8-25-2022MODULE - 1 QDE - SY 22-23 (Ist Sem)

Jose B.
Wacangan M &Tue 7:30AM to 4:00 PM
Cp no. 09175641619 joe bigwacs@gmail.com
QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS EXAMINATION

(Forensic Science 4)
Introduction
Importance of Documents
Documents record man’s life. Officially, his birth certificate signals man’s existence on earth. Corollary,
thereto, his death certificate writes finish to his stay on earth. However it is common note documents other than
these to indicate man’s birth and death. Long before the child’s birth, we may find intimate not between Mr. and
Mrs. Del Rosario to name the first born as Johnny. The name from Mrs. Del Rosario she had started conceiving her
pre-natal check-up with the Doctor; the hospital certificate of the delivery of a boy or girl Del Rosario, all these
proceeds’ the issuance of birth certificate, yet the poignant example of the initial existence of man. After death, the
certificate attesting to the fact is not all one finds man’s repose. The last will and testament, the obituary, the
tombstone with inscription epitaphs, all these are documents testifying to his death.
Man’s life does not center alone on his birth or on his death. The intervening period opens for us more
documents, reams of them. Take the doctor’s note on the mother’s postnatal visits with the child, the first
inoculation, subsequent ones with the reams of papers; notebooks report, card, excuse slips, followed by an array of
diplomas from kindergarten, primary, elementary, high school, college and perhaps post graduate courses. While
studying the more serious love notes and not to far behind the letter proposing marriage and finally the inking of
marriage contract and certificate. This brings us back to where we started. The conception, pre-natal visits, is the
birth of new generations.
Again, life is not all schooling or marriage. Man must find work to feed his family. Thus, we find him filling up
application for employment. He is accepted by a company. Swears him and he receives his appointment papers. At
the end of every week or every fifteenth and thirtieth of the month, man signs the payroll and receives his pay check
or cash as the case maybe. The longer he stays the more payrolls and pay checks. He goes up the ladder of success
and the more papers and documents he encounters. His membership in Lions or the Jaycees or the Kiwanis or the
Knights of Columbus or the Freemasonry must be accomplished. He must sign this and that communication paper.
As he grows older, he comes across his retirement papers and receives his pension checks, as the shadows of finally
sets upon man; the final document testifying to his demises is the death certificate.
Jose B. Wacangan M &Tue 7:30AM to 4:00 PM
Pre-assessment test (choose the correct answer on the following questions by writing letters only)
1. It is a condensed and compact set of authentic specimens which if adequate and proper, should contain
a true cross-section of the material from a known source. a. Document
b. Handwriting c. Standard of comparison d. characteristics
2. A classification of falsification, that for the act to be punished, it must be shown that some prejudice or
damage to a third party must have been caused or intended to be caused.
a. falsification of private document b. falsification of public documents

c. falsification of official documents d. falsification of commercial document
3. A classification of falsification in which damage is immaterial for what is important is the violation of
public faith, and the destruction of the truth, and the change must affect the integrity of the document
a. falsification of commercial document b. falsification of public document c.

falsification of official document d. falsification of private document
4. A kind of document which is executed by a private person without the intervention of a notary public, or
of competent public official, by which some disposition or agreement is proved, evidence is set forth
a. Private document b. public document c. official document

d. commercial document
5. Is an exemplar that has been obtained from an official record, personal letter or any other document that
is known to have been written by the suspect is not available, or when the investigation is conducted
without the knowledge of the suspect
a. collected standard b. Questioned document c. simulated document

d. all of the above
6. It is an instrument that can be legally used in comparison with a questioned document ; its origin is
known and can be proven
a. Simulated document b. standard document c. forged document d. falsified

document
7. May be accomplished by the insertion of word, phrase, or sentence between two lines of the original
writing
a. Forgery b. substitution c. intercalation on a genuine document

d. insertion
8. Is any material, which contain marks, symbol or sign either visible, partially visible or invisible that may
presently or ultimately convey a meaning or message to someone
a. Questioned documentb. Standard document c. documents d. all of the

above
9. Any document that some issue has been raised or which the authenticity is under scrutiny
a. Questioned documentb. document c. forgery d.

standard document
10. Is a legal term which involves not only a non-genuine document but also an intent on the part of its
maker to defraud
a. Document b. Traced forgery c. forgery d. all of the above
11. Is written by him/her on a document as a sign of acknowledgement
a. Conventional signature b. Highly individualized signaturec. addition d.

signature
12. A signature which is executed with so many intertwining strokes which are not in relation to their letter
formation and construction
a. conventional signature b. highly individualized signature c. super imposition d. none

of the above
13. Person who are able to write letters using both his hands
a. Writing b. Hand writing c. ambidextrous d. none of the above
14. The result of a very complicated series of acts, being as a whole, a combination of a certain forms of
visible mental and muscular habits acquired by long continued painstaking effort.
a. ambidextrous b. writing c. Handwriting d. none of the above

15. Handwriting characteristics which is distinct, unique and peculiar to a particular individual
a. Handwriting b. individual characteristics c. common characteristics d. none

of the above
COURSE OUTLINE WITH STUDY GUIDE
LESSON 1 ACTIVITY SCORE
 Introduction  Pre-
to assessment
Questioned  Quiz 15pts
Documents  Assignmen 10pts
 Definition of t
terms  Research
work
LESSON II
 Classes of  Quiz 10pts
Questioned  Homework 10pts
Documents
LESSON III
 Preparation  Quiz 20pts
of  Recitation 10pts
Documents  Research
for work
examination
LESSON IV
 Preparation  Quiz 20pts
of specimen  Recitation 10pts
standard  Prelim 10pts
and exam
questioned 85pts
handwriting
for
examination
LESSON V  Summative
 Care and test
Handling  recitation
Prelim 85pts
exam
Total
Activity/assign/rec Quizzes Participation Prelim exam
60pts-25% 75pts-25% 10% 85pts =40%
Module 1
INTRODUCTION
The examination of a Document is one of the oldest in the field of forensic science. History reveals
that the practice of forgery and other frauds involving documents evolved almost as early in the
development of writing as a medium of communication. Forensic document examination applies the
principle of science and logic to all questioned document problems in order to determine the document’s
origin, authenticity and genuineness.
This module aims to provide the students a working knowledge on how to deal with the scientific
examination of questioned documents by understanding and internalizing the following lessons; definition of
technical term frequently used in this course, classes of questioned documents, care and handling of
questioned documents and preliminary examination of questioned documents.
Learning Objectives
 At the end of this Module 1, the student will be able to:

 Internalized and apply the different technical terms in QD.
 Familiarize themselves with the classes of Questioned Documents
 Prepare standards documents of comparison
 Know the care and handling of Questioned Documents
Directions/Module Organizer
1. You need to read every lesson without skipping any of them. One lesson is the continuation of
the next lesson. For some parts that need further explanation, you need to search for further
understanding.
2. In order to accomplish this important task, you should take an assessment and evaluation
techniques before and end of each lesson through quiz, reflections, critique paper, research, and sharing of
ideas.
Lesson 1
Definition of terms
1. Document – Any material which contains a mark, symbol or signs, either visible or invisible,
that may presently or ultimately convey meaning to someone. (Some documents should be
placed in its prescribed form. By Albert Osborn)
2. Questioned Document – Any documents about which some issue has been raised or which is
under scrutiny is referred to as a questioned document/disputed document. A document that
has been questioned in whole or in parts, with respect to its authenticity, identity, origin, or the
relation among its parts and to other things.
3. Examination – is the act of making a close and critical study of any material and with
questioned documents is the process necessary to discover the facts about them. Various
types are undertaken, including microscopic visual, photographic chemical, ultraviolet and
infrared examinations.
4. Comparison – Is the act of setting two or more items side by side to weigh their identifying
qualities. It refers not only to a visual but also the mental act in which the elements of one item
are related to the counterparts of the other.
5. Fist off theory of comparison – The act of setting two or more signatures in an inverted position
to weigh their identifying significance, the reason being that those we fail to see under normal
comparison may readily be seen under this theory.
6. Ultra violet examination – Ultra violet radiation is invisible and occurs in the wavelengths just
below the visible blue violet end of the spectrum rainbow. These invisible rays react on some
substances so that visible light is reflected, a phenomenon known as fluorescence. Thus,
ultraviolet examination may be made visually or photographically by recording either the
reflected ultraviolet or visible radiation.
7. Opinion in legal language – The document examiner’s conclusion is known as an opinion.
Actually, court he not only expresses an opinion but demonstrates the reason for arriving at
this opinion. Opinion and conclusion are used synonymous.
8. Copy book forms – The design of a letter which is fundamental to a writing system are referred
to as copy book forms. This terminology is derived from the old methods of teaching
handwriting from a copy book form which contained engraved script printed on each page for
the student to imitate.
9. Signature (by Webster) – Is one’s name written by himself on a document as a sign of
acknowledgement,
10. Simulated signature – A freehand drawing in imitating a model signature.
11. Model signature – A genuine signature which has been used to prepare an imitated or traced
forgery is known as the model.
12. Writing or handwriting – Is the visible effect of bodily movement which is an almost
unconscious expression of fixed muscular habits reacting from fixed mental impressions of
certain ideas associated with a script form. It is the visible record of the pen or paper. Writing is
the result of a very complicated series of acts being as a whole a combination of certain forms
which are a very visible result of mental and muscular habits acquired by long continued
painstaking effort.
13. Standards of comparison – In questioned document examination we mean those writings
whose origin are known and can be proven and which can be legally used as examples to
compare with other matters in question-usually a standard has the same meaning as is
understood by the word specimen of handwriting.
14. Forgery – Every person who, with intent to defraud, signs the name of another person, or of a
fictitious person knowing that has no authority to do so, or falsely makes alters forges or
counterfeits any check or any instrument payable to the bearer shall be guilty of forgery (RPC
Art. 161-176). As used in handwriting identification is the act of imitating or simulating
somebody’s signature by another without the permission of the former for profit.
15. System of writing – The combination of the basic design of letters and the writing movement
as taught in school. Writing through use diverges from the system, but generally retains some
influence of the basic training.
16. Significant writing habits – This term is applied to any characteristic or handwriting which is
sufficiently unique and well-fixed to serve as a fundamental point in the identification, class and
Individual.
17. Characteristic – Is any property or mark which distinguishes and in document examination
commonly refers to identifying details. There are two groups of characteristics,
18. Class characteristics – Not all characteristics encountered in document examination are
peculiar to a single person, or thing and one that is common to a group may be described as
class characteristics.
19. Individual characteristics – A characteristic which is highly personal or peculiar and unlikely to
occur in other instances.
20. Natural variation – Normal or usual deviations found between repeated specimens of any
individual’s handwriting or in the product of any typewriter or other record making machine.
21. Movement – Movement is important in handwriting. It embraces all of the factors which are
related to the motion of the writing instrument- skill, speed, freedom, hesitation, rhythm,
emphasis, tremor and the like. The manner, in which the writing instrument is moved, that is,
by finger, hand or arm action, may influence each of these factors.
22. Natural writing – Any specimen of writing executed normally without an attempt to control or
alter its identifying habits and its usual quality of execution. It is the typical writing of an
individual.
23. Writing condition – Both the circumstances under which the writing was prepared and the
factors influencing the writer’s ability to write at the time of execution. Circumstances pertaining
to preparation involve the writer’s position (sitting, standing, abed, etc.), the paper support and
backing, and the writing instrument; writing ability may be modified by the condition of the
writer’s health, nervous state, or degree of intoxication.
24. Wrong-handed writing – Any writing executed with the opposite hand from that normally used.
Some workers refer to this writing as “with the awkward hand” It is one means of disguise.
Thus, the writing of a right- handed person written with his left-hand accounts for the common
terminology for this class of disguise as “left-handed writing”.
25. Graphology – The art of attempting to interpret the character or personality of an individual
from his handwriting; also called grapho-analysis. Such an undertaking is beyond the realm of
the document examiner’s work.
26. Grapho-analysis – A form of graphology commonly practiced in the United States. It has no
relationship to handwriting identification.
27. Conclusion – A scientific conclusion results from relating observed facts by logical, common-
sense reasoning in accordance with the established rules or laws. The document examiner’s
conclusions are so derived. See opinion, the usual term.
28. Disputed document – A term suggesting that there is an argument or controversy over the
document, and strictly speaking this is its true meaning. In this module, as well as through prior
usage, however, “disputed document” and “questioned document” are employed
interchangeably to signify a document that is under special scrutiny.
29. Holographic document – any document completely written and signed by one person; also
known as holograph. In a number of jurisdictions, a holographic will can be probated without
anyone having witnessed its execution.
30. Decipherment – The process of making out what is illegible or what has been effaced.
Decipherment refers to the process of reading or interpreting the erased or obliterated material
that is illegible without actually developing or restoring the original writing on the document
itself
Lesson II
Classes of Questioned Documents
Documents are questioned, disputed and attacked on many grounds and for various reasons but
the great majority of questioned papers are included in the following classes:
I- DOCUMENTS WITH QUESTIONED SIGNATURES
The most common disputed document is the signature and may be any commercial or legal paper,
Such as check, note, receipt, draft, order, contract, agreement, assignment, will, deed, or similar document,
the signature of which is under suspicion. In this class are found the traced forgery, spurious forgery and
the forgery produced by simulating or copying process. In disputed documents the signature only may at
first be suspected but many different things may eventually show the fraudulent character of the instrument,
and, as already pointed out, everything about it that in any way may throw light on the subject should be
promptly investigated.
At first view the signature should be critically examined and compared with genuine signatures but
neither at this time later should any writings be used for comparison, by those who are to testify, that
cannot be legally proved as standards of comparison. In this preliminary examination it is necessary to
determine whether the writing in question shows the absence of divergent writing characteristics and the
presence of the genuine writing habits and characteristics of the alleged writer to a sufficient extent to
warrant the conclusion that the writing is genuine; or whether the absence of a sufficient number of
characteristics of genuineness and the presence of the divergent characteristics lead to the conclusion that
the writing is not genuine.
As stated above, this preliminary examination should never be made hastily and judgment should
be preserved until every phase of the examination is completed. It is desirable in many instances to make
the examination at two settings with some time intervening, that the steps may be carefully reviewed when
the mind and vision are unwearied.
The color and character of the ink of a questioned signature should on first view always be
carefully observed under suitable magnification and compared with the ink on all parts of the documents
and, if condition warrant it, with standard inks of the alleged age of the document. If the ink is fresher than
the age of the document would seem to warrant, a careful color reading of it should be made and recorded.
Not infrequently the attempt is made to hide the evidences of forgery in a fraudulent document by
some alleged accident by which the paper is partially defaced or torn, or it may have been deliberately
crumpled, soiled, or discolored in order to make it more difficult to show its real character. Any unusual
condition in a document is an additional reason why it should be subjected to an even more rigid
examination than would otherwise be given it.
Another question which it is sometimes necessary to investigate in any signature inquiry is whether
it is possible the writer had under command two styles of signature, one a conventional body-writing style
and the other an individualized, distinctive check signature. There are writers who write a signature in a
manner quite divergent from their general writing and when a writer of this class writes his signature in his
body-writing style, especially with the given name spelled out which he usually writes as an initial, it may be
sufficiently divergent from his usual signatures so that with only the initialed signatures for comparison it
may be difficult to say whether or not it is genuine. With only usual standard signatures for comparison, it
may not be possible to say positively that the handwriting is genuine.
In an investigation of signatures written in unusual form it is desirable, if not necessary, to have for
standards of comparison not only signatures but extended writing of other classes. With ample standard
writings of various classes, it is usually possible to determine whether such an unusual signature is or is not
genuine. As already stated, however, with certain writers it is very difficult if not impossible to reach a
definite conclusion with only usual signatures for comparison. The careful examiner will require that every
available standard writing be supplied before a definite opinion is given.
II. DOCUMENTS CONTAINING ALLEGED FRAUDULENT ALTERATIONS
In the second class are included all documents in which it is alleged some alteration was made by
erasure, addition, interlineation or substitution. In connection with these documents, questions may arise as
to the order or sequence of writing as shown by crossed lines, age and continuity of writing, erasures and
changes, identity of ink, identity of pen and pen condition, self-consciousness or unusual care in writing,
and the question may arise whether writing preceded or followed the folding of the paper. This important
class of questioned documents also includes all varieties of “raised” checks, drafts and notes, as well as
fraudulent interlineations in contracts, deeds, will and other legal papers.
III. HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTS QUESTIONED OR DISPUTED
The third class of suspected papers comprises those in which the writing of entire written
documents is all questioned. These complete documents, fraudulent, are usually vulnerable in many
possible particulars and should be subjected to the most searching scrutiny including consideration of
paper, watermarks, ink, pens, style or system of writing, natural variation or variety of form in writing,
continuity of writing, slant, spacing and shading of writing, wording, subject matter, seals, folding, and
ruling.
Tickets of many kinds are frequently forged or counterfeited, also rare stamps, valuable
manuscripts, certificates, letters of introduction and recommendation, letters of credit, diplomas,
marriage certificate, marriage contracts, court papers, book plates, and especially autographs and
letters of famous people, and also commissions, discharges and many other kinds of documents.
IV. DOCUMENTS ATTACKED ON THE QUESTION OF THEIR AGE OR DATE
The fourth class of questioned documents includes those in which the age of an instrument or the
age of some part of it is investigated, or a document in which the comparative age of different parts
may have some bearing on the question of its genuineness. Interesting papers of this class are often
brought forward which purport to be ancient documents of great importance and which is usually
claimed were found on some strange place or under peculiar conditions, and these circumstances are,
as a rule, minutely detailed. These stories often are surprisingly alike in many ways and alone often are
sufficient to arouse a strong suspicion that the document is not genuine.

V. DOCUMENTS ATTACKED ON THE QUESTION OF MATERIALS USED IN THEIR
PRODUCTION.
Documents have frequently been shown to be false because they were dated many years before
Paper was made on which they were written, and this is only one illustration of the fifth class of
questioned documents, or those shown to be fraudulent through the material used. A recent disputed
paper dated 1942 had a dry seal after the signature the design of which was not made till 1946. Other
matters for investigation under this head are: type printed forms, lithographed forms, typewriting,
envelopes, stamps, contents, or any tangible thing that has a date value.
VI. DOCUMENTS INVESTIGATED ON THE QUESTION OF TYPEWRITING

a). With a view of ascertaining their source
b). With a view to determining their date
c). With a view of determining whether or not they contain fraudulent alteration or substituted
pages.
VII. DOCUMENTS OR WRITINGS INVESTIGATED BECAUSE IT IS ALLEGED THAT THEY

IDENTIFY SOME PERSON THROUGH HANDWRITING.
The seventh class of questioned documents are of great variety and of all disputed papers they are
perhaps most frequently brought under investigation. This class includes all documents, papers, and
writings or instruments which by their handwriting and contents tend to identify some person. The most
common documents of this class are all kinds of anonymous and disputed letters. These may be
ordinary letters offered as evidence, but usually are abusive, warning, obscene, or scurrilous
communications, or any of the great variety of blackmailing, black-hand and threatening letters which so
frequently become the object of legal inquiry.
VIII. GENUINE DOCUMENTS ERRONEOUSLY OR FRAUDULENTLY ATTACKED.
It will be seen considering these various classes of disputed papers that there are two
(2) related but quiet distinct questions regarding handwriting. The first question is whether a certain
writing is genuine or forged. In such a case the writing is usually denied by the writer, or those who
represent him, and the question to be determined is whether it is genuine writing, an imitation of
genuine
writing, or wholly different writing. The second handwriting question in these inquiries, is whether a
certain writing will serve to identify the writer. A writing of this class maybe and usually is disguised.
If it appears to be disguised then the question is, whether the writer thus attempted to hide his personality
and failed to do so, or is the writing not disguised and actually the writing of another person? In this class
included disguised anonymous letters and also ordinary letters and papers offered as evidence that by their
writing serve as a means of identification.
In disguised writing the effort of the writer is directed to the exclusion of personal writing
characteristics by the adoption of characteristics foreign to his own writing. The problem in the examination
of writing of this class is to discover and weigh against each other, as evidence for or against identity,
involuntary and unconscious genuine characteristics and voluntary adopted or foreign characteristics.
A writing that is simply disguised, as usually the case in anonymous letters, is one in which the
writer seeks only to hide his own personality without assuming that of any other particular person. It is
reasonable to expect a simulated writing will resemble in one degree the writing it seeks to imitate, and it is
equally apparent that a disguised writing will differ in some measure from the usual writing of one who thus
attempts to his own personality.
The simple question sometimes arises whether a complete letter or other document containing
considerable matter, which is undistinguished and written rapidly and freely, is in the actual handwriting of a
certain writing of a similar character. In an inquiry of this kind, it is simply necessary to determine to what
extent all the variable characteristics and habits of two natural and undisguised handwritings will
accidentally coincide. With sufficient disputed and standard writing of this class by the same writer, proof of
identity in a case of this kind often reaches such a degree of certainty that it leads to confession or
disappearance of the writer.
In any considerable quantity of writing, it is usually possible to discover and show clearly whether
writing is natural and free or whether it is unnatural and feigned. A feigned hand like a simulated document,
is almost certain to be inconsistent with itself in certain significant features or qualities, and will not be free
and rapid. If a writing of this class is free and rapid it will almost certainly show, when carefully analyzed,
many of the characteristics of the natural writing of the writer.
Lesson III
Preparation and collection of Handwriting Standard s of comparison
The accuracy of handwriting opinion depends on the accuracy of the known writing. Writing standards
may be defined as specimens that tell how a person writes. To obtain such writing sounds like a simple
operation, but actually it may be one of the most complex and difficult steps in the whole writing
investigation.
What are the basic requirements for proper writing standards? They must show how the individual
writes and most especially how he would produce the material in question under similar conditions to those
in which the questioned writing was prepared. This specimen certainly must contain enough appropriately
prepared material to indicate not only the individual writing habits of the author but also the usual variation
in this habit from one writing to the next. They need not necessarily contain all the innumerable identifying
characteristics of the person’s writing, only those that should be found in material exactly like that in
dispute.
Two classes of specimens can be relied upon to fulfill these requirements. One consists of writing
executed from day to day in the course of business, social, or personal affairs. These specimens may be
referred to as collected standards. The second class consists of material written at the request of an
attorney, court, prosecutor or investigator for the sole purpose of comparison with the questioned
documents, material commonly known as collected standards. The problem encountered in assembling
collected or request standards differ in a number of ways, so each class will be treated separately.
Collected standards
The most important single factor in assembling good standards in the amount of writing, but other
factors influence the usefulness collected standards. The points to consider are:
1. The amount of writing available
2. The similarity of subject matter
3. The relative dates of the disputed and standard writing
4. The condition under which both questioned and known specimen were prepared
5. The type of writing instrument and paper used
Amount of writing standard

The importance of an adequate amount of writing has already been emphasized as
the keystone of good writing standards. There is a common belief that a writer can be positively identified
from only one or two of his signatures. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Normal writing variations
alone generally makes this impossible. Only with a quantity of material, therefore, can all the writing
characteristics of an individual and the variations that usually occur from specimen to specimen be
accurately determined.
That everyone does not sign his name or write any combination of words in exactly the same way
twice is one of more complicating elements of handwriting identification. This natural variation must be
revealed by the known writing. Variation in writing is a personal factor-it is not the same for each individual
either in extent of nature. Besides, it can be influenced by the condition under which the writing was done.
Here is the reason that no hard and fast rule can be set for a minimum number of signatures or a minimum
amount of general handwriting.
With many problems, 10 or 20 signatures should constitute an adequate sample, but there are a
certain number of cases that may require 30, 40, or even more signatures in order to accurately reveal the
writer’s habit, ability, and range of variation. Actually, it is poor policy for the investigator with the bare
minimum when just a few additional specimens can greatly fortify the findings.
The minimum amount of writing necessary to identify the author of a handwritten document or an
anonymous letter likewise varies. As a working minimum , four or five pages of carefully selected
continuous, natural writing usually prove satisfactory. Regardless of these suggestions, though, a person
submitting a problem should always strive to obtain as large a quantity of handwriting as possible rather
than to fulfill minimum requirements.
Similarity of subject matter

The set of standards not only contains a quantity of writing but also includes an ample amount of
the same general type of material as that in dispute. Thus, if a signature is questioned, standard signatures
should be collected; if the check is believed to be fraudulent, genuine cancelled checks should be procured;
if an account entry is challenged, other entries serve as the best standards; if the authorship of any
anonymous letter is to be established, letters and pages of connected writing should be gathered for
purposes of comparison. The reasons for these choices become obvious with brief consideration of the
various factors involved.
In collecting signature standards, one must also consider the use for which each specimen was
written. Some writers have two or more distinctive styles for particular purposes. For example, one variety
may be used on checks, on legal documents and a second for correspondence. Some individuals are
consistent in their use of a specific signature style, while others may be entirely inconsistent. Further-more,
there may be serious divergences between formally written signatures- those deeds, contracts, for
example- and informal or somewhat unimportant signatures, such as those used to receipt for a delivery or
to sign for small purchase of gasoline. Therefore, there is a need to obtain numerous signatures employed
for the same purpose as the one in question and whenever possible, it is desirable to include those
appearing on other classes of documents. Only with such a set of standards can it be readily determined
whether the writer employs more than one type of signature, and if so, what relationship the questioned
specimen bears to any one of them.
Principally because of the limited number of writing characteristics common to signatures, but also
because of differences in many instances between them and the remainder of the person’s writing,
signatures make poor standards for the comparison with other types of disputed writing. In these latter
cases standards made up of letters, reports, and other handwritten documents provide for more extensive
and proper study of the problem. Similarity between the standard and disputed writing greatly assists in the
identification. The document examiner needs to compare like things. A general analysis of what needed to
compare with the questioned writing may, for example, reveal a great number of capital letters combined
with lowercase letters suggesting that known material, such as an address book, would produce good
comparison writing. Contrariwise, these same standards may be of relatively little value in identifying the
writer of a letter or holographic will, just as hastily written notes are poor standards for comparison with
formal writing. Thus, thought must be given to the section of the kind of general handwriting to be
collected.
Relative Date of Preparation

In previous discussion of handwriting identification, it was pointed out that over the course of years
a person’s writing may go gradual change just as his appearance does. The rate of nature of changes
varies from individual to individual. It depends on such factors as how often and how much he writes, his
writing skills and his mental and physical condition. Writing of a middle-age person in good health, for
example, may change very little from year to year, but during a severe illness, it may deteriorate sharply
only to return to its original vigor as he regains strength.
An infirm signature may have been written immediately after a serious accident or operation when
it was believed essential to execute the particular document. During the severe illness one is not apt to do
much writing so that there may be only a limited number of comparable signatures written if in fact any exist
at all. In such cases, the date of preparation is extremely significant.
Normally in the case of a typical adult, basic writing habits change gradually. Therefore, material
written two or three years before or after serve as satisfactory standards, but as the lapse of years between
the date of standards and question materials becomes greater, the standard has the tendency to be least
representative. Consequently, an effort should always be made to procure some specimens written near in
date to the disputed matter.
Writing conditions
The condition under which writing was prepared may affect its value for comparison purposes.
Haste, lack of care, or unnatural writing position for-example, resting the paper on the knee-introduce
variations that may make the specimens entirely unsuited for comparison with carefully written material. In
the case of illness, writing in bed in a somewhat awkward position may introduce variables in addition to
those produced by the writer’s physical condition. Our noticeable variations can be caused by writing on the
rough or irregular surface, or on a moving vehicle. Illegible receipt and hastily written notes are common
classes of specimens that reflect qualities typical of the conditions under which they were written.
No writing prepared under such unusual conditions should be depended on exclusively for
comparison with writing done under more normal circumstances, although they may often serve as a
valuable supplement. Brief investigation into the conditions under which a document was written can
indicate something of its appropriateness as standard in current problem.
Writing instruments and paper

Since the identification of handwriting depends on consideration of all its elements, the kind of
writing instrument used for a particular sample may have some influence on its usefulness as a standard.
Pen and ink contain certain identifying characteristics that are fully revealed in pencil specimens, while a
change in a style of nib pen (for example, from a flexible to stiff point) may also introduce writing variations.
Furthermore, the reader must remember that a ball point pen produces writing that is not completely
comparable to work of a nib or fountain pen, and is in effect a distinctive class of writing instrument. In
addition, the porous tip pen produces writing strokes that have still other slightly different characteristics.
The composition, size, shape, and ruling of paper may measurably affect the writing. If the reader
has ever written with fountain pen on poor grade, un-sized paper, he knows the difficulties encountered and
the blurred strokes that so often follow, results not obtained when writing on high grade, bond paper.
Likewise, many writers adjust the size of their signature to some degree to the space allowed for signing.
Besides, standards on ruled forms permit consideration of how the individual habitually arranges his writing
in relation to the printed baseline. Each element may assist in reaching a more accurate solution to some
problems. Standards prepared with comparable writing instruments and on appropriate paper or forms
help to provide the examiner with the most useful material. It may be possible to reach an accurate
conclusion, and the examiner often does, with standards that were not prepared with similar pens or pencils
or on paper exactly like the questioned document in composition, sizes, shape, and ruling, but we are
looking for the very best standards upon which he can base his opinion, not just what will do. There are
some few cases every year in which less than ideal standards seriously restrict the findings.
Thoroughness on the part of the investigator from the start means consideration of each limiting
factor and elimination of them whenever possible.
Verification of standards
Standards should be verified through a detailed field investigation and by obtaining specimens
written in the presence of reliable witnesses. Careful questioning of those bringing forth standards and if
possible, the writer himself, can serve as a means of authentication. Writing used for different purposes,
prepared at various times and under diverse circumstances, permit technical cross-checking and
verification. Standards are the cornerstone of examination of the examination of disputed writings, and no
identification can be more accurate than the standards that support it.
Request Standards
Despite the vast potential sources of handwriting standards, circumstances do arise under which it
is difficult, or perhaps impossible, to obtain an adequate set of collected standards at the moment at which
they are needed. These circumstances are most common to criminal investigations, although they are by
no means confined exclusively to these cases. Therefore, if the suspected person is available and willing, a
set of requests or dictated standards can be secured.
The condition under which this standard are prepared make it imperative that certain precautions
be observed so that their comparison value is not impaired:
1. The material must be dictated to the writer
2. The dictated text must be carefully selected
3. An adequate amount of writing must be included
4. Some portion of the dictation should be repeated, preferably three times
5. Writing instrument and paper should be similar to those used in preparing the disputed
document
6. The dictation should be interrupted at intervals
7. Normal writing conditions should be arranged
It must be recognized that the guidelines can lead to serviceable standards at best-
standards that can identify the actual writer and, one hope can eliminate all who did not write the
material in question. Request specimens normally are not completely representative of the full
range of a writer’s habits, but they should, if well controlled, tell a great deal about his writing
habits, experienced document examiners recognize the shortcomings of the specimens,
especially that they tell only a limited amount about writer’s habits. For this reason, while
identification may be impossible with a particular writer, elimination may be unwise. Apparent
differences can be brought about by disguise, nervousness during preparation, or simply restricted
scope of the specimen written at a particular time and with the knowledge that the results are to be
used for comparison purposes. On the other hand if the standards compared favorably with the
disputed material,
Fact that they do not fully reveal the writer's habits does not preclude or restrict any
identification established by them.
Dictation of materials
Dictation has been found to produce the most representative request standards. In dictating,
however, the text must be read to the writer without suggestion as to the arrangement of material, spelling,
punctuation, capitalization, or other points that may cause him to disguise or modify his natural writing
habits.
The manner of dictation has much to do with the ultimate value of the standards. If the subject
matter is continuous, as with a letter, the rate dictation should be gauged so that the person writes
continuously rather than intermittently. The initial speed of diction should be set, he is not rushed but
subsequent specimens ought to be taken at several different writing rates, with some portions written
hurriedly. Only in this manner only this manner can his normal range of writing variation be even
approximately reproduced in the request specimens. Rapid dictation prevents a suspect from furnishing
only his best or neatest writing, which is often as undesirable as poorly written specimens, since the quality
of the disputed material generally lies between these extremes.
Furthermore, if the writer attempts to modify or disguise his specimens, a more rapid rate of
dictation lessens his chance of success. Here it is well observed that many near-illiterates can write only
very slowly, focusing their main attention on the formation of each letter. One who attempts disguised may
write in a similar manner. Thus, upon first impression, the natural manner of writing of the near-illiterate
may suggest disguise, but throughout extensive specimens his writing characteristics will be consistent. On
the other hand. A mass of extended specimens prepared with unpracticed disguise lacks such uniformity,
and the numerous inconsistencies reveal its true nature.
Request standards obtained any means other than dictation. For example, by having a person
copy typewritten, handwritten, or printed matter, does not lead to as satisfactory results. By allowing the
writer to use a prepared copy, the manner of arrangement, as well as the correct spelling punctuation, is
dictated, and these individual characteristics, which might otherwise be helpful for identification purposes,
are lost. Furthermore, a person who must copy from spirit alternately reads and writes and produces
discontinuous specimens. Since each page of writing contains numerous stops and starts, the standards
may lack the writer’s personal freedom and rhythm. Obviously, carefully conducted dictation eliminates
these pitfalls.
Selection of text
The request standards may be based upon any of three types of text:
1. The contents of the disputed documents;
2. Some similar material, which contains many of the same words, phrases, and letter
combination; or
3. A standardized form that includes all the letters of the alphabet and a number of the more
commonly used words.
Probably the least successful matter for request specimens is the standardized from
dictation such as “ the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dogs'' more elaborate texts that include all
uppercase and lowercase letters of necessity contain unusual and unfamiliar words or names.
Consequently, even though the dictation is repeated several times, the resulting standards tend to lack the
freedom of a person’s normal writing. There are times, however, when from dictations, such as those
developed by Osborn, prove valuable, and any who frequently investigate handwriting problems would do
well to become familiar with one or more of these forms.

Amount of material
It is extremely difficult with request standards, a truly representative picture of usual variation in
individual’s writing. Even under the most important circumstances it requires the preparation of extensive
specimens. The great majority of request specimens are deficient simply because they do not reveal the
variation that is part of the suspect’s normal handwriting.
Two factors, nervousness and deliberate disguise, frequently curtail normal variation. The initial
portion of request standards furnished by a writer who has had no part in the preparation of disputed
documents may well reflect nervous tension. This nervousness may be instilled at least in part by the
accusation or suspicion of having prepared the disputed documents, or merely because the writer knows
that the specimen is to be compared with other writing. This nervousness, however, may disappear when
dictation is continued at length, so that subsequent writing may tend to assume a more natural character.
On the other hand, many guilty individuals deliberately attempt to disguise their writing in order to avoid
detection. Fortunately, only the exceptional can continue an unpracticed disguise throughout several
pages. Therefore, if we are to make sure that the request specimens begin to portray the natural writing
variation of the individual and are free from the effects of nervousness or deliberate disguise, it is
necessary to have the writer furnish at least five or six continuous handwriting or 20 or more signatures,
each written on a separate sheet of paper.
The most common defect of request specimen is the failure to have the person write enough. At
times this is because the investigator does not know how much writing is needed for good standards, but
often it is merely because the investigator finds time consuming, which it is, and believes that other aspects
of the investigation are more important. However, if identification of the writer is to be accomplished,
extensive standards should be prepared.
Repetition
Regardless of the type of subject matter employed, the value of the standards is increased by
some repetition. In the course of dictation, a page of writing should repeat at least three times. It should
preferably be taken from the questioned material. Repletion allows the writer to become familiar with the
subject matter and helps him to write more freely and naturally. At the same time, it serves as an effective
means of discouraging disguise. At times the guilty writer, realizing that he cannot continuously reproduce
the modifications or his first specimen, abandons the attempt altogether. If, on the other hand, he continues
his efforts in this direction, marked variation between successive specimens should appear. Upon detection
of these inconsistencies, additional and more extensive writing, including still further repetition of previous
material, must be obtained. In this way, attempted disguise could be more readily detected and with
enough request writing, even in extreme cases, some specimens should ultimately be obtained free from
disguise.
Writing instrument and paper

The influence of the writing instrument and paper can be readily controlled with request standards.
It is necessary only to furnish the writer with a pen or pencil similar to the one used in the questioned
document. At the same time paper should be selected with the same physical characteristics and ruling as
disputed sample, trimming it, if necessary, to the proper size and shape. With this preparation personal
habits affected by writing materials are less apt to be excluded from the request specimens.
When the questioned writing is in ink, it is important to recognize what kind of pen was used. “Pen”
is an inclusive or general term, and we have seen in earlier chapters that there are several classes with
substantially different writing characteristics. Today the ball point pen is most common and the most
popular. It rolls ink on the paper with a nonflexible ball. Some different writing characteristics are revealed
with a nib pen or a fountain pen using fluid ink, especially if there is some flexibility of the point. Finally,
there are porous tip pens, generally producing wider strokes than other instruments, strokes that can hide
details that would otherwise be present. Not every writer can write with equal ease with each instrument,
and if one class of pen has been used for all questioned writing, then this kind of pen should be used for
request standards.
Interruption of writing
Breaking dictation by a rest period or two is a good procedure. Writing fatigue brought about by the
preparation of extensive specimens may be eliminated and disguise may likewise be discouraged or
rendered ineffective. If all completed specimens are removed from the writer’s view during these pauses
and his attention is focused on other matters, consistent disguise becomes more difficult, since after such a
rest period, the writer’s recollection of details of disguise can be less vivid. Finally, interruption aid in
introducing more natural writing variation into request specimens than is to be found in the same amount of
continuous writing.
Except when interruptions represent pauses in which the investigator talks with the suspect and
does not apparently discontinue the session, there is a danger of being unable to get the writer to resume
writing. with the break of several hours or a day, he may refuse to write any more, maintaining that he has
already furnished writing specimens. This possible situation must be kept in mind whenever a break is
taken in the preparation of request specimens.
Writing condition
The writer should be allowed to be seated comfortably at a desk or table. However, the questioned
specimens may be known to have been written under less normal conditions, such as while the writer was
standing, resting the paper against the wall, as many receipts are signed. Under these circumstances the
suspect should be asked to execute some supplementary standards in a similar position. When the exact
writing conditions are unknown but the writing suggests some abnormal writing position, specimens should
be taken in several different ways, for example, standing and resting the document on a high counter or
bending over a table; writing with the paper on clipboard held in the hand or on a pad resting on his knee, in
addition to the normal writing while seated at a table. An exact record of how each specimen is written
should be made. Thus, with a combination of standards prepared under common and unusual writing
conditions, the effect of these changes can be fully studied.
Combination of request and collected standards

There is no reason that request and collected standards cannot be used simultaneously. In fact,
under certain conditions the two classes of specimens must be resorted to in order to obtain an adequate
and accurate set of standards. Whenever there is a suspicion that the effects of deliberate disguise have
not been and cannot be completely eliminated from request standards, the standards must be
supplemented by collected specimens. These procedures need not be limited to cases of suspected
disguise, however, for even rather limited collected standards are useful adjuncts to a complete set of
request writing.
In some instances, even the most thorough and exhaustive search for material results in
inadequate collected standards. To supplement these effectively with request writing usually requires that a
complete set of dictated standards be made up. Only by such a procedure can be sure that the latter
specimens are representative.
Standards for special problems

The document examiner is called upon to identify or to prove fraudulent abnormal signatures of
writers as well as normal or usual signatures. Problems of this type include signatures written under the
influence of alcohol or drugs (both those used for treatment of illness and those used in drug-abuse
situations). during serious illness or near death, and during times when the writer is elderly and weak.
There are also signatures for receipt and delivery for packages and mail as well as signatures to charge to
slip for gasoline or merchandise. Appropriate standards are generally needed to answer these questions
since each questioned signatures prepared under any one of these situations may have abnormal qualities.
Intoxication
Excessive consumption of alcohol produces different effects on different writers. Some individuals
have far greater tolerance than others and can consume large quantities of alcohol before their signatures
are affected. In the earlier stage of alcohol consumption, the signatures of an individual are only slightly
affected, generally showing slightly larger and slightly less accurately written signatures, but as more
alcohol is consumed there may be further deterioration in the writing. Lack of accurate coordination may
lead to inferior design and poor writing alignment. The overall writing skill may have declined even though
the writer is still striving to execute a normal signature. Signatures begin to take on the appearance of a
lack of care and may ultimately in some instance assume “a drunken stagger.” Successive signatures
wander away from the normal design and even from the design of the immediately preceding signature in
somewhat unpredictable ways. In other words, variations become great. Successive specimens written the
same night of drinking, e.g., signing club chits for successive rounds of drinks, may vary greatly and many
identifying elements. What we are concerned in this discussion is not the extent that alcohol affects writing,
but how to obtain comparable specimens that can be used effectively in accurately identifying a signature
that clearly reflects the influence of alcohol.
Age deterioration
Very difficult problems may be encountered with the signatures that have seriously deteriorated
due to the writer's age or to terminal illness. Of these, the deathbed signatures are particularly perplexing
since the deterioration may have been rapid with little or no forewarning in earlier signatures. With decrepit
signature of aged writers, the decline normally occurs gradually over a period of months or years. More
known specimens revealing writing weaknesses are therefore available than with deathbed signature.
Writing of this nature is characterized by a lack of fluency in execution and inaccuracy and
inconsistency in details of form. It is not as good writing as earlier signatures by the same person. Study of
a series of signatures by an infirm writer reveals much greater variation from signature to signature that
was typical of vigorous signatures of earlier years. The inconsistency of these signatures, which in some
cases is very prominent, complicates the problem. In order to reach the most accurate conclusions, two or
three times the normal number of signatures may be needed, and they must be closer in date to the
signature in question than in the usual case. Although a sufficient number of signatures may have been
executed, it is often to locate them.
Receipt signatures
The carelessly written receipt signatures represent a special class of erratic signatures. It has a
lack of consistency compared to other receipt signatures and to formal specimens of the writer. With the
same writer under other conditions, his signature is undoubtedly uniform and certainly superior in form and
execution.
With a questioned receipt signature, one is never quite sure of the condition under which it was
prepared. It could have signed against a rough plaster wall, reflecting both the irregularities of the writing
surface and the poor writing position. It could have been signed with the paper attached to a clipboard held
in the hands. It could have been signed with the paper resting on the knee or in the other hand and with no
support for the writing hand. To complicate the problem further, the writer may have been in a hurry or
annoyed at having to sign at all. With a scrawled receipt signature, it is obvious that he has taken very little
care. When these receipt signatures are compared with formal signatures, the divergence can be shocking.
The scrawled, almost illegible receipt signature may bear little relationship to signatures on checks, letters,
or legal documents. If the signature is denied, the layman is sure at a glance that it must be forgery.
Hand lettered standard

The mode of procedure and the principle involved in the collection of hand lettered standards
closely parallel those for handwriting. Since the requirements for adequate standards are the same as with
handwriting, the various steps in the preparation of the collected and request standards just discuss apply.
Hand lettering is used more frequently in daily life than is generally realized. Few people, except
those who write professionally (draftsman, architects, engineers, and illustrators, for example) prepare any
extended specimens in this manner, but many applications, questionnaires and other forms require portions
to be printed. Lettering is used from time to time to prepare more legible addresses on envelopes and to
write postal cards or even entire letters. While it may seem difficult to locate the equivalent of three or four
pages of continuous lettering, this may be accomplished with the exercise of a little diligence, particularly
with individuals active in the business world and with many younger people who learned to print before
they learned to write and resort to it from time to time.
Conclusion
To build an adequate set of standards requires perseverance and painstaking care. It is not
sufficient simply to include enough material to show what the individual writing looks like. The standards
must represent as fully as possible his writing at different times and under varying conditions, but it
definitely should show how he wrote at the time of the questioned writing.
To obtain a request writing one cannot merely furnish a suspect with paper and pen and ask him to
write a few lines. One must thoughtfully select the material to be dictated, supervise the suspect as to why
he writes in order to minimize disguise, and simultaneously keep in mind all the various factors discussed
above.
Rather than pick-up the first two cancelled checks that are at hand, the best collected standards
are gathered only after exhaustive research, checking all possible sources of writing while being constantly
aware of those conditions that enhance or detract from the usefulness of any piece of writing. The quality of
standards determines largely the extent and accuracy of the ultimate opinion. It is only through diligence on
the part of the person collecting them that they are free from defects and fully served their intended
purpose.
The importance of accurate standards cannot be over emphasized. Every year a number of
indefinite conclusions are reached in cases in which better standards would have meant a positive
identification or elimination of a suspected writer. This situation is illustrated time and again where the
original standards are inadequate, but after one or more indefinite reports and conferences between the
field investigator and the document examiner, sufficient representative writing is obtained. It is then
possible to determine the facts.
Lesson IV
This is a continuation of the collection of standard specimen handwriting whether requested or
collected; the investigator on case (IOC) or requesting party shall submit to the document examiner the
following requirements.
a). Questioned Signatures
1. Original Standards and Original Questioned documents.
2. Contemporaneous date of the standard documents executed preferably five years before
and/or after the execution of the questioned documents
3. At least eight (8) to ten (10) standard signatures.
4. Similar writing style
a. Conventional to conventional
b. Highly individualized to Highly individualized
5. Similar writing instrument used if possible
6. Document previously examined by any competent agencies of the government shall not be
re-examined except when there is a court order.
7. If the case is undergoing trial in court, disputed documents shall be examined only upon order
of the court having jurisdiction of the case.
b). Questioned handwriting
1.Original standard and original questioned documents
2.Contemporaneous date of the standard documents executed preferably five (5) years before
and/or after the execution of the questioned documents
3. At least five (5) pages of standard handwriting
4. Similar writing style
a). Cursive to Cursive
b). Script to Script
c). Block to Block
5. Similar writing instrument used if possible
6. Similar dialect and language
7. Document previously examined by any competent agencies of the government shall not be
Re-examined except when there is a court order
8. If the case Is undergoing trial in court, disputed documents shall be examined only upon
Court order
c). Typewriting
1. Original standard and original questioned documents
2. At least four (4) pages of standard typewriting (verbatim)
3. Submit standard typewritten specimen from the suspected typewriter/machine used
4. documents previously examined by any competent agencies of the government shall not be re-
examined except when there is a court order.
5.if the case is under trial in court, disputed documents shall be examined only upon order of the
court
d). counterfeiting
1. original questioned currency
2. At least one (1) standard currency with the same denomination
e). Unfair Trade Competition

1. Original questioned documents
2. At least one (1) original standard document or known material
f). Alteration
1. Original Questioned Document
Lesson V
Care of Questioned Documents Documents
From the moment that the genuineness of a document is questioned it should be handled and
cared for in a manner that will not impair in the slightest degree its value as evidence. This precaution may
seem unnecessary, but it frequently happens that either through carelessness or ignorance the evidential
value of a document of great importance is seriously impaired and important interest are thus imperiled.
As early as practicable the exact physical condition of every part of a suspected document should
be carefully observed in detail and made a matter of definite, written record and thereafter the document
should be preserved, as far as possible, in exactly the condition it is in when first suspected. It is usually of
especial interest to one of the parties to insist that the document be properly protected and cared for.
Numerous negative directions are necessary. A disputed document should not be cut, torn or in
any manner mutilated in the slightest degree; it should not be touched with an eraser of any kind, nor with a
pen, pencil, or sharp instrument of any character. It should not be folded in any new place; should not be
folded and unfolded unnecessarily; should not be wet and, except by special permission, no chemicals
should be applied to papers of the opposing party in any manner that will injure or deface them, and tests of
this kind should be made only by those properly qualified to make them.
To avoid even the possibility of pencil marks being made upon a questioned document, those
examining it should not be allowed to point closely at letters or any parts of it, with a pencil. Sharp pointed
dividers or measuring instruments should not be put upon a questioned writing except with the greatest
care and only by those skilled in the use of these instruments, and a direct tracing should not be made by
anyone at any time.
An especially objectionable practice in connection with disputed letters and other writings is that of
underscoring with a pencil what are considered to be identifying characteristics. This practice should be
condemned and if papers have been marked the marks should, under proper supervision, be carefully
erased. When papers have been marked in this way they are necessarily defaced and it becomes difficult
for a subsequent examiner to avoid some consideration of the matters thus pointed out which may make it
difficult to approach the problem in an unprejudiced manner.
It is usually unwise for various examiners, especially those of varying ability, to make an
investigation in conference. Each examiner should make his examination and report independently of all
others and for this reason alone papers should not be marked in any way that will indicate what a previous
examiner’s view of the matter might be.
A folded document in any kind that is being investigated, a note, check, draft, legal paper or letter,
should be unfolded and kept in a celluloid cover. This method should be followed in order to avoid the
necessity of folding and unfolding the document every time it is examined, as such procedure will inevitably
break the paper at the folds and, what may be more important, also change the condition of the folds as
shown when the genuineness of the paper is first questioned.
A disputed document will necessarily be handled by many persons and, from the beginning in
every case, should be properly protected. A document of this kind that goes unprotected through a
protracted trial and is handled by attorneys, witnesses and jurors; that is rubbed, folded, crumpled,
squeezed, breathed upon, sneezed upon, coughed upon, pointed at and marked with lead pencils, and
dropped on the floor, is often defaced, soiled, torn, sprinkled and finger-marked, and as a result its
evidential value, if not actually destroyed, is seriously impaired. If a questioned document is fragile in
character, as is often the case, it is especially important that it be properly protected.
The best method of protection of a document that must be handled is to place it between sheets of
thin, transparent celluloid. If a sheet is cut slightly larger than twice the size of the document and then
folded at top or side, the document can be inserted between the sheets and held in place by one or two
ordinary paper clips.
A questioned document should not be exposed to moisture of any kind; should not be exposed
long to strong sunlight or left out in the air uncovered, and should never be carried in the pocket where it
may be affected by bodily heat or moisture or become worn, wrinkled, or soiled.
In examining a questioned document with a microscope having no stage but a special foot that
allows the instrument to be placed anywhere on the paper, special care should be taken not to soil, wrinkle
or fold the document. To avoid the necessity of placing the microscope directly upon the document itself, a
good strong sheet of paper from the middle of which a suitable aperture has been cut, should always be
placed over the document during the examination.
The type of microscope just mentioned not only makes it possible to examine the middle of any
portion of large sheet of paper or page of a book, which is not possible with the ordinary instrument, but
also avoid the danger of injuring the document by folding or rolling it up closely in such a way as to get it on
the ordinary microscope stage.
If, as is often the case, the exact condition, character, tint and shade of the ink have any bearing on
the question of genuineness, it is particularly important to guard the document carefully from excessive
moisture, light and heat, as such exposure may seriously affect ink conditions. Fireproof safes, especially
when new, maybe somewhat damp and a questioned document regarding which the question of the age of
ink is involved should not be kept in such a receptacle.
It has been proposed in connection with certain inquiries regarding the sequence of crossed ink
lines that an ordinary wet letter-press copy be made of the part in dispute. This test should never be
allowed as it will furnish no information of the value and, what is more serious, will make it impossible to
ascertain the fact thereafter by any method.
If a disputed document becomes torn or mutilated in any way, or if it is in this condition to begin
with, it should not be pasted on an opaque card. It is desirable in a case of this kind to fasten the pieces
together at the margins with small particles of library paste, not mucilage, and then put the repaired
document between sheets of celluloid, or glass, as already described.
In important inquiries it is usually advisable as early as possible to put a disputed document in the
custody of the court or some public officer where it will be protected and where, under proper restrictions,
all parties may have access to it.
Finally, the court personnel should especially be cautioned when marking a questioned document
as an exhibit, not to write, paste a label or put a big rubber stamp impression on it at any place where there
is writing on either side of the paper, and incidentally, it is recommended that they exhibit number plainly.
References:
1. Scientific examination of questioned document; by ORDWAY HILTON
2. Any author of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. Book 2
3. Questioned Document; by Albert Osborn 2nd edition
4.Questioned Document’s Examiner’s Manual, Revised, 2015. Philippine
National Police, Camp Crame, Quezon City
5. Revised Penal Code of the Philippines; Jose N. Nolledo, LLB,LLM, revised
2008
https://www.investopedia
https://www.wikipedia.org
https://wwwgutenburg.org

8-25-2022MODULE - 1 QDE - SY 22-23 (Ist Sem)

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Jose B.

Wacangan M &Tue 7:30AM to 4:00 PM

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QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS EXAMINATION

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a. falsification of private document b. falsification of public documents

a. falsification of commercial document b. falsification of public document c.

a. Private document b. public document c. official document

a. collected standard b. Questioned document c. simulated document

a. Simulated document b. standard document c. forged document d. falsified

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a. Forgery b. substitution c. intercalation on a genuine document

a. Questioned documentb. Standard document c. documents d. all of the

a. Questioned documentb. document c. forgery d.

a. Document b. Traced forgery c. forgery d. all of the above

11. Is written by him/her on a document as a sign of acknowledgement

a. Conventional signature b. Highly individualized signaturec. addition d.

a. conventional signature b. highly individualized signature c. super imposition d. none

a. Writing b. Hand writing c. ambidextrous d. none of the above

a. ambidextrous b. writing c. Handwriting d. none of the above

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a. Handwriting b. individual characteristics c. common characteristics d. none

COURSE OUTLINE WITH STUDY GUIDE

LESSON 1 ACTIVITY SCORE

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 At the end of this Module 1, the student will be able to:

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Classes of Questioned Documents

I- DOCUMENTS WITH QUESTIONED SIGNATURES

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II. DOCUMENTS CONTAINING ALLEGED FRAUDULENT ALTERATIONS

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III. HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTS QUESTIONED OR DISPUTED

IV. DOCUMENTS ATTACKED ON THE QUESTION OF THEIR AGE OR DATE

VI. DOCUMENTS INVESTIGATED ON THE QUESTION OF TYPEWRITING

VII. DOCUMENTS OR WRITINGS INVESTIGATED BECAUSE IT IS ALLEGED THAT THEY

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VIII. GENUINE DOCUMENTS ERRONEOUSLY OR FRAUDULENTLY ATTACKED.

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Amount of writing standard

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Similarity of subject matter

Relative Date of Preparation

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Writing instruments and paper

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Writing instrument and paper

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Combination of request and collected standards

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Standards for special problems

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Hand lettered standard

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e). Unfair Trade Competition

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