PHOTO MECHANICAL

PRINTING PROCESS
MODU
LE 10.
Overview
This module presents the methods of printing
and identifying characteristics of printing. Further,
it comprehensively discusses the process of photo
mechanical printing. To better understand the
module, the module is divided into:

Lesson 10.1 Methods of Printing

Lesson 10.2 Identifying Characteristics of Printing
 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:

1. The platen or "flatbed press" opens and closes like a clam shaft; it has
raised type on one flat surface and paper on another flat surface and
the two are pressed together. Small hand presses are generally platen
presses.
2.Cylinder presses roll the paper around a cylinder and then across the
flat surface of inked type. 3. Rotary presses pass the paper between
two cylinders, one of which holds the curved printing plates.
 LESSON 10.1 METHODS OF PRINTING
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.
1. Gravure - This is a process in which the ink in recessed or sunken letters is drawn
out or sucked out under pressure. The process produces high quality reproduction
of photographs and half- tone illustrations, but the letters of type reproduced have
slightly fuzzy edges. The printing is done from large copper plates or copper
covered cylinders on presses of two kinds; sheet-fed gravure presses and web-fed
rotogravure presses for longer runs. The copper plates or cylinders are produced by
making film positives of the art work to be reproduced.

2. Engraving - The paper her is forced into the sunken areas of a metal plate where
the ink is. A special plate is made by the artist who removes or scratches areas in
the metal itself into which the ink is placed. The actual printing process is very slow,
and after the paper is removed from the plate, time must be allowed for the drying
of the ink to prevent smudging.
 LESSON 10.1 METHODS OF PRINTING
3. Planographic - 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 make of
paper, albumen or chemically treated metal) and exposed to a strong light.

4.Stencil - 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 inked cylinder and the cylinder is rolled across the paper,
forcing the ink through the porous parts of the stencil.
 LESSON 10.2 IDENTIFYING
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRINTING
A. LETTERPRESS
1. Study of this printing shows that the edges of the letters are more
sharply defined than offset printing.

2. Careful 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.
 LESSON 10.2 IDENTIFYING
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRINTING
B. OFFSET
1. The edges of the letters are more irregular than in letterpress;

2. The middle portion and the edges of the letters are more or less of the same
density; and

3. There is no indentation of the paper in the area of the printed letters as is

sometimes found in letter press printing.
 IDENTIFICATION OF PRINTING
The identification of printing is based on the general principles which
consider the existence of an adequate combination of class and individual
characteristics exceeding the limits of an accidental coincidence.

A. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS - maybe grouped under body size and

type face designs.

1. Body size of a type - responsible for the width of a line and depth of a
column.
2. Unit measurement - six picas making an inch.
3. The body size in metallic type - varies from six points up to seventy
points, larger ones being made mainly in wood.
4. According to the type face - there are eight main designs
 IDENTIFICATION OF PRINTING

B. INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS - These come into existence as a

result of:

1. Defective setting in relative space positioning, slant and weight of

type faces; or

2. Due to mutilations and imperfections in the type faces.

 PROCEDURES IN THE
PREPARATION AND
PRESENTATION OF DISPUTED
DOCUMENTS IN COURT
MODU
LE 11.
Overview
This module presents the photographs of documents as evidence,
requirements in the preparation of photographic illustration,
qualifications of document expert and trial preparation and
Testimony. Further, it discusses comprehensively the document
photography including the scientific, legal, technical preparation of
document examiner for trial. To better understand this module, the
lesson is divided into:

Lesson 11.1 Photographs of Documents as Evidence

Lesson 11.2 Requirements in the Preparation of Photographic Illustration
Lesson 11.3 Qualifications of Document Expert
Lesson 11.4 Trial Preparation and Testimony
LESSON 11.1 PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOCUMENTS AS
EVIDENCE
Generally, photographing of document is the vital importance in the establishment of proofs
in questioned document cases. A permanent record of it can be considered indispensable to a
successful examination and presentation of the case in court. To meet this requirement the
document photographer should have a wide photographic knowledge, training and
experience. He should be aware of the fundamental operational capabilities and limitation in
the areas of:
1. Films
2. Lighting
3. Lighting Equipment
4. Type of Cameras available for the specific purpose
5. Types of Lenses suited for the given cases
6. Supplemental equipment's which will increase efficiency such as
tripod, camera stand, filters
extension tubes, cable release, lens hood, flood light, level, etc.
LESSON 11.1 PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOCUMENTS AS
EVIDENCE
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:
1. Ordinary Lighting. Obviously, the first step is to look at the document by ordinary reflected
light.
2. Side Lighting. Try lighting from various angles. An extremely oblique angle will often be found
useful. If some particular light and viewing angle make the erasure visible, duplicate setup for
the camera.
3. Transmitted Light. Look at the document with the light coming through it. Turn the document
over and repeat.
4. Magnification. 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. document with
polarized light, using a Kodak Pola-Light, for example,
5. Polarized Light. Light the Examine it through a Kodak Pola-Screen.
6. Filters. Look at the document through various filters-either separate filters or the viewing
filters in the Kodak Master Photoguide.
LESSON 11.1 PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOCUMENTS AS
EVIDENCE
Different methods in document photography
1. Transmitted Light Photography - used in the examination of watermarks and furnishes a method of
determining the identity or the difference in paper by showing arrangement of the fibers and the
markings of the wire gauze and dandy-roll. Photograph by transmitted light will also clearly the uneven
distribution of ink in interrupted strokes and the presence of the added ink in retouched strokes.

2. Photomicrography - the process of obtaining photographs of magnified images of small subject is

known as photomicrography. It has a wide application in many fields where the minutes scrutiny of an
object is necessary and a court exhibit of a magnified image is needed.

a. Low-Power Photomicrography - also called macrophotography or photomicrography, normally

carried on by simply using a short focal length lens on a camera with a long extension tube or below.

b. High-Power Photomicrography - ordinary requires the use of a lensless camera attached to a

compound microscope. The image produced by the lens system of the microscope simply is projected
upon the film in the camera.
LESSON 11.1 PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOCUMENTS AS
EVIDENCE
4. Infra-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. The image is transformed into a visible light image on the fluorescent screen of the
converter can be observed visually and photographed with any camera loaded with fast Panchromatic
film; it is not necessary to use infrared film.
LESSON 11.1 PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOCUMENTS AS
EVIDENCE
5. Infrared 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.

6. Digital Photography - digital photography is defined by storing images on computer memory

or 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
LESSON 11.1 PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOCUMENTS AS
EVIDENCE
Advantage of digital computer photography

1. Immediately Available Images

2. No Darkroom and Chemical Needed
3. Quality, Good Enough to Very Good
4. Images Can Be Transmitted
5. Option Depend On Your Camera
6. Color Balances, Saturation, Contrast Easily Changed
7. Limited Options
8. Costly, Needs Computer and Printer
9. Requires Computer Expertise
 LESSON 11.2 REQUIREMENTS IN THE
PREPARATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION
1. The number and dates of standards signatures to be photographed in
connection with disputed document or the disputed signature.

2. The degree of greatest enlargement of the disputed, document or of the

disputed signature, and of the accompanying standard writings that are to
be enlarged.

3. The classification, or group comparison, of words, or parts of extended

writing or portions of signatures or other writing.

4. The disability of transmitted light photograph of disputed documents or

writing with similar photograph of a standard writing similar in kind.
 LESSON 11.2 REQUIREMENTS IN THE
PREPARATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION
5. In 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 print.

6. Possible use of stereoscopic illustrations showing retouching, overwriting mark of nib

points, line crossing, erasures, overwriting, over folds in paper, or any third dimension
characteristic.

7. The size of photographs to be used, whether 8x12, or 11 x 14 and also whether they are to
be arranged in loose-leaf album form or separately in portfolio.

8. The use of large bromide enlargements.

 LESSON 11.2 REQUIREMENTS IN THE PREPARATION OF
PHOTOGRAPHIC
Importance of Photography for Court Presentation
ILLUSTRATION
1. The 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.

2. To 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.

3. Photographic duplicate, and especially enlargements, also enable court and jury to understand and
weight the technical testimony given by an expert regarding their finding.

4. Photographs can be cut apart as may be desirable and the various parts classified for comparison.

5. Photographs are also useful in showing delicate discoloration's due to chemical erasures or other
fraudulent changes otherwise might be overlook, denied or misinterpreted.
LESSON 11.2 REQUIREMENTS IN THE PREPARATION OF
PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION
Steps in the Preparation for Trial

1. Original notes obtained from client interviews.

2. Investigation reports.

3. Written discovery.

4. Depositions.

5. Medical records.

6. Information from experts

 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.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
There are probably more unqualified people who claim to be "experts" in
the Document Examination profession than in any other forensic
specialty. Far too often, these untrained or self-taught individuals claim
to have received their training by attending a few lectures or by reading
one or two books that may or may not be written by recognized
authorities in the field. How then, can the truly qualified expert be
distinguished from the charlatan? The answer is by thoroughly
investigating the training, background and experience of everyone
purported to be an expert.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
Several matters should be addressed when speaking with the expert for the first
time.

1. Can 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.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT

2. What 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.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
3. Does 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, the restoration
of damaged documents, testifying as an expert witness and other topics.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
4. Was 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.

5. Is 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 in forensic document
examination. The ABFDE is the only certifying body recognized by the Canadian Society of
Forensic Science, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Society
of Questioned Document Examiners. During the 1980's, the Forensic Science Society in
the United Kingdom established a similar program that set strict standards for the
profession. Both of these organizations review the onep qualifications of their certified
examiners every five years. Only by following accepted protocols and adhering to strict
conditions is an expert able to maintain his/her certification status.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
6. Has 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
include analyses frequently conducted by the expert. The American Society of Questioned
Document Examiners requires applicants to successfully complete a battery of written, oral and
practical tests before being considered for regular membership. This Society requires that
members attend an annual meetings and contribute to its scientific programs at least once every
three years.

7. Does 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. Other basic laboratory equipment includes a device for restoring indented
impressions in paper, instruments for viewing documents under infrared and ultraviolet light,
equipment for photographing evidence as well as a library of reference materials.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT

8. Is 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.

9. To what extent has the expert developed or advanced his professional

knowledge or technical skills?
Document 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 programs on a regular basis.
Continuing education is fundamental to professional growth. A document
examiner should be able to list seminars, workshops and other training
opportunities he/she has attended on a regular basis.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
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, it 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.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
Establishing sufficient basis is quite easy when it comes to the situation
illustrated above. As a general rule, the court will allow the owner of real
property to express an opinion as to the property's value because she has a vital
relationship to it. She stands to gain or lose the most from the court's valuation.
Another way of putting it is that the owner has quasi-expert status. The court
presumes she is qualified to give a valuation opinion based on the special
knowledge arising out of ownership.

Beware, though, that when a lack of such knowledge can be demonstrated, and if
the opinion is hypothesized, the lay opinion will be rejected. Indeed, if you want
to resist a non-expert opinion, pursue any weak point in the opinion's basis.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
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;

1. Your expertise.
2. Knowledge on Rules on Evidence.
3. Trial proceedings.
LESSON 11.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENT EXPERT
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.

1. First, 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.

2. Review all available documents pertaining to the issues being litigated.

3. Discuss 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.

4. Consider what the defense counsel's approach will be and the area he will most
likely probe during cross-examination.
 LESSON 11.4 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY
Duties and responsibilities
The forensic examiner has various responsibilities and duties during judicial
proceedings.
1. In criminal cases, review the prosecution memorandum.
2. In criminal cases, review the charge filed which sets forth the specific
allegations of the criminal act.
3. Review 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.
4. Check the evidence to be presented in court, whether criminal or civil.
5. Advice the lawyer of a potential technical problem.
6. Determine the clearest manner to present the testimony in terms that the
judge will understand.
7. Prepared tentative summary, based on the evidence that is expected to be
admitted.
 LESSON 11.4 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY
8. Supply the lawyer you are assisting a written statement of your qualifications as a forensic
examiner or a current resume.

9. Testify only on those matters that are presented by the lawyers to the court.

10. Take 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.

11. Alert the lawyer regarding any evidence that has been overlooked. It is important that all
evidence necessary to support your testimony has been admitted.

The basic rule for the forensic examiner and investigator is to truthfully testify in court. His or
her demeanor should reflect professionalism. Fostering cooperation with the lawyers can be
greatly beneficial. Communication between your lawyers can enlighten you, as well as those
around you, on the case. The forensic examiner should expect to work long hours during the
trial. Most of the job is done outside the courtroom, not in it. The forensic examiner should
be very familiar with the case. If not, he or she should study the case a week or so before the
trial begins.
 LESSON 11.4 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY
The elements of effective expert testimony and proper courtroom behavior

1. The 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.

2. The 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.

3. The 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.

4. Enter 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.
 LESSON 11.4 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY
5. Upon 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.

6. The 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.

7. Present 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 opinion whole-heartedly, he cannot make others believe in him. A timid
voice never carries conviction.
 LESSON 11.4 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY
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.
 LESSON 11.4 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY
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 identification but fails
in court because of their nervousness, poor personality, or other human weaknesses.