The improper or careless handling of a questioned document can compromise the examination and hence forth the entire case. In most cases, protocol for handling document evidence is known and expected to follow. Because the questioned document examiner (QDE) usually is not one of the original crime scene responders or the investigating detective, he or […]
Questioned Documents
Forensic Analysis of Paper or Paper Examination
One of the important tasks of the forger is to find a suitable paper upon which the document is to be forged and one of the daunting tasks of the question document examiner is Forensic Analysis of Paper or Paper Examination or Study of paper. The need to examine a paper arises when a document […]
Introduction to Questioned Documents
A document is a piece of written, printed or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that conveys some information. Legal Definition Both Indian Evidence Act and Indian Penal Code define documents. Section 3 of Indian Evidence Act (I) of 1872 A document may be defined as under:- “Document means any matter expressed or […]
Class and Individual Characteristics of Handwriting
A questioned document expert examines two elements viz, class and individual characteristics of handwriting to come to a conclusion regarding the authorship of handwriting. Lets learn in detail what these characteristics are all about. Class Characteristics are those writing features common to a group i.e. the common pattern of handwriting, letters, their shape which are […]
Basic Principles of Handwriting Identification
Identification of handwriting assumes great importance in court of law when the authenticity of handwriting/signature is questioned. Sir Ordway Hilton gave five Basic Principles of Handwriting Identification with their corollaries to guide us in the process of handwriting identification. Let us have a look at these rules: Rule 1. Each mature writer has a handwriting […]