill Pen
A writing implement made from a flight feather of a large bird. The shaft of the feather acts as an ink reservoir and ink flows to the tip via capillary action. The strongest quills come from the primary feathers taken from living birds in the spring.
126
Steel point pen

Although pens of bronze may have been known to Romans, the earliest mention of "BRAZEN PENS" was in 1465. The 16th century Spanish calligrapher JUAN DE YCIAR mentions brass pens for very large writing in his 1548 writing manual, but the use of metal pens did not become widespread until the early part of the 19th century. The first patented steel pen point was made by the English engineer BRYAN DONKIN in 1803. The leading 19th century English pen manufacturers were WILLIAM JOSEPH GILLOT, WILLIAM MITCHELL, AND JAMES STEPHEN PERRY.
127
Fountain Pen
A pen that contains a reservoir of waterbased liquid ink. The ink is drawn through a feed to the nib and then to the paper via a combination of gravity and capillary action.
Reed Pen
It came from especially selected water grasses found in Egypt, Armenia and along the shores of the Persian Gulf, were prepared by leaving them under dung heaps for several months. It was the first writing tool that had the writing end slightly frayed like a brush. About 2,000 years B.C., this reed pen was first used in NEAR EAST on papyrus and later on parchment.
Ball point pen

BALL POINT PEN: JOHN LOUD, in 1888, patented the first ball point writing tool. A ball point pen has in its point a small rotating metal ball that continually inks itself as it turns. The ball is set into a tiny socket. In the center of the socket is a hole that feeds ink to the socket from a long tube (reservoir) inside the pen.
Fiber Tip Pen

The first practical fiber tip pen was invented by YUKIO HORIE of Japan in 1962. It was ideally suited to the strokes of Japanese writing, which is traditionally done with a pointed ink brush. Dye is fed to the point by elaborate capillary mechanism.
Invisible Ink
Inks developed by heat Cola drink (diluted) Honey (diluted) Semen Soap water Sugar solution Lemon
Milk Onion Juice Urine Vinegar or Wine Apple, Orange,
132
TYPEWRITER EXAMINATION
133
Typewriter defined.
TYPEWRITER - A writing machine with a keyboard for reproducing letters, figures, symbols and other resembling printed ones; a machine that can reproduce printed characters on papers or that can produce printed letters and figures on paper; a machine designed to print or impress type characters on paper, as a speedier and more legible substitute for handwriting.
Basic Terminologies
CARBON IMPRESSION- Any typewriting which is placed on the paper by the action of the type faces striking thought carbon paper is classed as a carbon impression. Generally, carbon impressions are "carbon copies", but sometime original typewriting is made directly through a carbon ribbon. CHARACTER - In connection with typewriting identification, the term "Character" is used to include letters, symbols, numerals, or points of punctuation. CLOGGED (DIRTY) TYPEFACES - With use the type faces becomes filled with lint, dirty and ink, particularly in enclosed letters such as the o,e,p, and g. DEFECTS - The term defect describes any abnormality or maladjustment in a typewriter which is reflected in its works and which leads to its individualization or identification. OFF ITS FEET - The condition of a typeface printing heavier on one side or corner than over the remainder of its outline.
Basic Terminologies
PERMANENT DEFECT - Any identifying characteristics of a type-writer which cannot be corrected by simply cleaning the type face or replacing the ribbon is classified as a permanent defect. PLATEN - The cylinder which serve as the backing of the paper and which absorbs the blow on the type face is known as a platen. REBOUND - A defect in which a character prints a double impression with the lighter one slightly offset to the right or left. RIBBON IMPRESSIONS - Typewriting which is made directly through a cloth ribbon is called ribbon impression. RIBBON CONDITION Typewriter ribbons gradually deteriorate with use and the degree of determination is a measure of the ribbon condition.
136
Basic Terminologies
TWISTED LETTER - Each letter and character is designed to print a certain fixed angle to the base line, due to wear, and damage to the type bars and the type block, some letters become twisted so that they lean to the right or left of their correct slant. TYPE FACE - The printing surface of the type block is known as the type face, with most modern typewriter this block is attached at the end of a movable arm or type bar which propels the type face against the ribbon and paper to make the typewriter impression. TYPE FACE DEFECTS - Any peculiarity of typewriting caused by actual damage to the type face metal is known as type face defect. These defect may be actual breaks in the outline of the letter where the metal has been chipped away sometimes referred to as broken type, or they may be distorted outlines of the letter where the type face metal has become bent or smashed, they can only be corrected by replacing the type block.
137
Types of Typewriter
CONVENTIONAL TYPEWRITERS USING TYPE BARS
Pica Type - 10 letter/inch Elite Type - 12 Letters/inch
TYPEWRITER USING SINGLE ELEMENT OR BALL A machine, capable of typing 10 or 12 characters per inch. Change of horizontal spacing is done easily by the flip of a switch. TYPEWRITER USING A PRINT WHEEL (ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITER) This has a disc type device called a print wheel, The printwheel contains all of characters represented on the typewriter keyboard. This machine has the capability of typing 10, 12 and 15 letters per inch.
138
Some Early Forms of Typewriter
139
Some Early Forms of Typewriter
140
TEST OF MEMORY
RHEM RICK N. CORPUZ, Ph. D OLIVER G. SALTA, MSCJE QDE SPECIALIST
The thickness of paper expressed in thousands of inch.

A. B. C. D. Measurement Caliper Buffer Calibre
4/17/2014
Chemical used paper pulp.

A. B. C. D. Bleach Alum Sufite Pulp
to
whiten
4/17/2014
A form of printing to produce a raised impression or pattern on the surface of a sheet of paper.
A. B. C. D. Lithograph printing Embossing Edge chains Reprographing
4/17/2014
The original inventor of Fourdrinier paper machine.

A. B. C. D. Fourdrinier Brothers Bryan Donkin Nicholas-Louis Robert Milton Reynolds
4/17/2014
Quality of a paper related to the amount of light that can be transmitted through its surface.
A. B. C. D. Thickness Opacity Translucent Texture
4/17/2014
Fundamentally, the grand mission and objective of document examiner is to determine and conclude with scientific basis and technique who
A. B. C. D. Beneficiaries Writer or signatory Master mind Conspirator
4/17/2014
In questioned document, it is where all characteristics are grouped.

A. B. C. D. Class characteristics Individual characteristics Both A and B Neither
4/17/2014
The term used in questioned document when the writer removes the pen from the paper.
A. B. C. D. Hiatus Pen pressure Pen lift Pen stop
4/17/2014
A writing was written by one person when there is a sufficient number of identical writing habits and the absence of divergent characteristics. This is in consonance with
A. B. C. D. Identification Non-identification Either Niether
4/17/2014
Embellishment is an example of
A. B. C. D. Individual Characteristics Class Characteristics Both Niether
4/17/2014
Alignment is the relation of the parts of the whole line of writing or line of individual letters in words or signature to the _________.
A. B. C. D. Writer Paper Pen Baseline
4/17/2014
Hiatus is a gap strokes due to

A. B. C. D.
between
Speed in writing Defective writing instrument Unevenness of writing materials All
4/17/2014
Among the following, which is not an element of movement?

A. B. C. D. Line Quality Rhythm Speed Freedom emphasis
4/17/2014
Writing, done rapidly, will exhibit no pen lift, except those at the
A. B. C. D. Middle of the words/strokes End of the stroke Beginning of strokes B and C
4/17/2014
The orientation of the writing instrument is referred to as

A. B. C. D. Pen position Pen hold Pen emphasis Pen orientation
4/17/2014
The relation between the tall and short letters is referred to as

A. B. C. D. Ratio Proportion Line quality All
4/17/2014
What will be produced when the writer concentrate his attention on what he is writing rather than on how the pen point is being moved?
A. B. C. D. Poor line quality Good line quality Shading Tremor
4/17/2014
In questioned document examination, it is referred to as the flourishing succession of motion which are recorded in a written record.
A. B. C. D. Line quality Rhythm Speed in writing Movement
4/17/2014
Slant is the angle or inclination of the axis of the letters relative to the
A. B. C. D. Baseline Slope Alignment Staff
4/17/2014
Uncommon and well fixed characteristic that serve as a fundamental point of identification.
A. B. C. D. Slant Habit Movement All
4/17/2014
Baseline is the ruled or imaginary line upon which the writing ______
A. B. C. D. Holds Rests Stays Slants
4/17/2014
Among the following, which is a common defect of forgery?

A. B. C. D. Patching Retracing A and B None
4/17/2014
Letters that extend a distance vertically above the linear letters.

A. B. C. D. Infra-linear Supra-linear Linear None
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The only question to tackle in this kind of signature forgery is the determination of the probable writer of the forgery.
A. B. C. D. Simple forgery Simulated forgery Traced forgery A and B
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A kind of signature forgery where the resemblance of the questioned signature and genuine is apparent.
A. B. C. D. Fraudulent Simulated Simple Traced
4/17/2014
To identify whether simple forgery was committed, which of the following should be retrieved?
A. Standard signature from the forger B. Standard of the genuine signature C. Standard of the person who made the forgery D. Identity of the forger
4/17/2014
One of the following statements best describe what a collected standard is.
A. It has the advantage of easily finding it. B. Attempt to disguise is removed. C. The accused is aware that the specimen will be used against him. D. None
4/17/2014
Authenticity of private documents is not necessary when

A. B. C. D. It is 30 years old More than 30 years old Less than 30 years old More or less 30 years old
4/17/2014
Counterfeit paper bill glows under ultra violet light.

A. B. C. D. True Partly true False Partly false
4/17/2014
During paper manufacture, the following are included except

A. B. C. D. Security fiber Watermarks Iridescent band Serial number
4/17/2014
Which of the following is not a crime called forgery?

A. B. C. D. Forging the seal of the government Counterfeiting of coins Mutilation of coins Using forged signature or counterfeit seal or stamp
4/17/2014
The imitation of a legal or genuine coin.

A. B. C. D. Counterfeit Mutilation Utter Import
4/17/2014
When a spurious coin is made, there is

A. B. C. D. Counterfeiting Uttering Mutilation Importing
4/17/2014
Mutilation of coins without the intent to defraud is

A. B. C. D. Not punishable under the revised penal code Not punishable by any law Punishable under the revised penal code Punishable under Art. 164 of the RPC.
4/17/2014
To make false instrument intended to be passed for the genuine one is a form of
A. B. C. D. Falsification Forgery Tracing Fraud
4/17/2014
An instrument payable to _______ where it is drawn payable to the order of a specified person.
A. B. C. D. Order Bearer Obligations Contract
4/17/2014
Which of the following method should be used in order for the naked eye to see a charred document?
A. B. C. D. X-ray Spectrograph Ultra violet Infra red
4/17/2014
In questioned document examination, what are the irregularities on strokes, shaking or wavering of strokes?
A. B. C. D. Shakening Tremor Strokes Variation
4/17/2014
When bank notes or other documents payable to bearer are forged, it is called
A. B. C. D. Forgery Falsification Counterfeiting All
4/17/2014
Which of the following security features of a paper bill does not react to ultra-violet light?
A. B. C. D. Serial Number Watermark Fluorescent printing Invisible security fibers
4/17/2014
Paper is for papyrus is for

A. B. C. D. Sumer China Sumeria Egypt
china
while
4/17/2014
IF THE LAW HAS MADE YOU...A WITNESS, YOU WILL... REMAIN A MAN OF SCIENCE. YOU HAVE NO VICTIM TO AVENGE, NO GUILTY OR INNOCENT TO RUIN OR SAVE. YOU WILL BEAR WITNESS WITHIN THE LIMITS OF SCIENCE
Thank you and GODBLESS!


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