Introduction
The History of Document Examination
Document examination, also known as forensic document examination or handwriting analysis, is a
field that involves the scientific analysis of documents to establish their authenticity, detect forgery,
and determine the source of a document or handwriting.
While Forensic Document Examination is a specialized field, there have been several personalities
who have made significant contributions to the development and recognition of this discipline. These
individuals have played key roles in advancing the scientific methods used in document examination
and have contributed to the field's credibility.
1. Albert S. Osborn (1858–1946):
Often referred to as the "Father of Questioned Document Examination," Osborn was
an American document examiner who authored the influential book "Questioned Documents" in
1910. This work laid the foundation for the scientific examination of documents and handwriting.
2. Alphonse Bertillon (1853–1914):
While primarily known for his contributions to anthropometry, Bertillon also made early
attempts at applying scientific methods to document examination. His work laid the groundwork
for the systematic analysis of physical features in handwriting.
3. Reinoud D. Stoel (1924–2019):
Stoel was a Dutch forensic document examiner who made significant contributions to the
field. He was involved in the development of international standards for forensic document
examination and served as the president of the International Association for Forensic Document
Examiners (IAFDE).
4. Amanda Sozer (Contemporary):
Amanda Sozer is a prominent forensic document examiner who has been involved in
high-profile cases. She is known for her expertise in handwriting analysis and has contributed to
the advancement of document examination techniques.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
a. ADDITION- any matter made a part of the document after its original preparation may be referred
to as addition.
b. 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 a logical term, is referred to as “opinion”.
c. DOCUMENT EXAMINER- one who studies scientifically the details and elements of the
documents in order to identify their source or to discover other facts concerning them. Documents
examiners are often referred to as handwriting identification experts, but today the works has
outgrown this latter title and involves other problems than merely examination of handwriting
d. 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 agent (e.g. liquid ink eradicator); and
mechanical means- an abrasive erasure is where rubbing with a rubber eraser or scratching out with
knife or other sharp will implement the writing.
e. 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, ultraviolet and infra-red
examination.
f. 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. This 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.
g. FORGERY- the act of creating, altering, or imitating a document, signature, or other item with the
intent to deceive or defraud. Forensic document examiners play a crucial role in identifying forged
documents.
h. HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION EXPERT- a common name for the document examiner.
i. IDENTIFICATION (Identity)- as used in this text it is the state of being identical or absolutely the
same as in similarity of source or authorship of the questioned document and the standard document.
j. INSERTION OR INTERLINEATION- The term “insertion” and "interlineations” include the
addition of writing and other material between lines or paragraphs or the addition of the whole page to
a document.
k. NON-IDENTIFICATION (Non-identity)- as used in this text it means that the sources or
authorship of the compared questions and standard specimens is different.
l. OBLITERATION- the blotting out or shearing over the writing to make the original invisible to as
an addition.
m. OPINION- in legal language, it refers to the document examiner’s conclusion. Actually in court,
he cannot only express an opinion but demonstrates the reasons for arriving at his opinion.
Throughout this text, opinion and conclusion are used synonymously.
n. 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.
In the book, “The Law of Disputed and forged Documents”, J. Newton Baker states that,
“Forgery was practiced from the earliest times in every country where writing was the medium of
communication”
Not surprisingly, it was a very lucrative business for individuals in hig office to profit from
forgery. Titus was a skillful forger in his time. Cicero berated Anthony for making profits by
counterfeiting handwriting.
ALPHABET
First form of written communication started as far back as 20,000 years ago.
THE ROLE AND NATURE OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT IN POLICE WORKS
The document examiner plays an important role in carrying out and serving justice, especially in
cases that require his expertise so as the truth will prevail. As quoted by no less than the Father of
Criminalistics, Dr. Hans Gross, “ The Ultimate Objectives of all investigative and detective works is
nothing but search for truth and a battle against lies.
DUAL OBJECTIVE OF DOCUMENT EXAMINER:
1. To Discover facts
2. To prove the facts