Module 1 PDF

by:
REGGIE B. LEDRES-LATOG RCrim, PhD.
Project WRITE XI: An Easy Guide for Course Pack making and Module Development 1
The Lesson Structure
Module No. and Title MODULE 1: Understanding Questioned Document

Examination
Lesson No. and Title Lesson 1: Introduction to Questioned Documents
Learning Outcomes At the end of this Lesson, the student can:

1. Define and discuss the technical terms in questioned
documents examination;
2. Compare and distinguish a Document from Questioned
Document and Disputed Document.
Time Frame 5 hours
Introduction In 2020, the Technical Committee for Criminology

Program released the suggested description for the BS
Criminology courses as specified in the CMO 5 series of 2018.It
suggested the Course Description of QDE as “The course which
covers the basic concepts and principles of questioned documents
examination. It particularly gives insight regarding the
handwriting identification, forgery and its execution, typewriting
identification, alteration of documents, counterfeiting and the
importance or role of a questioned document expert towards the
administration of justice, and the care and preservation of
evidence for court litigation”.
On a different 3 pieces of any clean papers write the alphabet

Activity from A-Z:
a. on capital and small letter form ( Print )
b. on capital and small letter form ( cursive)
Already given as seatwork.
Analysis In your years of existence, name at least 10 documents

you have encountered and discuss their importance and
significance to you.
In our daily life activities, we all are expose to different

Abstraction kinds of documents. So let’s define first what a document is.
DOCUMENT
- Isany material which contains marks, symbols or signs,
visible, partially visible or invisible that may presently or
ultimately convey a meaning or message to someone.
(MONTALBA, 2014)
- The term “document” applies to writings; to words

printed, lithographed, or photographed; to maps or plans;
to seals, plates, or even stones on which inscriptions are
cut or engraved. (CAMARA, 2016)
- Latin word “documentum” means “lesson, or example
(in Medieval Latin “instruction, or official paper”) OR
- French word “docere”, means to teach.
- Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible,

partially visible that may present or ultimately convey a
meaning to someone. Maybe in the form of pencil, ink writing,
typewriting, or printing on paper.
a. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT- any document about

which some issue has been raised or which is under
scrutiny, or of doubtful origin.
b. STANDARD DOCUMENT- are condensed and compact
set of authentic specimen which is adequate and proper,
should contain a cross section of the material form it
source. They are used by the document examiner as the
basis for his identification or non-identification of the
questioned document.
-In the case of People vs. Moreno, CA, 338 O.G. 119, a
document is any written document by which a right is
established or an obligation is extinguished.
-An in the case of People vs. Nillosquin, CA, 48 O.G. 4453, a

document is every deed or instrument executed by person by
which some disposition or agreement is proved, evidenced or
set forth.
KINDS OF DOCUMENT
Under the Philippine Law, the following are the four kinds of
document:
1. PUBLIC DOCUMENT- any instrument notarized by a notary

public or competent public official with solemnities required by
law. (Cacnio vs. Baens, 5 Phil.742)
2. OFFICIAL DOCUMENT- any instrument issued by the
government or its agents or its officers having the authority to
do so and the offices, which in accordance with their creation,
they are authorized to issue and be issued in the performance of
their duties.
3. PRIVATE DOCUMENT- every deed or instrument executed
by a private person without the intervention of a notary public
or of any person legally authorized by which documents, some
disposition or agreement is proved evidenced or set forth. (US
vs. Orera, 11 Phil. 596).
4. COMMERCIAL DOCUMENT- any instrument executed in
accordance with the Code of Commerce or any Mercantile
Law, containing disposition of commercial rights or
obligations.
N.B.
- A private document may become a public or official document when it
partakes the nature of a public or official record. So if the falsifications
committed on such document, that is, when it is already a part of the
public record, falsification of public or official document is committed.
However, if such private document is intended to become a part of the
public record, even though falsified prior thereto, falsification of a
public document is committed.
WRITINGS, WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE DOCUMENTS:

- Based on some Supreme Court Rulings
1. A draft of a Municipal Payroll, which is not yet approved by the

proper authority. (People vs. Camacho, 44 Phil. 484)
2. Mere blank forms of official documents, the spaces of which are
not filled up. (People vs. Santiago, CA, 48 O.G. 4558)
3. Pamphlets or books, which do not evidence any disposition or
agreement, are not documents but are mere merchandise. (People
vs. Agnis 47, Phil. 945)
THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTS

Documents record man’s life. His birth certificate signal’s
mans’ existence on earth. however, Corollary, thereto, his death
certificate writes finish to his stay on earth.it is not uncommon to
note documents other than these two indicating man’s birth and
death. Long before a child’s birth, we may find an intimate note
between Mr. De la Cruz planning to name the first born as a
“Junior or as “Marikit”. The memo from Mrs. Cruz she had
started conceiving her subsequent pre-netal check up with the
doctor; the hospital’s certification of the delivery of a boy or a
girl de la Cruz, all these proceeds the issuance of the birth
certificate, yet are poignant examples of the finds or man’s
repose. The last will and testament, the obituary, the tombstone
with the inscription epitaphs, all those are documents testifying to
his death (Camara 2016).
Now let us also define what is Questioned Document:
QUESTIONEDDOCUMENT:
One in which the facts appearing therein are not true, and are
contested either in the whole or in part with respect to its authenticity
identity, or origin. It may be a deed, contract, will election ballots,
marriage contract, check, visas, application form, check writer,
certificates, etc.
QUESTIONED
- Any material, which some issue has been raised or
which is under scrutiny.
QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
- Document is questioned because its origins, its contents,
or the circumstance and story regarding its production arouse
suspicion as to its genuineness or it may adversely scrutinize
simple because it displeases someone.
-Document is said to be questioned when it is disputed or
attacked, either in whole or in part as to its date or age, as to its
source or origin, as to the material used in their production, and
as to its relation in some other document.
- Is defined as one in which its genuineness or originality
is being disputed while controversies and acceptance are
uncertain and still subject to examination for confirmation
of authenticity or falsity. (Mendoza, 2012)
- Any document about which some issue has been
raised or which is under scrutiny. (Montalba, 2014)
- Any means of communication that is suspect, entirely
or in part, as to authenticity or origin. (Peckley, 2015)
Any documents whose source of authenticity is uncertain is

referred to as a questioned document.
These documents may include but not limited to the
following:
a. Issued bank checks
b. Mailing letters or communication
c. Wills and testaments
d. Contracts
e. Records
f. Tickets
g. Notes and currency bills
These documents will be analyzed for its handwriting,
ink, machine use and paper.
How about DISPUTED DOCUMENT?
- Any document that there is an argument or controversy.
A DisputedDocument is, therefore, always a questioned

document, while a QuestionedDocument is not always a
disputed document.
SOME TERMINOLOGIES USED IN

DOCUMENT AND QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
EXAMINATION
ADDITION – any matter made a part of the document after its original
preparation may be referred to as addition.
CONCLUSION – A scientific conclusion results from relating

observed facts by logical, common-sense reasoning in accordance with
established rules of laws. The document examiner’s conclusion, in
legal term is referred to as opinion.
DOCUMENT EXAMINER – One who studies scientifically the details

and elements of documents in order to identify their source or to
discover other facts concerning them. Document examiners are often
referred to as handwriting identification experts, but today the work has
outgrown this latter title and involves other problems than merely the
examination of handwriting.
ERASURE – The removal of writings, typewriting or printing, from a

document is an erasure. It may be accomplished by either of two
means. A chemical eradication in which the writing is removed or
bleached by chemical agents; and an abrasive erasure is where the
writing is effaced by rubbing with a rubber eraser or scratching out with
a knife or other sharp with implement.
EXAMINATION – It is the act of making a close and critical study of

any material and with questioned documents, it is the process necessary
to discover the facts about them. Various types are undertaken,
including microscopic, visual photographic, chemical, ultra violet and
infra-red examination.
EXPERT WITNESS – A legal term used to describe a witness who by

reason of his special training or experience is permitted to express an
opinion regarding the issue, or a certain aspect of the issue, which is
involved in a court action. The purpose is to interpret technical
information in his particular specialty in order to assist the court in
administering justice. The document examiner testifies in court as an
expert witness.
HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION EXPERT – a common name for

the document examiner.
IDENTIFICATION – 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.
NON-IDENTIFICATION – As used in this text it means 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.
DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
CRIMINALISTICS EXAMINATION – This involves the detection of

forgery, erasure, alteration or obliteration of documents. The
criminalistics examination of documents similar to other kinds of
laboratory works.
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.
CLASSES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT:
1. Documents with questioned signatures.

2. Questioned documents alleged to have been containing
fraudulent alterations.
3. Questioned or disputed holographic wills.
a. HOLOGRAPHIC WILL- will entirely written in the
handwriting of the testator.
b. NOTARIAL WILL- signed by the testator
acknowledge before a notary public with 3 witnesses.
4. Documents investigated on the question of typewriting.
a. With a view of ascertaining their source.
b. With a view of ascertaining their date.
c. With a view of determining whether or not they contain
fraudulent alterations of substituted pages.
5. Questioned documents on issues of their age or date.
6. Questioned Documents on issues of materials used in their
production.
7. Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that
they identify some persons through handwriting.
a. Anonymous and disputed letters, and
b. Superscriptions, registrations and miscellaneous
writings.
A was found dead on the floor in his room. A rope on his

Application neck was still tied very tightly. On his table, a note was found : “
I am sorry Helen”. The family of A accepted which they believe
the truth that their son committed suicide.
Questions:
1. Is the found note a questioned document? Why?
2. Is the found note a disputed document? Why?
Closure That’s it for Lesson 1. Job well done!
Lesson 2:
Historical Background
of QDE
Learning Outcomes At the end of this lesson, you shall be able to:
1. Identify personalities in the history of Questioned
Document Examination;
2. Discuss the contributions and its significance to QDE
Time Frame 5 hours

Introduction It is necessary to tackle first the history of
Questioned Document Examination. Camara (2016) narrated in
his books that the history can start from the very earliest time,
when man has to put down marks on different materials to make
forms of writings that were simple pictures on the walls of caves.
Man soon found he could not express all of his thoughts by
means of pictures so systems of writing were developed. Early
writings were on stones and metal. Later skins of animals were
used. Paper was first invented by the Chinese more than 2,000
years ago but it was not common in other countries for a long
time. With the making of paper, writing became more common to
many people. Criminalistics were quick to learn that it was
profitable to make false documents. Knowledge of the methods of
making false document is therefore necessary to the police
investigator. The examination of questioned document falls into
broad classes.
Discuss in your own words the importance of Documents at your

Activity home.
Abstraction In this part of the module, we have to identify several
significant PERSONALITIES IN THE HISTORY OF
QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION ( Camara
2016). They are the following:
1. Albert Sherman Osborn is considered as the Father of
Scientific Examination of Questioned Document. He
was the first American prominent in the field of
forgery detection, and author of the seminal
“QuestionedDocuments” (1910, reprinted many times).
Through his efforts, courts began to accept the
presentation of forged documents as scientific
evidence. He founded the American Society of
Questioned Document Examiners on 2 September
1942.
2. Albert D. Osborn was the third President of the
American Society of Questioned Document Examiners.
Mr. Osborn served in the military during World War
I. Upon his return from overseas in 1919, he began
attending the meetings that eventually led to the formation
of the ASQDE. In 1942, Mr. Osborn was one of the 15
men who founded the Society. He was the son of the
founding president of the ASQDE, Albert S. Osborn, and
was associated with A. S. Osborn in private practice for
many years. A.D. Osborn’s sons, Paul Osborn and Russell
Osborn, both became examiners of questioned documents,
as did his grandson John P. Osborn. Among Mr. Osborn’s
many high profile cases, he was one of eight document
examiners who testified for the prosecution in the case
against Bruno Hauptmann in the kidnapping/murder of the
Lindbergh baby. Mr. Osborn was co-author of the book
Questioned Document Problems with his father. He was
also the author of many professional papers.
3. B.J. Vreeland Haring and J. Howard Haring are the
father and son Haring of New York were the word famous
handwriting experts who testified on Charles A, Lindberg
Jr. Kidnapping case. The defendant to the case was Bruno
Richard Hauptmann Flemington, New Jersey in 1935.
Fourteen letters were directed to of the famous parents of
the kidnapped Lindberg baby was abducted. The other
letters contained follow-up ransom demands and
instructions.
4. J. Newton Baker was a Consultative expert in Disputed
document and in 1955 he authored the book “ Law of
Disputed and Forged Documents”.
5. James V.P. Conway was an Examiner of Questioned
Documents of San Francisco, California Postal Inspector
in-charge, San Francisco Identification Laboratory U.S.
Postal Inspection Service and authored “Evidential
Documents” which was published in Springfield, Illinois,
USA in 1959.
6. Hans Scheickert (1876-1944) was a Doctor of Law and
Director of the identification Bureau of the Police
Department of Berlin until 1928. He was a Criminology
Professor at the University of Berlin in 1920 and a well-
known handwriting expert.
7. Dr. Wilson R. Harrison was the Director British
Government’s Office Home Office Forensic Science
Society of Questioned Document Examiners. He authored
the book “Suspect Document Examiners Their
Scientific Examination”, which was first published in
London in 1958. He had over twenty year experience in
the examination of suspect documents for the police
forces of England and Wale and for many government
departments.
8. Ordway Hilton was the sixth president of the American
Society of Questioned Document Examiners. Mr. Hilton
was born in 1913 and grew up in Evanston, Illinois. He
majored in mathematics at Northwestern University and
received a master’s degree in statistics from the same
University in 1937. Mr. Hilton was the first questioned
document examiner in the new crime laboratory of the
Chicago Police Department. In 1944, while still on active
duty as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II,
he attended the second meeting of the ASQDE in the
Montclair, New Jersey, home of Albert S. Osborn. Mr.
Hilton became associated with Elbridge Stein, the first
secretary of the ASQDE in 1946. Mr. Hilton authored one
of best known texts in the field, “Scientific Examination
of Questioned Document”, in 1956, and a revised edition
of the text in 1982. He also authored Detecting and
Deciphering Erased Pencil Writing. Mr. Hilton was a
Board of Forensic Document Examiners. He was an
instrumental in establishing the Questioned Documents
Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
(AAFS). From 1959 to 1960, Mr. Hilton served as the
tenth president of the AAFS. He is one of the few AAFS
Fellows to be named a Distinguished Fellow and one of
only four questioned document examiners to ever receive
this honor. Ordway Hilton passed away in 1998.
9. Roy A. Huber was the 24th President of the American
Society of Questioned Document Examiners. After
joining the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in
1940, Roy Huber worked as a police constable at various
detachments in the Province of Saskatchewan. Under the
tutelage of senior document examiners were Hugh
Radcliffe and Chester Eaves. He wrote and presented
more than 30 papers including such titles as Typist
Identification, Modern Trends Counterfeiting, The
Production and Identification of Embossing Seals, and
The Quandary of “Qualified” Opinions. he published a
book in 1999 entitled “Handwriting Identification-
Facts and Fundamentals,” which has become an
important text in the training of forensic document
examiners. During the first ASQDE conference he
attended in 1955 that was held in Houston, He presented
his first ASQDE paper entitled, The Potentialities of the
Blink Microscope in Typewriting.
In 2003, Roy Huber received the Albert Osborn Award of
Excellence in recognition of his distinguished career and
many contributions he made to both the ASQDE and the
profession as a whole.
10. Charles Chabot (baptized 19 March 1815 – 15 October
1882) was an English of graphologist who, as part of the
firm of Netherclift. Chabot and Matheson, was an early
practitioner of questioned document examination. Chabot
was born Battersea, the son of Charles, a lithographer, and
Amy nee Pearson, a couple of Hugenot descent.
Beginning as a lithographer, he develop as an expert in
handwriting and became sought after as an expert witness
in a variety of famous trials including the Roupell case
and the Tichbone Case. In 1871, Chabot became involved
in establishing the identity of Junius and concluded that he
was Sir Philip Francis.
Provided below is a stair-like rectangles wherein you will

Application write the timeline of the history of Questioned Document
examination based on lesson 2. Please write it on a chronological
order starting from the lowest rectangle. Please include writing
the specific year or date andthe significant events. Please choose
the most significant contribution to the development of QDE.
Congratulations! You’re done with Lesson 2.

Closure
1. Identify the different kinds of questioned document
examination;
2. Explain the scientific principles of identification and
examination of standards and questioned documents;
3. Introduce the different equipment in questioned document
examinations in identifying and differentiating writing;
4. Explore the use of the different equipments in QDE.
Time Frame 5 hours

Introduction We are done with the history of questioned document
examination. In this part of the module, you will be more
sophisticated in the handling of documents. There will be more
apparatus which will be used for Laboratory activity purposes. So
fasten your seatbelt and get ready for another active participation.
In this part of the Module we shall identify first the

Abstraction SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
EXAMINATION. In the book of CAMARA ( 2016), the
following are identified:
a. ANALYSIS (Recognition) – properties or characteristics,
observed or measured.
b. COMPARISON – properties or characteristics of the
unknown determined thought analysis are now compared
with the familiar or recorded properties known items.
c. EVALUATION – similarities or dissimilarities in
properties or characteristics will each have a certain value
for identification, determined by its likelihood of
occurrence.
d. VERIFICATION – it is the process of double checking
the accuracy and correctness of the examination usually
conducted by other experts in the said field.
There are also different CRITERIA OF SCIENTIFIC
EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS. These are:
a. ACCURACY – correspondence between results obtained
and the truth.
b. PRECISION – measures of the consistency of results
obtained in repeated study or experimentation.
There are TWO CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENT, namely:
1. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT – the focal point of the
examination and to which the document examiner
relies as the extent of the problem.
2. STANDARD DOCUMENT (EXEMPLAR) – which
is origin is known and can be proven and can legally
be used as sample to compare with the questioned
document.
The TYPES OF Document STANDARD are the following:
a. COLLECTED OR PROCURED STANDARD –
standard specimen executed in the course of man’s
activity or that which are executed on the day-to-
day writing activity.
b. REQUESTED OR DICTATED STANDARD –
standard documents which are executed upon
request, they are prepared at one time.
Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_zRcwexsdM
THE SERVICE PARADIGM ON QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

EXAMINATION (MENDOZA, 2012)
 LITIGANT – who is considered as the one affected in
the outcome of the examination and most interested
party of the document being disputed.
 LEGAL COUNSEL – serving the litigant who ensures
the winning of the case at the most possible means.
 PRESIDING JUDGE – will determine to appreciate or
reject the services of questioned document examiner to a
particular proceeding of the case.
What are the CLASSES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT?

(MONTALBA, 2014)
1. Documents with questioned signature e.g. commercial or
legal papers, check notes, agreement, wills, etc.
2. Documents containing allege fraudulent alterations
3. Holograph Documents
4. Document Questioned as to their age or date
5. Documents as to the material used in their production.
6. Documents involving typewriting, and are investigated
or examined for the purpose of determining the
following:
a. Their source
b. Their date
c. Whether or not it contains fraudulent
alteration or substituted pages
7. Documents which may identify a person through
handwritings, e.g. anonymous letter such as extortion
notes, letters of treat, ransom note.
8. Genuine documents erroneously or fraudulently
attacked or disputed.
Here are the DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

EXAMINATIONS:
1. CRIMINALISTICS EXAMINATION – for the
detection of forgery, erasures, alterations and
obliterations of documents.
2. Handwriting Investigation/ Analysis – which is more
focused in determining the author of the writing. This
examination require a long method and procedure which
requires comprehensive study and experience.
KINDS OF CRIMINALISTICS EXAMINATION:
1. ULTRAVIOLET EXAMINATION - ultra violet

radiation is invisible and occurs in the wavelength
just below the blue-violet end of spectrum. These
invisible rays react on some substances so that
visible light is reflected, a phenomenon called as
“Fluorescence”.
2. INFRARED EXAMINATION – employs invisible
radiation beyond the red portion of the visible
spectrum which is usually is recorded on specially
sensitized photographic emulsions.
3. OBLIUE OR SIDE LIGHT EXAMINATION – an
examination with the illumination so controlled
that it grazes or strike the surface of the documents
from one side at very low angle.
4. TRANSMITTED LIGHT EXAMINATION – the
document is viewed with the source of illumination
and the light passing through the paper.
The following are the INSTRUMENT AND APPARATUS

USED IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATIONS:
a. MAGNIFYING LENS – bank personnel and

other people involved in currency
examinations is usually use and ordinary
hand-lens; the maximum diameter of which is
four inches, and this appears big with its wide
frame it has a magnifying power, with built in
lighting are more useful.
b. SHADOWGRAPH – a pictorial image formed

by casting a shadow, usually of the hands,
upon a rightful surface or screen.
c. STEREOSCOPIC BINOCULAR
MICROSCOPE - a tri-dimensional (3D)
enlargement is possible
d. MEASURES AND TEST PLATES

(TRANSPARENT GLASS) – those used for
signatures and type writings.
e. TABLE LAMPS WITH ADJUSTABLE

SHADES (GOOSE NECK LAMPS) – used for
controlled illumination; needed in sidelight
examination wherein light is placed at a low
angle in a position oblique to plane or
document.
f. TRANSMITTED LIGHT GADGET – a device
where light comes from beneath or behind
glass on document is placed.
g. ULTRA VIOLET LAMP – this is usually used

in the detection of counterfeited bills but can
actually be used to detect security features of
qualified documents.
h. INFRAFED VIEWER – primarily used to

decipher writings in a charred document.
i. COMPARISON MICROSCOPE - similar to

that of the bullet comparison microscope.
j. VIDEO SPECTRAL COMPARATOR (VSC) –
it is used in the examination of masked or
obliterated text, watermarks, visible
fluorescence, paper fluorescence and oblique
illumination of intended writing and
embossing.
k. ELECTROSTATIC DETECTION
APPARATUS (ESDA) – the device that can
detect indention/ indented writings that can
records transparencies of any indentations. It
is a piece of equipment commonly used in
questioned document examination, to reveal
indented impressions on paper which may
otherwise go unnoticed.
SUBJECTS CONSIDERED IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
EXAMINATION:
A. Handwriting Examination (Graphology/Graphoanalysis)

1. examination of signatures and initials
2. examination of anonymous letters
3. hand printing examination
B. Examination of typewritings and typeprints

C. Examination of inks
D. Examination of erasures, alterations or obliterations, etc.
1. detection of alteration
2. decipherment of erased writings
3. restoration of obliterated writings
E. Counterfeiting
1. examination of currency bills and coins and the like
2. examination of fake documents
F. Miscellaneous aspects
1. determination of age of documents
2. identification of stamps
3. examinations of seal and other authenticating devices
Now let us distinguish GRAPHOLOGY AND BIBLIOTICS

GRAPHOLOGY – is the study of handwriting for the
purpose of determining the writer’s personality, character
and aptitude.
While BIBLIOTICS – is the science of handwriting
analysis. It is the study of document and writing materials to
determine its genuineness or authorship.

Application 1. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT – the focal point of the
examination and to which the document examiner
relies as the extent of the problem.
2. STANDARD DOCUMENT (EXEMPLAR) – which
is origin is known and can be proven and can legally
be used as sample to compare with the questioned
document.
Cite an example case wherein the two categories are found.
Congratulations! You’re done with Lesson 3.

Closure
1. Explain the scientific principles of identification and
examination of standards and questioned documents;
2. Illustrate and apply the protocol in selection and examination
of standards and questioned documents;
Time Frame 5 hours

Introduction Man’s life does not center alone on his birth nor in his
death. The intervening period is mostly the crucial since it opens
for us more documents. Take the doctor’s notes on the mother’s
postnatal visit with the child, the first inoculation, subsequent
ones with the reams of papers; notebooks, books report, cards,
excuse, slip; followed by an array of diplomas from kindergarten,
primary, elementary, high school, college and perhaps post
graduate courses. This bring us back to were we started. The
conception, pre-natal visit and birth of a new generation
(Camara).
As been always said, that the pen is the most powerful
weapon. It does as more communication as it can be. And any
output of this pen becomes a document.
This part of the Module will take us to know more about
documents. How a thing becomes a document, which can be
exhibited in court as an evidence necessary to prove the
innocence or guilt of the respondent. So let’s not take this
introductory part long. Let’s get moving.
Activity
Why document is being questioned?
DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENT STANDARDS

Abstraction
General definition of terms
A. Documents. A any materials containing marks, symbols, or
sign either visible, partially visible that many present or
ultimately convey a meaning to someone, maybe in the form
of pencil, ink writing, or printing on paper.
The term “Document” applies to writings; to words printed,

lithographed, or photographed; to maps nor plans; to seal, plates,
or even stones on which inscription are cut or engraved. In its
plural form, “documents” may men; deeds, agreements, title,
letters, receipts, and other written instrument used to prove a fact.
Its Latin word “documentum; means “lesson, or example

(in Medieval latin “instruction, or official paper”), or French
word “docere; means’to teach.
According to Microsoft Encarta Reference Library (as a noun );
1. Formal piece of writing
2. Object containing information
3. Computer file
As a verb, Microsoft Encarta gives the following definition:
1. record information in or on media
2. suppoprt a claim with evidence
B. Questioned. Any materials which some issue has been raised

or which is under scrutiny.
C. Questioned document. One in which the fact appearing

therein may not be true, and are contested either in whole or
part with respect to its authenticity, identity, or origin. It may
be a deed, contract, will, election ballots, marriage contract,
check, visas, application form, check writer, certificates, etc.
D. Disputed documents. A term suggesting that there is an

arguments or controversy over the documents, and strictly
speaking this is true meaning. In this text, as well as through
prior usage, however,” disputed document” and questioned
document” are used interchangeably to signify document that
is under special scrutiny.
E. Standard (Standard document ) –Are condensed and compact

set of authentic specimens which, if adequate and proper, should
contain across section of the material from a known source
Standard” in questioned documents investigation, we mean those
things whose origin are known and can be proven which can be
legally used as a example to compare with others matter in
question. Usually a standard consist of the known handwriting of
a person such case, ”standard” has the same meaning as is
understood by the word “specimen’ of hand writing.
F. Exemplar. A term used by some document examiners and

attorneys to characterize known material. Standard is the older
term.
G. Holographic Document. Any document completely written
and signed by one person; also known as a holograph. In a
number of jurisdictions a holographic will can be probated
without anyone having witnessed its execution.
H. 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.
I. DISPUTEDDOCUMENT is any document that there is an
argument or controversy.
A Disputed Document is, therefore, always a questioned
document, while a Questioned Document is not always a disputed
document.

1. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT – the focal point of
the examination and to which the document
examiner relies as the extent of the problem.
2. STANDARD DOCUMENT (EXEMPLAR) –
which is origin is known and can be proven and
can legally be used as sample to compare with
the questioned document.
The TYPES OF Document STANDARD are the following:

c. COLLECTED OR PROCURED STANDARD –
standard specimen executed in the course of
man’s activity or that which are executed on
the day-to-day writing activity.
d. REQUESTED OR DICTATED STANDARD –
standard documents which are executed upon
request, they are prepared at one time.
KINDS OF DOCUMENTS:
1. PUBLIC DOCUMENTS – anydocuments
notarized by a notary public or competent public
official with solemnity required by law.
2. OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS – any document
issued by the government, its agent or its office are
having the authority to do so and the offices which
is in accordance with their creation are authorized
to issue.
3. PRIVATE DOCUMENTS – any documents
executed by a private person without the
intervention of a notary or of any other legally
authorized person by which documents, some
disposition or agreement are proved and set forth.
4. COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTS - any
documents executed in accordance with the code
of commerce or any mercantile law, containing
disposition of commercial rights or obligation.
5. ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS –this document
only exist in electronic forms such as data stored
on a computer, network, back0up archive or other
storage media. ( Governed by RA 8792)
Application
Fill in the table below at least five examples of each kind of
Document:
Public Official Private Commercial Electronic
Congratulations! You’re done with Module 1.

Closure
Select the best answer. Write only the letter of your choice.
1. When the examiner’s work involves some form of handwriting
problem, it means that
a. he is already performing handwriting identification
b. he is examining the handwriting of a person
c. he is identifying the author of the handwriting
d. all of the above
2. Which one is an example of a questioned document?
a. graffiti
b. anonymous letter
c. wills and testaments
d. both b & c
e. all of these
3. Instruments whose origin are known and proven; which are
used in comparison with a questioned document.
a. Simulated documents c.Standard
documents
b. Falsified documents d. Forged
documents
4. These are condensed form of authenticated specimen the
origin of which is known, can be proven and can be legally
used in comparing other questioned document materials.
a. exemplar
b. standard document
c. holograph document
d. questioned document
5. Refers to authenticated documents which are executed in the
ordinary course of man’s personal, business, commercial
activities, found in the records or files.
a. requested standard
b. post litem motam standard
c. collected/procured
d. done in day to day standard
REFERENCES
Books
Alvarez, Mary Grace P. (2017).Forensic examination of questioned documents

2nd Edition.Chapter House Publishing Inc. Quezon City
Camara, Richard T. (2016). Questioned documents examination: an Books

Instructional Material for criminology students with laboratory Manual.
Wiseman'sTrading Inc. Quezon City
Mendoza, G., Jr. Reg.Crim.,M.SCrim.,Ph.D.Crim (2012).The Questioned 302

Document Examination And Practices. Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc.
Unit 3rd Floor,DM Building #32 Visayas Avenue, Corner
Congressional Ave. Project 6, Quezon City
Montalba, E.,(2014). Criminalistics “A Review Notes for Criminology Board

Examination”. Unit 302, 3rdFloor,DM Building #32 Visayas Avenue,
Corner Congressional Ave. Project 6, Quezon City. Wiseman’s Books
Trading Inc.
Peckley, M.,CSP,CSMS,CST (2015). Criminology Dictionary. Unit 302, 3rd
Floor,DM Building #32 Visayas Avenue, Corner Congressional Ave.
Project
6, Quezon City.Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc.
Peckley, M. F. , (2016). Essentials of Criminalistics.Wiseman’s Books
Trading Inc.Unit 302, 3rdFloor,DM Building #32 Visayas Avenue,
Corner Congressional Ave. Project 6, Quezon City
Soriano, O.G., Rosete, M. C., Mosqueda, R. D. (2020). Compendium in

Criminalistics Second Printing. Granarian’s Publishing House, #216
Tramo Drive St.,Barangay San Nicolas, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija 3105
Links
1. ^ Dooley, John F. (25 July 2015). "Review of Prisoners, Lovers,

and Spies: The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to al-Qaeda by Kristie
Macrakis". Cryptologia. 40 (1): 107–
112. doi:10.1080/01611194.2015.1028684.
2. ^ Dooley, John (2016). Codes, Ciphers and Spies: Tales of Military
Intelligence in World War I. New York: Copernicus Books.
p. 210. ISBN 9783319294148.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b c Macrakis, Kristie (2014). Prisoners, lovers, &spies : the
story of invisible ink from Herodotus to al-Qaeda. New Haven: Yale
University Press. pp. 11–13. ISBN 978-0300179255. Archived from the
original on 21 December 2017. Retrieved 12 January2017.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b c Reisert, Sarah (2015). "Under Cover of
Ink". Distillations. 1 (4): 46–47. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
5. ^ Intelligence Digest Supplement. University of Michigan. 1957. p. xxvi.
6. ^ Lukes, Igor (September 2016). "Book Reviews Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies:
The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to al-Qaeda. By Kristie Macrakis.
New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2014. Pp. xiv+377. $27.50". The
Journal of Modern History. 88 (3): 638–640. doi:10.1086/687421.
7. ^ Jump up to:a b Selinger, Ben; Barrow, Russell (2017). Chemistry in the
Marketplace. Clayton, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing.
p. 297. ISBN 9781486303328.
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_ink
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ink last edited on 18 April 2021, at
05:36 (UTC).
10. https://www.cteonline.org/cabinet/file/c8ab7556-4c9a-4df3-a0f5-
91a025a1d040/HandwritingCharacteristics.pdf (Accessed on April 1, 2021)
11. https://www.google.com/search?q=handwriting+embellishment+of+F+letter&
tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjalsTd4frvAhXkNKYKHewGDoMQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=handwriting+embellishment+of+F+letter&gs_lcp=CgNp
bWcQA1CXFVj2IWCiJGgAcAB4AIABZ4gBowWSAQM1LjKYAQCgAQ
GqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=CFF1YNryAuTpmAXsjb
iYCA&bih=568&biw=1366(Accessed on April 1, 2021)

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REGGIE B. LEDRES-LATOG RCrim, PhD.

Module No. and Title MODULE 1: Understanding Questioned Document

Lesson No. and Title Lesson 1: Introduction to Questioned Documents

Learning Outcomes At the end of this Lesson, the student can:

Time Frame 5 hours

Introduction In 2020, the Technical Committee for Criminology

On a different 3 pieces of any clean papers write the alphabet

a. on capital and small letter form ( Print )

b. on capital and small letter form ( cursive)

Already given as seatwork.

Analysis In your years of existence, name at least 10 documents

In our daily life activities, we all are expose to different

- The term “document” applies to writings; to words

- French word “docere”, means to teach.

- Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible,

a. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT- any document about

-An in the case of People vs. Nillosquin, CA, 48 O.G. 4453, a

1. PUBLIC DOCUMENT- any instrument notarized by a notary

WRITINGS, WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE DOCUMENTS:

1. A draft of a Municipal Payroll, which is not yet approved by the

THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTS

Now let us also define what is Questioned Document:

Any documents whose source of authenticity is uncertain is

A DisputedDocument is, therefore, always a questioned

SOME TERMINOLOGIES USED IN

CONCLUSION – A scientific conclusion results from relating

DOCUMENT EXAMINER – One who studies scientifically the details

ERASURE – The removal of writings, typewriting or printing, from a

EXAMINATION – It is the act of making a close and critical study of

EXPERT WITNESS – A legal term used to describe a witness who by

HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION EXPERT – a common name for

INSERTION OR INTERLINEATION – The term insertion and

NON-IDENTIFICATION – As used in this text it means the source or

OBLITERATION – the blotting out or shearing over the writing to

OPINION – In legal language, it refers to the document examiner’s

QUALIFICATION – The professional experience, education, and

DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

CRIMINALISTICS EXAMINATION – This involves the detection of

HANDWRITING INVESTIGATION / ANALYSIS – This is more

CLASSES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT:

1. Documents with questioned signatures.

A was found dead on the floor in his room. A rope on his

1. Is the found note a questioned document? Why?

2. Is the found note a disputed document? Why?

Closure That’s it for Lesson 1. Job well done!

Time Frame 5 hours

Discuss in your own words the importance of Documents at your

Provided below is a stair-like rectangles wherein you will

Congratulations! You’re done with Lesson 2.

Time Frame 5 hours

In this part of the Module we shall identify first the

Watch this video:

THE SERVICE PARADIGM ON QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

What are the CLASSES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT?

Here are the DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

KINDS OF CRIMINALISTICS EXAMINATION:

1. ULTRAVIOLET EXAMINATION - ultra violet

The following are the INSTRUMENT AND APPARATUS

a. MAGNIFYING LENS – bank personnel and

b. SHADOWGRAPH – a pictorial image formed

d. MEASURES AND TEST PLATES