NCJ Number
188369
Date Published
2001
Length
225 pages
Annotation
This book explains both the history and basics of questioned documents, in the field of forensic engineering, providing a resource to lawyers in the presentation of document evidence and the interrogation of witnesses.
Abstract
Questioned document analysis is applied to many types of investigation: fraud, homicide, suicide, drug trafficking, sexual offenses, threats, and extortion, blackmail, arson, bombings, theft, and more. The book begins with an introduction to questioned documents including: an historical overview, the discipline and role of questioned documents, the hiring and training of a questioned document examiner, the written declaration and testimony of an expert document examiner, opposing expert witness, private or public document laboratory, cross-examination of evidence, ethics, and research conducted by document examiner. It is the job of the document examiner to examine all documents. The book continues with an examination of various questioned document technologies including: handwriting; typewriters; printers; other office machines, (i.e., facsimile, perforator, checkwriter, paper cutter, and computer); cachets or rubber stamps and seals; printing, (i.e., letterpress, photo-offset, engraving, and printing inks); document copying; photography; writing inks and dyes, pens, and pencils; paper; erasures, obliterations, and alterations; office supplies, (i.e., paper clips, staples, and adhesive tape); fingerprints on documents, and examination equipment, (i.e., magnifiers, microscopes, light sources, projectina, and laser). Appendices 1 through 6, index