Questioned Document

Examination
Module 10

Photo Mechanical
printing process
 LESSON 10.1 METHODS OF PRINTING A. RELIEF PRINTING (LETTERPRESS) In this
method of printing, the image characters are raised above the level of the non-
printing areas. The ink is applied to a raised surface that in turn is applied to
paper. The letterpress process is the oldest of all printing procedures. It prints with
cleaner and sharper letters. After the type has been set, the next step is the
actual printing which is made on one of three principles:
[Link] platen or "flatbed press" opens and closes like a clam shaft; it has raised
type on one flat surface and a flat platen surface and the two are pressed
together. Small hand presses are generally platen presses.
[Link] presses roll the paper around a cylinder and then across the flat
surface of inked type.
[Link] presses pass the paper between two cylinders, one of which holds the
curved printing plates.
B. INTAGLIO (GRAVURE PRINTING) There are four types of printing which employ the Intaglio principle of
placing ink in an area, which has been cut out or etched.
[Link] – This is a process in which the ink in recessed or sunken letters is drawn out or sucked under
pressure. The process produces high-quality reproduction of photographs and illustrations, but the letters
of type reproduced have slightly fuzzy edges. The printing is done by copper copper plates or copper
cylinders on presses of two kinds; sheet-fed gravure presses and web-fed rotogravure presses for longer
runs. The copper plates or cylinders are used and making follows pictures for longer runs. The copper
plates or cylinders are produced by web-fed photographic works for better reproductions.
[Link] – The paper is fed through the recessed areas of a metal plate where the ink is. A special
engraving of a printed die stamp over its letters.
[Link] – Lithography is the most well-known printing process which employs the principle of
putting ink on a chemically treated surface. The commercial application of lithography is known as offset.
In this process, the copy is placed in front of a big camera and photographed so that the film is the exact
size that the final result is to be. The film is in turn placed over a sensitized plate made of paper, albumen
or chemically treated metal) and exposed to a strong light.
[Link] – Stencil sheets on which the copy is typed or drawn are made of a porous lease tissue, covered
with a coating which is impervious to ink. The typing or drawing pushes the coating aside and exposes
the porous tissue. This stencil wrapped around an ink cylinder and the cylinder is rolled across the paper,
forcing the ink through the porous parts of the stencil.
C. PLANOGRAPHIC (LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING) In planographic
printing, the image characters are in the same general plane as the non-
printing areas. The ink is applied to a dead level plate which has been
chemically treated such as lithograph and offset.
D. STENCIL It is a process where the letters or image are holes cut in a
sheet, or a sheet is made more porous in the area of the letters and ink is
applied to paper through the holes or porous areas such as mimeograph.
E. HALFTONE BLOCK PRINTING This is offset-related and is used for
the reproduction of pictures and illustrations in little covers. To prepare a
halftone block, the model is photograph and its image is transferred to a
metal surface by photo-printing.
LESSON 10.2 IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS OF PRINTING
A. LETTERPRESS
[Link] of this printing shows that the edges of the letters are more sharply
defined than offset printing.
[Link] microscopic study and measurement may reveal different “runs” of
letterpress printing which have been made from the same set-up; the “y” type
face may exhibit evidence of damage and the spacing and alignment may be
different due to pressure applied by the frame.
B. OFFSET
[Link] edges of the letters are more irregular than in letterpress.
[Link] middle portion and the edges of the letters are more or less of the same
density.
[Link] is no indentation of the paper in the area of the printed letters as is
sometimes found in letterpress printing.
IDENTIFICATION OF PRINTING- The identification of printing is based on the
gene
ral principles which consider the existence of an adequate combination of class
and individual characteristics exceeding the limits of an accidental coincidence.
A. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS- These may be grouped under body size and type
face designs:
[Link] size of a type – responsible for the width of a line and depth of a column.
[Link] measurement – six picas making an inch.
[Link] body size in metallic type – varies from six points up to seventy points,
larger ones being made mainly in wood.
[Link] to the type face – there are eight main designs.
B. INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS- These come into existence as a result of:
[Link] setting in relative space positioning, slant, and weight of type faces.
[Link] to mutilations and imperfections in the type faces.
MODULE 11 PROCEDURES IN
THE PREPARATION AND
PRESENTATION OF DISPUTED
DOCUMENTS IN COURT
Lesson 11.1: Photographs of Documents as Evidence
Generally, photographing of documents is an important tool in the establishment of
proofs in examination and presentation of a case in court. It can be considered
indispensable to a successful fraud case where a wide photographic record is of great
requirement. The document photographer should have fundamental operational
capabilities and be aware of limitations in areas such as:
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] Equipment
[Link] of Cameras available for specific purposes
[Link] of Lenses suited for given cases
[Link] equipment which will increase efficiency, such as tripods, camera
stands, filters, extension tubes, cable release, lens hood, flood light, and level, etc.
General Guide in the Correct Lighting for Erasures
The correct lighting for deciphering erasures is determined by experiment. As a general guide, these
steps should be tried:
[Link] Lighting – The first step is to look at the document by ordinary reflected light.
[Link] Lighting – Try lighting from various angles. An extremely oblique angle will often be useful.
Some particular lighting and viewing angles may make the erasure visible. Duplicate the setup if
needed.
[Link] Light – Look at the document with the light coming through it. Turn the document
over and repeat the process.
[Link] – Examine the paper with a magnifier, such as a hand glass or a low-power
binocular microscope. Magnifications up to about 10x are most useful.
[Link] Light – Light the document with polarized light, using a Kodak Polar-Light, for example.
Examine it through a Kodak Polar-Screen.
[Link] – Look at the document through various filters, either separate filters or the viewing filters
in the Kodak Master Photoguide.
Chemical Methods
An erasure can be brought up with iodine fuming. Iodine fuming is a general procedure that:
[Link] the presence and extent of an erasure;
[Link] some of the writing; and
Different Methods in Document Photography
[Link] Light Photography – Used in the examination of watermarks and
provides a method of identifying the texture or fiber arrangement of the paper by
showing differences in the wire gauze and dandy roll. Photographing by
transmitted light will also show the uneven distribution of ink in interrupted strokes
and the presence of added or retouched strokes.
[Link] – The process of obtaining photographs of magnified images of
small subjects, also known as photomicrography. It has applications in many fields
where minute scrutiny of an object is necessary, and a court exhibit of a magnified
image is needed.
[Link]-Power Photomicrography- also called macrophotography or
photomicrography, carried on by simply using a short focal length lens on a camera
with a long extension normally carri
[Link]-Power Photomicrography-ordinary requires the use of a lenses
comptached to a compound microscope. The image produced by the lens system of
the microscope simply is projected upon the film in the camera.
[Link]-Violet Photography - in the radiant energy spectrum between the ray bandland the visible light band
and adjoining fatter at its violet end is a s a band of rays known as ultraviolet Photographs made by using
Ultraviolet rays as the light source sometimes reveal physical or chemical differences in subjects that are
undetectable by any type of photography.
a. Straight Ultraviolet Photography - is a method of taking a picture in which a camera is used record the
autoren chata subject reflection, transmission or absorption of ultraviolet rays in much the same manner as in light
photography.
b. Ultraviolet Luminescence Photography - is the process of taking a picture of a subject that is emiting or
giving cut invisible radiations in the long wave ultraviolet region (3500A to 4000) while it is being irradiated by
external short wave ultraviolet rays (2500 to 3500A)
c. Ultraviolet Fluorescence Photography-basically, fluorescence photography is almost as simply as many
other kinds of visible light photography. All black and white films and all color films can be used, and generally
speaking color is better than black and white for fluorescence photography. High speed Ektachrome is good
Panchromatic film in black and white. The filter most often used is the Wratten 28 in color and K2 (yellow) OR g
(orange) filters in black and white works.
[Link]-Red Photography - define as taking a picture with infrared rays by means of a camera loaded with film
sensitive to infrared radiations. However, infrared pictures often, are produced without a camera and they are also
taken sometimes with films that are not sensitive to infrared radiations.
a. Straight Infra-red Photography- "straight" to mean exhibiting no deviation from what is accepted as usual
or normal photograph undertaken using infrared film in an ordinary camera with an infrared filter over the camera
lens or any light source. (Wratten 87 or A & F Filters)
b. Indirect Infrared Photography - it is possible to take infrared pictures indirectly that are very similar to
those obtained by the straight techniques using infrared film. One method uses a device called an image converter.
[Link] Luminescence Photography- luminescence is the process of taking picture of
a subject that is emitting or giving out invisible radiations in the long wavelength extending
into infrared region.
[Link] Photography - digital photography is defined by storing images on computer
memory of floppy disc instead of film, digital cameras bypass film processing by displaying
images immediately when connected to computer. As digital photography phenomenon
gains momentum, the number of digital camera manufactures has increased. This category
of digital camera would include the Apple, Quicktake, Casio, Chinon and Kodak.

Difference between conventional and digital photography

EXPOSURE ---------------------- CAPTURE

PROCESS ---------------------- MANAGE
PRINT ---------------------- OUTPUT
Advantage of digital computer photography
[Link] Available Images
[Link] Darkroom and Chemical Needed
[Link], Good Enough to Very Good
[Link] Can Be transmitted
[Link] Depend On your Camera
[Link] Balances, Saturation, Contrast Easily Changed
[Link] Options
[Link], Needs Computer and Printer
[Link] Computer Expertise
LESSON 11.2 REQUIREMENTS IN THE PREPARATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION
[Link] number and dates of standards signatures to be photographed in connection with disputed
document or the disputed signature.
[Link] degree of greatest enlargement of the disputed document or of the disputed signature, and
of the accompanying standard writings that are to be enlarged.
[Link] classification, or group comparison, of words, or parts of extended writing or portions of
signatures or other writing.
[Link] disability of transmitted light photograph of disputed documents or writing with similar
photograph of a standard writing similar in kind.
[Link] traced forgery cases the photographing of disputed signature with the model from which it
was traced if model is found, and the printing of photograph of forged signature and model
signature or separate transparent films, or oiled, paper and also photographing those signature
under ruled squares slightly enlarged to show suspicious identity by this method as well as by
the use of the transparent films or photo.
[Link] use of stereoscopic illustrations showing retouching, overwriting mark of nib points, line
directions, erasures, overwriting, over folds in a paper, and all dimension characteristic.
[Link] size of photographs to be used, whether 8×12, or 11 × 14 and also whether they are to be
arranged in loose-leaf album form or separately in portfolio.
[Link] use of large bromide enlargements.
Importance of Photography for Court Presentation
[Link] writing in questioned can be accurately enlarged so that every quality and characteristics of it
can be clearly and properly interpreted whether the facts so shown point to genuineness or to
forgery.
[Link] provide any number of accurate reproductions of writing in questioned, thus affording unlimited
opportunity for study, comparison and investigation by any number of examiners, which would not
be possible by using the original document in questioned.
[Link] duplicate, and especially enlargements, also enable court and jury to understand
and weight the technical testimony given by an expert regarding their finding.
[Link] can be cut apart as may be desirable and the various parts classified for comparison.
[Link] are also useful in showing delicate discoloration’s due to chemical erasures or other
fraudulent changes otherwise might be overlook, denied or misinterpreted.
Steps in the Preparation for Trial
[Link] notes obtained from client interviews.
[Link] reports.
[Link] discovery.
[Link].
[Link] records.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
During initial discussions with a prospective client, it may be discovered that FDES has been retained by another party
involved in the dispute. Due to this conflict of interest situation, the prospective client will have to locate another qualified
expert to assist him/her.
While the statement, "all men are created equal" is widely accepted, no two forensic document examiners possess
identical professional qualifications. Every document examiner draws on a body of knowledge he or she has acquired through
formal education, specialized training, scientific research and collaborating with other experts. The number of years
experience, the types of cases examined and testimony given as an expert witness also contribute to a person's credentials.
Those seeking assistance from a forensic document examiner should closely examine the expert's training, qualifications and
experience...especially as they apply to the specific problem or matter at hand.
Several matters should be addressed when speaking with the expert for the first time.
[Link] he/she supply an up-to-date curriculum vitae?
•The expert's curriculum vitae should be complete, accurate and current. Ensure that the stated qualifications are relevant to
forensic document examination and not to such areas as law enforcement, graphology, paralegal profession, private
investigation, etc. Determine if the expert is employed on a full-time or part-time basis. Be highly suspicious of experts who
provide little evidence of formalized training or work experience. Obtain references from clients who can vouch for the
expert's abilities.
[Link] professional training has the expert received?
•It is generally accepted that at least two years of full-time study is required before becoming a qualified document
examiner. This training should not consist of correspondence courses but rather should be a structured program with formal
lesson plans and training objectives. Training should be supervised and administered by one or more qualified instructors.
[Link] this training appear to be adequate?
•Keep in mind that virtually all government training programs for document examiners are a minimum 24 months in
duration. Roughly half of this time is spent on handwriting identification and the remainder is spent studying the identification
of office equipment (typewriting, copiers, facsimile machines, rubber stamps, etc.), the detection of alterations to documents,
[Link] the expert tested during and at the end of the training program?
•Every formal training program should include written, practical and oral tests to ensure the trainee has met or
exceeded appropriate standards.
[Link] the expert certified by a recognized certifying body?
•Two recognized bodies provide certification programs for forensic document examiners. In 1977, the American Board of
Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) was established and given the mandate of providing a program of certification.
During the same year, the Canadian Society of Forensic Science examination, the ABFDE is the only certifying body
recognized by the Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners.
[Link] the document examiner participated in any proficiency testing program or has he/she passed
examinations such as those set by independent professional societies?
•There are organizations who develop and administer proficiency tests for forensic document examiners on an annual
and semi-annual basis. Such testing should be completed on a regular basis and includes analyses frequently conducted
by the expert.
[Link] the document examiner have a fully equipped laboratory?
•Every document examiner should have access to a laboratory with a large area suitable for examining large numbers
of questioned and known documents. The facilities should be inspected to ensure it is clean, secure and orderly. A good
quality stereo microscope is indispensable for examining document evidence.
[Link] document evidence secure in the expert's laboratory?
•Documents should be stored in a vault or lockable cabinet when they are not being examined. The building should be
protected by a monitored alarm system.
[Link] what extent has the expert developed or advanced his professional knowledge or technical skills?
•Documents examination, like all branches of science, is ever-changing. Practitioners must strive to keep abreast of new
office technologies and modern investigative techniques. Forensic document examiners should regularly attend
conferences and participate in their scientific program on a regular basis. Continuing education is fundamental to
Testimony of Non-Expert Witness
Non-expert witnesses are permitted to express opinions on a variety of topics including the value of real property,
the appearance of persons or things, the identity of individuals, the competency of individuals, feelings, degrees of
light or darkness, sound, size, weight, distance, and an endless number of other matters, including intoxication.

Whenever you use non-expert opinion testimony, you must take care to demonstrate that the lay witness has a
sufficient basis to express the opinion, Moreover, even if the opinion is rationally based, will not usually be admitted
if it is superfluous or otherwise inappropriate. For example, a witness opinion about the veracity of another witness'
testimony is not admissible.

The Expert Testimony in Court Litigation

The duty of the Forensic Questioned Document Examiner does not end after establishing the identity of the
questioned documents as to whether it is written or not by one person. The final judgment is by the court which
decides on the issue. The document examiner presents his/her testimony to the court or any investigative body in
order for him to convince them regarding the result of his examination. In this situation, the examiner will undergo
a process of qualifying as an expert. The examiner will be put in the hot seat answering questions during the cross
examination. It is a difficulty stage in a court litigation for an examiner. The examiner on the other hand should be
prepared and be ready to answer questions asked by the adverse party. In this situation, the following must be
considered;
[Link] expertise.
[Link] on Rules on Evidence.
 An expert witness is a person skilled in some art, science, profession, or
business or who has experience or knowledge in relation to matters that are not
commonly know to the ordinary person. The ordinary witness testifies to facts,
that is, what one has seen, heard, or otherwise observed. The expert witness
expresses an opinion or answers hypothetical questions based on facts
presumably on the record. It should be kept in mind that the expert witness
testimony is entirely within the province of the judge to determine the weight to
be given to such opinions. The judge is not bound by the opinion of experts.

The forensic questioned document examiner will testify before a judge. He

may be presented by the prosecution lawyer or by a private prosecuting lawyer
the court may allow. His purpose is to be a assistance to the legal luminaries
may they be for the defense or for the prosecution in the administration of
justice. He will also testify before the court. This may be presented by the
defense lawyer (Gonzales, 2008)
LESSON 11.4 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY As soon as you find out
that you will be testifying, you should begin preparing for the witness
chair. Regardless of your role, you should take the following steps. a
witness
[Link], discuss with the lawyer/attorney who will present you as a
witness what is expected, how your testimony is to be used and when you
will expected to testify.
[Link] all available documents pertaining to the issues being
litigated.
e propen court's
[Link] your testimony with the lawyer and what line of questioning
will be used to develop the case, and have a general idea of how you will
respond to the questions.
[Link] what the defense counsel's approach will be and the area
Duties and responsibilities
The forensic examiner has various responsibilities and duties during judicial proceedings.
[Link] criminal cases, review the prosecution memorandum.
[Link] criminal cases, review the charge filed which sets forth the specific allegations of the
criminal act.
[Link] the anticipated evidence available to prove and disprove the charge or information
in criminal cases, or support or deny the plaintiffs' or respondents' position in a civil case.
[Link] the evidence to be presented in court, whether criminal or civil.
[Link] the lawyer of a potential technical problem.
[Link] the clearest manner to present the testimony in terms that the judge will
understand.
[Link] tentative summary, based on the evidence that is expected to be admitted.
[Link] the lawyer you are assisting a written statement of your qualifications as a forensic
examiner or a current resume.
[Link] only on those matters that are presented by the lawyers to the court.
[Link] notes regarding the evidence that is presented and marked as exhibits and prepare a
list of documentary exhibits of both sides, whether in a criminal or a civil case.
[Link] the lawyer regarding any evidence that has been overlooked. It is important that all
evidence necessary to support your testimony has been admitted.
The elements of effective expert testimony and proper courtroom behavior
[Link] expert witness before testifying in court must have his evidence and testimony adequately
prepared and should have at least one pre-trial conference with the trial attorney.
[Link] expert witness must have confidence in his opinion, which is based upon his knowledge,
experience and proper preparation. Confidence is an intelligent faith based on fact.
[Link] expert witness must create a good impression of himself to the court. He should come to court
dressed simply in clean conservative street clothes in keeping with the prevailing style.
[Link] the courtroom with an aggressive and positive walk, giving the assurance that you are
prepared to beat whatever may confront you. It is the walk and posture of most men that indicate
their character.
[Link] reaching the witness stand, turning to the court to be sworn in. he should raise his hand
without hesitation and let his voice ring out in a clear and forceful "I do." Without hesitation, he
takes the stand and sits down with ease in comfortable but erect position.
[Link] expert must have the ability to explain his technical subject in simple and clear language.
understandable by the trial judge. Make it easy for the judge to understand what you are talking
about. Use distinct and expressive sentence with a simple, clear and logical presentation.
[Link] your opinion in a friendly spirit. Be natural and speak in a normal, down-to-earth, and
congenial manner. Be human. Sincerity is displayed by the expert in the manner of his speech. It
will be conveyed in the ring of his voice, his facial expressions, and his bodily movements. The
slightest indication by his tone of voice or by any gesture that he is doubtful will destroy the
confidence of the judge. You cannot hide in sincerity. If the expert does not believe in his ideas or
Qualifying in court as an expert witness
A witness who gives testimony concerning questioned documents in court must not only understand how
it is analyzed, compared, and interpreted, how it was photographed, developed and charted, but he must also
be familiar with the history, literature, and legal precedence of his profession. He should be able to state
truthfully the length of time he has been engaged as a questioned document examiner. He must have enough
knowledge of some theories, studies, and research involving questioned document examination. The
questioned document examiner must have learned the principle of identification and must have shown the
evidence of training and expertise to the court in order not to find difficulties in obtaining the court's
recognition as an expert witness.

Ordinarily, the opinion of a witness is not admissible in court. But opinion evidence is admitted on
questions which the court is not competent to decide without assistance. This is the field of the skilled witness
and expert testimony. Obviously, the qualifications demanded of an expert witness are higher than those of a
lay witness. The expert witness must show training and practical experience in the field in which he sets
himself up an authority. It is true that there is always a first appearance in court as an expert for each forensic
questioned document specialist. It is said that only those who have testified before in courts should be
considered as experts. If that is the case, we would exhaust the supply of experts when the present experts all
die. Even though each must have an initial appearance, we should not go into court as an expert witness
unless we have enough years of experience in the handling of thousands of prints (beefed up by thorough
theoretical knowledge of the field) to obtain the confidence of the court. There is no certain number of years of
experience or no definite number of handwriting specimen that we have examined which can be given as
minimum or maximum experience. Some men may be excellent as experts in forensic questioned document
Thank
You