Unit 1: Introduction to Questioned
Document
- KOMAL DODIYA
NATURE AND SCOPE OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
Questioned documents refer to any
document whose authenticity or
source is in dispute. The examination
of questioned documents involves the
analysis of various aspects of a
document to determine its origin,
authenticity, and the circumstances
surrounding its creation. This field is
often associated with forensic science
and is used in legal investigations.
Types of Questioned Documents:
• Forgery: Documents that have been fraudulently created or
altered.
• Counterfeiting: The creation of fake documents or currency.
• Anonymous Letters: Documents with an unknown or disputed
authorship.
• Threatening Letters: Letters containing threats or extortion.
• Suicide Notes: Documents related to cases of suspected suicide.
SOME COMMON TYPES OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
ARE:
Letters and diary entry Photocopied document
Property papers and wills Typed document
Cheques and lottery slip Paper and Ink used
Appointment or Resignation letter Apart from all of these various types of
Damaged , burnt or altered documents documents even a blank piece of paper
can be of great evidentiary value, as
Suicide note when we write on a paper, the pressure
Id Cards applied while writing copies the exact
same text on the paper or papers below
Passport and Visas
the main document. A burnt document
Stamp paper can also used for examination.
Currency notes and Bank drafts
Scope of Examination:
• Handwriting Analysis: Comparison of handwriting characteristics
to determine authorship.
• Signature Analysis: Examination of signatures for authenticity.
• Document Alterations: Detection of alterations, erasures, or
additions.
• Ink and Paper Analysis: Examination of the type of ink and paper
used.
• Typewriting and Printing Analysis: Examination of typed or
printed text.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Forensic Document Examiners:
• Trained professionals, often known as forensic document examiners
or handwriting experts, conduct these examinations.
• They may work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or
as private consultants.
• Their findings and testimony can be crucial in legal proceedings.
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS.
The preliminary examination of questioned documents is the initial phase in the
forensic analysis process. This stage involves a basic assessment of the document to
determine its potential significance and to decide on the necessary course of action.
Here are key steps and aspects involved in the preliminary examination of questioned
documents:
Collection of Documents:
Gather all relevant documents, including the questioned document (the document
in question) and known exemplars (documents known to be genuine and attributed
to a specific source).
Observation and Description:
Carefully examine the questioned document and note its physical characteristics,
such as paper type, ink, writing instruments used, and any peculiarities like folds,
creases, or tears.
Comparison with Exemplars:
Ink and Paper Analysis:
Conduct ink and paper analysis to determine the type of ink and paper used in
the questioned document. This can provide insights into the document's origin.
Writing Instrument Examination:
Analyze the writing instrument used in the questioned document. This may
involve microscopic examination of ink lines, pen impressions, or other writing
instrument-related features.
Erasures and Alterations:
Identify any erasures, alterations, or additions on the questioned document.
Specialized techniques may be used to reveal hidden or obscured writing.
Photography and Imaging:
Use photography and imaging techniques to enhance and document details of
BASIC TOOLS NEEDED FOR FORENSIC DOCUMENTS
EXAMINATION
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Source:
Used to reveal alterations, additions, or variations in inks that may
not be visible under normal lighting conditions. UV light can make certain
substances fluoresce, providing valuable information about the
document.
Visible Light Sources:
High-quality visible light sources are essential for general examination
of documents before applying specialized lighting. Proper lighting helps
in observing visible features, such as handwriting and printing.
Infrared (IR) Light Source:
Infrared light can be used to reveal alterations or variations in inks
that may not be visible under normal lighting. It can also be useful in
Fluorescence Spectroscopy:
Involves the analysis of the fluorescence emitted by substances when
exposed to light. This can aid in the identification of specific materials
or alterations on a document.
Photomicrography and Microphotography:
Involves taking detailed photographs through a microscope to capture fine
details of document features, such as handwriting or printing
characteristics.
Visible Spectral Comparator:
This tool helps in visually comparing known standards with
questioned documents under controlled lighting conditions. It aids in
identifying differences or similarities in the visible spectrum.
Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA):
Utilizes static electricity to develop indented or obliterated writing
on a document. It can reveal impressions left on the paper even if the
visible writing has been removed.
Addition of letter viewed with visible
light.
with alternative light source under
VSC.
Obliterated note viewed with visible light.
Same note viewed with infrared
radiation.
Detecting Erasures under Oblique Detecting Erasures under UV
light. light.
Detection of Overwriting’s
Restoration of the original entry under infra-red luminescence condition
MCQ
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. D
7. B
8. C
9. D
10. B
11. B
12. D
13. A
14. C
15. C