TITLE/TOPIC

Questioned Document Examination

LESSON 1
INTRODUCTION TO QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
EXAMINATION

I. INTRODUCTION

In forensic science, questioned document examination (QDE) is the examination

of documents potentially disputed in a court of law. Its primary purpose is to provide evidence
about a suspicious or questionable document using scientific processes and methods. Evidence
might include alterations, the chain of possession, damage to the document, forgery, origin,
authenticity, or other questions that come up when a document is challenged in court.

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

In-depth knowledge and understanding of the:

 application of Questioned Document Examination in the service of justice

 important terminologies in questioned document examination
 legal definitions and implications of documents as evidence
 historical development of handwriting, forgery, writing instrument and
writing materials
 different fields in Questioned Document Examination

III. COURSE CONTENT

INTRODUCTION

QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS:

One in which the facts appearing therein are not true, and are contests either in whole or in
part with respect to its authenticity identity, or origin. It may be a deed, contract, will election
ballots, marriage contract, check, visas, application from, check writers, certificates, etc.

DOCUMENT -any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, partially visible
that may present or ultimately convey a meaning to someone. May be in the form of pencil, ink
writing, typewriting, or printing on paper.

A.)QUESTIONED DOCUMENT – Any document about which some issue has been raised or
which is under scrutiny, or of doubtful origin.

B.)STANDARD DOCUMENT – Are condensed and compact-set of authentic specimen which is

adequate and proper, should contain a cross section of the material form it source. They are
used by the document examiner as the basis for his identification or non identification of the
questioned document.

-in the case of People vs. Moreno, CA, 338 D.G. 119, a document is any written document by
which a right is established or an obligation is extinguished.

-an in the case of People vs. Nillosquin, CA, 48 D.G. 4453, a document is every deed or
instrument executed by person by which some disposition or agreement is proves, evidenced
or set forth.
EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE
SUBJECTS CONSIDERED IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION:

A. Handwriting Examination

 Examination of signatures and initials

 Examination of anonymous letters
 Hand printing examination

B. Typewriting examination

C. Examination of inks

D. Erasures, Alterations or obligations, etc.

E. Counterfeiting

DEFINITION OF TERMS

A. DOCUMENTS - any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, partially visible
that may present or ultimately convey a meaning to someone, maybe in the form of pencil, ink
writing, typewriting, or printing on paper.

KINDS OF DOCUMENTS

1. Public Document - a document created, executed or issued by a public official in response to

the exigencies of the public service, or in the execution of which a public official intervened.

2. Official Document – a document which is issued by a public official in the exercise of the
functions of his office.

3. Private Document – every deed or instrument executed by a private person without the
intervention of a notary public or any person legally authorized, by which the documents some
disposition or agreement is provide evidenced or set forth.

4. Commercial Document – Any instrument defined and regulated by the Code of Commerce or
other commercial law.

5. Electronic Document – exist only in electronic form such as date stored on a computer
network, back-up, archive, or other storage media.

6. Paper-based – produced traditionally and manually

B. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT – Document is usually questioned because its origin, its contents,
or the circumstances and story regarding its production, arouse serious suspicions as to its
genuineness, or it may be adversely scrutinized simply because it displeases someone.

C. QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION/FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION - The

practice of application of document examination to the purposes of the law.

D. FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINER/QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINER – refers to persons

who study all aspects of a document to determine its authenticity, origin, handwriting,
photocopies, inks and papers.

E. HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENT – any document completely written and signed by one person.

F. REFERENCE COLLECTION – Material compiled and organized by the document examiner to

assist him in answering special questions.

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G. RELATED FIELD OF STUDY

1. Historical dating - It involves the verification of age and worth pf document or object.

2. Fraud Investigation - It focuses on the money trail and criminal intent

3. Paper and ink Specialists - These are public or private experts who date, type, source, and/or
catalogue various types of paper, watermarks, ink, printing/copy/fax machines, computer
cartridges, etc., using chemical methods.

4. Forgery Specialists - These are public or private experts who analyse, altered, obliterated,
changed, or doctored documents and photos using infrared lighting and other equipment.

5. Handwriting Analysis - These are psychology experts who assess personality traits from
handwriting samples, also called as graphologist or graph analysts.

6. Forensic stylistics - Refers to the same purpose but by looking at semantics, spelling, word
choice, syntax and phraseology.

7. Typewriting Analysis - These are experts on the origin, make and model used in typewritten
document.

8. Computer Crime Investigation

9. Imprint Examination – including those produced by manual devices, mechanical devices and
electronic printing devices; also includes those produced by the manufacture of counterfeiters.

HOW TO PREPARE AD COLLECT HANDWRITING STANDARDS

1. The amount of Standard written.

a. Signature – five to twenty five

b. Writing – usually four or five pages of natural writing.

2. Similarly of Subject Matter

A. Compare conventional copy book from with conventional copy-book form standard; and
compare highly individualized questioned signature with highly individualized standards
signatures.

B .Extended writing – Determine whether the questioned writing is purely cursive, or script, or
block, or combination of the three or two styles of writing.

3.Relative Dates of the questioned and the standards writing standard signatures or writing
must be those written five (5) yeas before or five (5) after the date of the questioned signature
or writing.

4. Condition under which both the questioned and the standard are prepared.

a. Paper rested on the knee

b .Standing

c. Sitting

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE

d. Lying down

e .Moving vehicle –The document examiner must make a brief investigation into the condition
under which a document was written.

5. Writing Instrument and Paper

a. Paper – Determine whether the questioned writing was written in the ruled pad paper or
plain paper.

b. Writing Instrument – Determined whether the questioned writing was written in ball point.

Materials from which documents are made

A. Paper- the earliest form of material on which writing was placed were the skin of
animals called parchment or vellum. The word paper comes from the papyrus, a grass-
like plant found in Egypt.
B. Ink- the earliest Ink was from a vegetable varnish. The oldest type of ink was invented
by the Chinese thousand years ago.
C. Writing Instrument- the instrument used to form marks and symbols on a paper. Paper
and ink do not compose a document unless some symbols, markings or writing are
imprinted.
1. Roman beaver
2. The reed pen
3. Goose-quill
4. Steel pen
5. The first successful fountain pen
6. The early type fountain pen

The Appearance of Document

1. Folds and creases

2. Impression
3. Cancelation stamp
4. Erasure
5. The surface
6. Blots and smears
7. dimensions
8. perforations
9. adhesive stamp
10. holes and tears
11. wire marks and water marks

Assessment:

I. Objective: Familiarization on the First Writing Instrument

II. Instruction: Draw and Label the First Writing Instrument
References:
 Sally s. kalalang, M.S Crim & Avelino P. Kalalang, Jr., LI.B. (2009) Questioned Document
Examination: An Instructional Handbook. ISBN.971-0459-42-1
 Leyaley, Julienne (2020). Questioned Document Examination Manual ISBN:978-621-418-
131-5
 Koppenhaver, Katherine. (2007). Forensic document examination: Principles and practice.
10.1007/978-1-59745-301-1.
 Michael, Foundations of Forensic Document Analysis: Theory and
Allen. Practice. Wiley Blackwell, 2016.
EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE
  Osborn, LESSON 2
Albert S. HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION AND EXAMINATION
Questio
ned
Docume
nts, a
Study of
Questio
ned
Docume
nts with
an
Outline
of
Method
s by
Which
the
Facts
May Be
Discover
ed and
Shown,
by
Albert S.
Osborn,
... With
an
Introduc
tion by
Professo
r John
H.
Wigmor
e, ..
N.Y.,
1910.
 SWGDOC
Terminol
ogy
Relating
to the
Examinati
on of
Question
ed
Documen
ts

This course covers the scientific methods of identification and examination of

questionable documents, handwriting examination, detection of forgery, falsification and
counterfeiting of documents which stress the procedures of restoring and deciphering erasures
and obliterations; examination of documents by means of visible light, ultra-violet light and ultra-
red radiation and colored powders; recognition and selection of standards; and examination of
EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE
 questionable typewriting, computerized documents and other forms of modern printing.

I. LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
 Understand the physiological basis of handwriting and other concepts in handwriting process
 Explain the importance of signature and identify the different types of signature

II. COURSE CONTENT

A. HANDWRITING - It is the result of a very complicated series of acts, being used a whole, and
combination of certain forms of visible mental and muscular habits acquired by long,
continued painstaking effort.
B. COPYBOOK FORM - It is the instruction taught in school.
C. IMPORTANCE OF COPYBOOK FORM
1. The nationality of the writer
2. The system learned
3. The date when the writing was acquired
4. To some of the influences that have surrounded the writer

D. DEVELOPMENT OF HANDWRITING
1. Drawing Stage
2. Adolescence Stage/Manner of Execution
3. Stage of Subject Matter
4. Stage of Degeneration
E. STYLES OF HANDWRITING
1. Printed
2. Cursive
3. Print-writing
F. SIGNATURE - A mark or sign made by an individual on an instrument or document to signify
knowledge, approval, acceptance, or obligation.
I. TYPES OF SIGNATURE
1. Handwritten Signature
2. Electronic Signature
3. Autopen Signature
4. Stamp Signature
5. Guided Signature
6. Model Signature
J. IMPORTANCE OF SIGNATURE
1. Evidence
2. Ceremony
3. Approval
4. Efficiency and Logistics

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III. ASSESSMENT
GENERAL INSTRUCTION: Read each question very carefully. Answer legibly, clearly and concisely.
Write your answer on a yellow pad paper. Do not write anything at the back of your answer
sheet. You may use another sheet of paper until completed. Students who are residing in Tabuk
should submit it personally to the CJJE OFFICE as posted in your LMS activity (or you may
submit it earlier).

I. LEARNING CHECK. Describe the changes and style of your handwriting at the different
stages of development of handwriting. Enumerate the characteristics which were removed
or added over the span of development. Provide at least five observations. Write your
answer on a sheet of yellow paper and attached it inside your laboratory manual.

STAGES OMITTED ADDED

1.
2.
3.
4.

II. APPLICATION. Research, Read and Understand. Develop the ability in executing the
individual style or form of writing. To be posted on your LMS.

IV. REFERENCES
 Koppenhaver, Katherine. (2007). Forensic document examination: Principles and
practice. 10.1007/978-1-59745-301-1.
 Michael, Allen. Foundations of Forensic Document Analysis: Theory and Practice. Wiley
Blackwell, 2016.
 Osborn, Albert S. Questioned Documents, a Study of Questioned Documents with an Outline
of Methods by Which the Facts May Be Discovered and Shown, by Albert S. Osborn, ... With an
Introduction by Professor John H. Wigmore, .. N.Y., 1910.
 SWGDOC Terminology Relating to the Examination of Questioned Documents

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE
 St. Louis College of Bulanao
Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga 3800

This module is a requirement of the St. Louis College of Bulanao in response to the
implementation of the Blended Learning way of Instruction.

This Learning Material is a property of the College of Criminal Justice Education – St.
Louis College of Bulanao, Tabuk City. It aims to improve students’ performance specifically in
the Criminology Education.

Date of Development : January, 2022

Resource Location : Bulanao, Tabuk City
Learning Area :FORENSIC 13 (Questioned
Document Examination)
Learning Resource Type : Module1

General Instruction/s:

The module introduces the term Questioned Document and its concept. Series of
activities will encourage you to explore and learn about the topic. Through this module, the
following instruction/s should be followed.

1. This module is exclusively for SLCB students only.

2. Reproduction and use of this module for any purpose is strictly prohibited, unless with
the written permission from SLCB.
3. You may use this module for any acceptable purposes.

St. Louis College of Bulanao

Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga 3800

TITLE/TOPIC

QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

H. INTRODUCTION

LESSON 3

BASIS OF HANDWRITING AND SIGNATURE ANALYSIS

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE

This course covers the scientific methods of identification and examination of questionable documents, handwriting
examination, detection of forgery, falsification and counterfeiting of documents which stress the procedures of restoring and
deciphering erasures and obliterations; examination of documents by means of visible light, ultra-violet light and ultra-red
radiation and colored powders; recognition and selection of standards; and examination of questionable typewriting,
computerized documents and other forms of modern printing.

III. LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

 Understand the guiding principles in handwriting analysis

 Identify the different conditions which create changes in the handwriting of a person.

IV. COURSE CONTENT

PRINCIPLES OF HANDWRITING ANALYSIS

1. No two writers write exactly alike

2. The physical writing condition and position of the person including his writing instrument may affect the
handwriting characteristics but they do not confine all its identifying elements.

3. A writer cannot exceed his maximum writing ability or skill without serious effort and training applied
over a period of time.

4. The combination of handwriting characteristics including those derived from form and writing movements
are essential elements of identification.

5. Individuality in handwriting can only be determined through comparative examination with the standard
written or prepared under comparable condition

6. Similarity does not mean identity

7. Complete identity means definite forgery

8. Writing was written by one person when there is a sufficient number of identical writing habits and
identical primary controlling characteristics and addition, the absence of divergent characteristics.

9. Writing was not written by one person when there is a sufficient number of divergent writing
characteristics and the absence of identical primary controlling characteristics.

MOVEMENTS IN HANDWRITING

● Finger Movement – The thumb, the first, the second and slightly the third finger are in actual motion.

● Hand Movement – Produced by the movement or action of the whole hand with the wrist as the center of attraction.

● Forearm Movement – the movement of the shoulder, hand and arm with the support of the table.

● Whole-arm Movement – action of the entire arm without resting.

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE

 V. ASSESSMENT

GENERAL INSTRUCTION: Read each question very carefully. Answer legibly, clearly and concisely. Write your answer on a
yellow pad paper. Do not write anything at the back of your answer sheet. You may use another sheet of paper until completed.

I. LEARNING CHECK. Choose one principle applied in Questioned Document and explain its concept in 3-4
sentences. Justify its credibility as one of the effective methods of personal identification. Write your answer on a
sheet of yellow paper and attached it inside your laboratory manual.

II. APPLICATION. Read and Understand page 7 of your Laboratory Manual. Answer Activity 3 (page 8).

VI. REFERENCES

• Koppenhaver, Katherine. (2007). Forensic document examination: Principles and practice.

10.1007/978-1-59745-301-1.

• Michael, Allen. Foundations of Forensic Document Analysis: Theory and Practice. Wiley
Blackwell, 2016.

• Osborn, Albert S. Questioned Documents, a Study of Questioned Documents with an Outline of

Methods by Which the Facts May Be Discovered and Shown, by Albert S. Osborn, ... With an
Introduction by Professor John H. Wigmore, .. N.Y., 1910.

• SWGDOC Terminology Relating to the Examination of Questioned Documents

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE

St. Louis College of Bulanao

Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga 3800

This module is a requirement of the St. Louis College of Bulanao in response to the implementation of the Blended Learning
way of Instruction.
EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE
This Learning Material is a property of the College of Criminal Justice Education – St. Louis College of Bulanao, Tabuk City.
It aims to improve students’ performance specifically in the Criminology Education.

Date of Development : January, 2021

Resource Location : Bulanao, Tabuk City

Learning Area :FORENSIC 13 (Questioned Document Examination)

Learning Resource Type : Module 3

General Instruction/s:

The module covers handwriting identification and examination and its concept. Series of activities will encourage you to
explore and learn about the topic. Through this module, the following instruction/s should be followed.

1. This module is exclusively for SLCB students only.

2. Reproduction and use of this module for any purpose is strictly prohibited, unless with the written
permission from SLCB.

3. You may use this module for any acceptable purposes.

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE

EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE
EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE
EZRA RIZLE L. GRAMAJE