LA CARLOTA CITY COLLEGE

City of La Carlota
-oOo-

College of Criminal Justice Education

Module in Forensic 4
First Semester AY 2022 – 2023

RONIL F. ABANIL, RCrim

Contact #: 09106533238
Email: Ronil Abanil @gmail.com
Google Account: Ronil Abanil @gmail.com
Facebook Account: FMJ Abanil

I. COURSE TITLE: Forensic 4 (Questioned Documents)

II. NUMBER OF UNITS: 3 Units

III. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The 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 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.

IV. COURSE OUTCOMES:

At the end of the semester, the students can:

1. Explain and define questioned documents.

2. Explain the words and phrases used in questioned document examinations.
3. Discuss the different classifications of questioned documents,
4. Prove indications of genuiness and falsifications of documents.
5. Identify and see the different instruments used in document examinations; and
6. Familiarize the laws on forgeries, falsifications of documents and counterfeiting.
V. COURSE OUTLINE

A. Prelim Period

Module 1. Questioned Document its Definition and brief history.

Questioned documents also referred to as disputed documents. Questioned documents refer

to any document which is under scrutiny or to which an issue has been raised. Documents denote any
material that contains marks, signs or symbols, whether visible, partially visible or invisible that may
convey a meaning or message to someone.

Disputed or questioned documents suggest that there is a controversy or an argument over the
document. A holographic document refers to any document completely signed and written by one
person. Graphology refers to the study of handwriting to determine one’s personality trait. This is not
part of handwriting analysis and is not considered a science.

The Handwriting of Junius Professionally Investigated published by Charles Chabot was the first
book in English to assert that there was a science of handwriting identification, and to illustrate its
methodology.

Albert S. Osborn, considered as the “ Father of Questioned Documents” published his work “
Questioned Documents” in 1910. In 1935, the Lindbergh baby kidnapping case, State vs. Hauptmann
Osborn proved in court as an expert witness that the accused Bruno Richard Hauptmann had written all
of the ransom notes found or sent after the abduction of the son of Charles A. Lindbergh leading to the
conviction of the accused.

 A document examiner is one who examines and studies scientifically the details and elements of
documents in order to identify their source or to discover the facts concerning them.
 Questioned document examination principally covers:
Identification of seal, stamps and other authenticating devices.
Examination of handwriting which includes signatures and handwriting for the purpose of
determining authorship or their genuineness.
Examination of type prints and typewriting for the purpose of determining their source of
genuineness.
Detection of alteration.
Restoration of obliterated writing.
Decipherment of erased writings.
Determination of age of documents.

 The fundamental principle underlying handwriting analysis is that “no two persons write the
exact same thing, the exact way.”
 Every individual develops unique peculiarities and characteristics in their handwriting.
Module 2. Classes of Standards: Standard documents are those in which the origin is known and can
be legally used as a sample to compare with other materials that is questioned. Basically there are two
known classifications or types of standards which are as collected and requested.
 Two classification of standards for comparison:
 Procured or collected standard-records that can be obtained from files of documents executed
in the course of a person’s day to day social, business, official or personal activities. They serve
as the best and most appropriate standard in the determination of the genuineness of a
questioned writing or signature.
Requested Standard – Also known as “Post Litem Motam Standards” or Dictated standard is a
standard document which are executed and prepared at one time upon request. These
exemplars serve in addition to collected standard that could possibly obtained as appropriate
standards in determining the authorship or identify of anonymous letters such as ransom notes,
extortion notes, libelous or poison letters and the like.

BASIC POINTS that should be considered in obtaining Standard Writings:

 The amount of standard writing available. At least seven standards are sufficient for accurate
analysis and comparison.
 The similarity of the subject matter. Many writers make use of two or more styles of signature;
the most common of such are conventional or traditional style using ordinary longhand method
and individualized or personalized where writing is executed with superfluities of design and
pattern usually in illegible forms of the letters but which is personal to the writer.
 The relative dates of the disputed and the standard writing. Best standards are those made of
dates which cover a period or before, about and after the dates of the questioned.
 The conditions under which both questioned or known specimen were prepared. Intoxication,
haste, serious illness, lack of care or an unnatural writing position may introduce variations in
writing which makes it inappropriate and unsuitable as standards for comparison.
 The type of writing instrument and paper used. Pencil writings may not necessarily show the
characteristics of a ball pen or fountain pen. As a rule, standards must be written with the am
instrument as that in questioned and as far as possible the paper used in the exemplar should
be of the same ruling, shape and size as the condition of the supposed questioned.

Conditions that should be observed in obtaining request standards:

 The material must be dictated to the writer.
 Normal writing conditions should be arranged.
 The dictated text must be carefully selected.
 Some portion of the dictation should be repeated at least three times.
 The dictation should be interrupted at intervals.
 An adequate amount of writing must be included.
 Writing instruments and paper should be similar to those used in preparing the disputed
document.

Physiological Basis of Handwriting:

The writing center near the motor area of the cortex is responsible for finger movement involved
in handwriting. AGRAPHIA is a disease where one losses the ability to write even though he could
still grasp a writing instrument.
The hand contains two kinds of muscles which function in the act of writing. A group of
“EXTENSOR push up the pen to form the upward strokes adds/ ease the tension produced as a
result of flexion by the group of muscles called the “ FLEXOR “ which pushes the pen to form the
down ward strokes. The flexor and extensor muscles combine with lumbrical muscles to form lateral
strokes.
 Generally speaking, four groups of muscles are employed in writing, those which operate the
joints of the fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder. The delicate way in which the numerous muscles
used in writing together to produce writer forms is known as “motor coordination.”

Stages in the Development of Handwriting:

The first step in the development of handwriting starts when a person begins to learn the art
of penmanship copybook forms and illustration of different letters. This step is by imitation, a
process of drawing, ardent and meticulous slow copying. The forms of letter at first occupy the focus
of the attention.
Second step in handwriting is where the matter of form recedes and the focus of attention is
centered on the execution of various letters, that is, they are actually written instead of drawn.
The final step in the development of handwriting refers to the manual in the execution of letters
after more progress, it is soon relegated to the subjective mind and the process of writing becomes
more or less automatic. Attention is no longer given to the process of writing itself because the
subject matter to be written now occupies the focus of attention.
The manner in which writing is produced is shown by itself, that is the appearances of the writing
strokes will indicate where attention was focused in the writing process. Where the writings is more
or less automatic as attention was focused on the subject matter and not on the writing process
itself, the careless abandon in the writing process will be shown by free and coordinated strokes. On
the other hand a forgery of copied or simulated class is produced by a process similar to that
employed by a person learning how to write in following a model.

Module 3. Individuality of Handwriting

Characteristics in writing
Characteristics- also referred to as identifying details, is any element, property or mark which
distinguishes. It has two basic types which are classified as class characteristics which are those
elements which are common to a group; and individual characteristics which is highly peculiar and
personal and is improbable to occur in other instances.

Writing is the product of a very complicated series of acts, being as a whole combination of forms,
which are the visible result of mental and muscular habits acquired by long, continues and
painstaking effort.

The individuality of handwriting is the combination of peculiarities of writing which is most personal
and individual thing that a man does which leaves a record that can be seen and analyzed. Mature
writing is modified by factors such as education, training, preference, artistic ability, musculature
and nerve tone.

Types of HandWriting

 Cursive writing- inscription or lettering wherein the letters are for the most part joined
together
 Disguised writing- a writing specimen that is executed deliberately with an attempt to alter
the usual writing habits in an attempt to conceal the identity of the one executing the
writing.
 Guided- also known as assisted writing, it is executed while the writers hand is steadied in a
way. There are most commonly written during a serious illness or on a deathbed and
employed as a method for beginners in writing.
 Handletterrring- refers to specimen of writing characterized by a disconnected style.
 Natural writing- refers to that specimen of writing that is written or executed normally
without an attempt to control or alter its identifying habits and its usual quality of
execution.

A signature is a combination o rather limited letters and designs and due to its frequent use:
it becomes almost automatic with its source. The identification of the so called “verification”
of signature is a specialized branch of handwriting examination.

Known signatures may contain elements and features not common to the writer’s other
classes of writing. Factors identification given closest style in signature examination may not
be given the same special emphasis in general writing.

Classes of Signature

 Formal or complete – it usually executed in signing significant and important documents and
papers.
 Cursory or Informal - it is usually executed in the conduct of one’s own daily affairs.
Primarily of routine nature.
 Careless Scribble - It is usually executed for signing receipts and similar insignificant
documents.

Classes of Disputed Signatures

 Forged signatures where no attempt has been made to make a copy of facsimile of the
genuine signature of the person purporting to sign the documents.
 Forged signatures are fictitious persons.
 Forges signatures that closely resemble the genuine signature.
 Genuine signature which the writer is unwilling to accept as genuine.
 Genuine signature obtained by trickery.

A forged signature is a signature of another person, or of a fictitious character written by

another person who has no authority to do so, with intention to defraud.

Classes of Forgery

Simple forgery – It is also known as a spurious signature which refers to a bogus signature
where no attempt has been made to make a facsimile or copy of the genuine writing or
signature of a person purported to make or sign a document.

Copied or Simulated Forgery - Regarded as the most skillful form of forgery, it is a fake
signature which resembles the genuine signature executed in free- hand. Others refer to it
as a freehand imitation forgery. (termed as the “model”)
 The forged labor under strained mental and muscular condition that makes it difficult, if not
altogether impossible to do his work in skillful manner brought about by: painful anxiety to
do the work well the realization that forgery is a criminal act; and the fear of discovery
which will result to dishonor and punishment.

 Copied forgery always shows the natural result of strained condition by:
 Slow
 Hesitating,
 Unnatural appearance and
 Too much attention on details.

Traced Forgery - This refers to a fraudulent signature which closely bears a resemblance to
the genuine signature but made by using any of the following: carbon outline process,
indention process, transmitted light or projection process or the laser method.

Different Process of Tracing

 Carbon outline method or Carbon process where a carbon paper is placed between the genuine
signature (top sheet) and the fraudulent document (lower sheet) Outline of model signature is
traced with dry pen or pointed object to make a carbon offset on the lower sheet. Outline is
finally re- written or retraced with suitable ink stroke.
 Indention process where a canal like outline of the genuine is produced on the fraudulent
documents (lower sheets) by tracing the outline of the genuine signature (top sheet) with a
pointed instruments. The outline is then directly inked, I some instances; the outline is first
retraced lightly with pencil before it is finally retraced with suitable ink.
 Transmitted light process or projection process where the spurious document is placed
immediately over the genuine signature with strong light directed through the two sheets of
paper from below or behind; outline that is seen through upper sheets is then traced.

Proof of Traced Forgery

 Discover of the actual model or genuine signature from which it is made.

 Presence of pencil, carbon or indented outlines that point to the tracing process.
 Discovery of two or more identical attendant forgeries which could only have been drawn from
on model or original.

Module 4. Three Essential Phases in Handwriting/questioned Documents

examination:
 Recognition (analysis) of characteristics.
Analysis where properties or characteristics are observed, calibrated and determined.
 Comprehensive comparison of all characteristics where properties of the unknown determined
thru analysis are now compared with the familiar or recorded properties of known items.
 Evaluation. Correct interpretation of characteristics.

The examination involves the recognition, thorough comparison and correct

interpretation or evaluation of the elements, features, qualities and characteristics of the
handwriting.
 Quality refer to that peculiar or distinct character which is used in describing handwriting to any
identifying factor which is related to the writing movement itself.
 Features included among the qualities of handwriting are its distinctive traits.
 Element which refers more to the separate physical parts of a thing is also an appropriate
descriptive term and in some connections preferable.

Recognition of Writing Characteristics

 Form which refers to the shape or design of the individual letters.

 System which refers to the particular style of system of penmanship practiced or learned in
childhood.
 Muscular habits or co-ordinations. In the execution of own strokes, the impulse originates from
the flexor muscles of the index and middle fingers and the thumb yields. In upward strokes, the
movement impulses originates from the thumb which pushes the pen against the index and
middle fingers which must yield to the impulse with just a sufficient force to allow the upward
movement muscles involved in this operation arm exterior muscle.
 Straight lines. Generally, straight lines are found mostly in writings executed with speedy
forearm movement, and the most irregular are in writing made with finger movement.
 Curves. Writings produced with smooth muscular accord, lack of muscular accord manifest itself
at places of the writing at or near top or bottom of the letters where movement impulse
changes from one unit to the other, so that instead of curves at the tops of arcs of letters, angles
may be formed.
 Angles which usually serves as junction between straight lines and curves in writing strokes.
 Retracing wherein some writers execute letters with upward strokes moving over or retracing
downward strokes and this characteristics of retracing is very slight, in others quite considerable
and pronounced.
 Connections which refers to the strokes or links that hook up a letter with the one following. In
signatures, it is a common practice to write signatures with the initials and names connected
without lifting the pen.
 Size as a writing characteristic is somewhat divergent under varying conditions and has little
significance when applied only to one example.
 Slant which refers to the slope of writing in relation to the baseline, it is fairly stable habit.
 Spacing between letters in words depends upon on the length of the connecting strokes or links.
Speed and movement influence spacing.
 Proportion of a part to the other part of a letter, or relative height of one letter to another letter
can be found in different writing. It is one of the hidden features of writing it being unknown
even to the writer.
 Movement of the finger, hand, forearm and whole hand. In finger movement the thumb, index
and middle fingers are used exclusively in the writing of letter. Hand movement involves action
of the hand with fingers playing minor role action being limited mainly to the formation of the
smaller parts of the letters, pivot lateral motion of the wrist. Forearm or muscular movement,
the elbow is the pivot of lateral movement and give great command of the hand and the most
complete lateral freedom. Whole- arm movement involves the entire arm without rest and is
employed in very large writing and ornamental penmanship.
 Line quality. The delicate characteristic of line quality in writing freely produced with
harmonious relation of strokes and unconscious emphasis is the most difficult of all handwriting
characteristics to imitate successfully.
 Tremor which is deviation from uniform strokes or lack of smoothness entirely apparent even
without magnification. Lack of muscular skill with pen is shown by lack of uniformity of speed in
making strokes, pen stops and involuntarily vertical and horizontal movements uncontrolled
sidewise movements produce a line with abrupt changes of direction or zigzag character.
 Skill which is judged in terms of legibility and symmetry.
 Rhythm which is referred to as “flowing hand” is a coordinated succession of movement
impulses that glide into each with a rhythm.
 Speed. Handwriting shows great variation in speed and muscular skill among different writers
ranging from clumsy hesitation of the illiterate and palsied (related to paralysis) feebleness due
to age, up to skillful dash and the grace of the adept.
 Shading and pen position.
 Pressure more accurately describes the proportions of strokes to each other in width as affected
by shading and by unconscious emphasis.
 Pen- lifts. With most writers, disconnections in words are more closely related to design of
letters than in movement, the habits having been acquired during the onset of writing learning
stage.
 Terminal strokes and initial strokes. When a letter or word or signature is completed in a free,
natural writing, the pen is usually raised from the paper while in motion with a “flying finish”
and with many writers the motion of the pen also slightly precedes the putting of the pen on the
paper at the beginning with a “flying start” so that the stokes at the beginning and the end of
words gradually diminish or taper to a “vanishing point”.
 Alignment which is the relation on successive characteristics or letters of a word, signature, or
line or writing to an actual or imaginary baseline. Deviations are mainly due to movement and
the position of the writing arm especially in relation to the line of writing.
 Arrangement which is governed by artistic ability or sense of proportions.
 Rubric or embellishment which is unnecessary to the legibility of letters forms or writings but
incorporated in writing for decorative or ornamental purposes.

Class characteristics these are common to a group also referred to as general characteristics.
Individual characteristics which are highly peculiar or personal to a particular writer and is likely
to occur in other instances.

Module 5. Basic Rules for the Identification of Handwriting

Rule #1. Each mature writer has a handwriting which is personal and individual to him alone.

 Every individual’s handwriting undergoes gradual changes in the course of his life.
 The gradual changes in handwriting which occur during a person’s lifetime while following
certain general patterns are individual to each writer.

Rule #2. Deterioration of an individual’s writing due to any cause effects all of writing due to any
cause effects all of the writing properties and is not confined to change of one or two elements.

 An individual’s writing due to any cause effects all of the writing properties and is not confined
to change of one or two elements.
 A transitory change may be injected into handwriting by temporary physical and mental
conditions, such as fatigue, nervous tension, intoxication or severe illness from which the writer
ultimately recovers.

Elements of Forms in Writing

 Arc- refers to the rounded inner part of an upper bend, crook or curve.
 Beard- also known as a double hitch is an introductory up and down stroke found in some
capital letters.
 Blunt- This is a part of a stroke characterized by a sudden beginning or end at which the pen
does not create a diminishing stroke.
 Buckle Knot- is a horizontal or loop stroke used to complete letters A, D, F and H.

 Central part- refers to the body of a letter, usually characterized by a circular or small rounded
strokes.

 Dactus- Link- or a Dactus broken is the connection between letters, either joined or
disconnected.

 Embellishment- added strokes which serves as an ornament or flourish to the design of the
letters. Considered as unessential to the legibility of writing.

 Eyelet- are small oblong strokes.

 Hitch- introductory backward stroke found in most capital letters and some small letters.

 Hump- the upper part of an upper bend, crook or curve.

 Knob- refers to that tiny pool of ink at the beginning or ending strokes.

 Loop- are oblong strokes. Stem/ Staff/ shank.

-Referred to as the backbone of the letter characterized by a lone downward strokes.
 Through- any garland form of letter strokes.

 Whirl- the lone upward stroke usually located opposite the stem.

 Baseline- the imaginary or ruled line upon which the writing rests

 Copy Book Form- the designs of letters which are fundamental to a writing system

 Line quality- refers to the visible record in the written stroke of the basic movement and manner
of holding the writing instrument. Derived from a combination of factor including skill, speed,
rhythm, freedom of movement, pen position and shading.

 Writing Movement- an important element of handwriting which embraces all the factors which
are related to the motion of writing.
  System of Writing- refers to the combination of the basic designs of letters and the writing
movement s taught in school.

 Slant- refers to the angle or inclination of the axis of letters relative to the baseline.

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

Rule #4. Attempted disguise leads to an inferior never better quality of handwriting. A lack of uniformity
in execution and form is a extended specimen of handwriting is an indication of lack of disguise.
 Conversely, uniformity of writing qualities is an extended specimen of handwriting and is an
indication of lack of disguise.

Rule #5. Variation in writing is an essential property of everyone’s handwriting. The degree of variation
in writing tends to increase with more rapid and less careful execution.
 Variation in writing is related to the conditions under which it was prepared. The purpose from
which writings were intended may govern the degree of variation in them.

 In repeated specimen of writing prepared at one time, variation tends to be less than between
specimens written from day to day.

Factors that affect writing characteristics

 Natural variations- refers to the normal or usual deviations found in a repeated specimen of an
individual’s handwriting or in the product of any typewriter.

 Transitory change- those changes which only continue to exist while the basic cause of the
deterioration is still affecting the writer, once such cause has been removed from the writer, his
writing will revert to its normal form.

 Tremor- refers to the weakening strokes set apart by a wavering or shaky strokes. This may be
due to genuine tremors caused by either sickness, weakness, old age or illiteracy or a tremor
fraud.

A genuine tremor shows some free connecting and terminal stroke made by the momentum of
the hand. A tremor of age or weakness shows unnatural erratic departures of the line from each
intended course, abrupt recovery, awkward digressions, and indication of muscular movement
beyond the control of writer.

Tremor of illiteracy is characterized by general irregularity due to the lack of will and mental
uncertainty as to the form and a general clumsiness, resulting from unfamiliarity with the whole
writing process.

A tremor of fraud which is drawn even though quite perfect in general form, shows but little, if any
freedom and will often show hesitation at the wrong places and tremor slowly placed.
  Writing Conditions- which covers all factors affecting the over- all quality of writing such as the
writer’s condition under which the writing was prepared.

 Writing instrument- the utensils or means used to execute the writing such as ball point pen,
fiber pen, or fountain pen.

Module 6. How writing is Identify?

Rule #1. The individuality of writing is the basis of all identifications.
Rule #2. Handwriting is identified by the combination of all its attributes on qualities, including both
those derived from the writing movement and those related form:
 Handwriting portrays through its various attributes the writing movement by which it was
formed. A particular writing instrument may not fully reflect all of the qualities of writing
movement.

Elements of the Writing Movement

 Pen Lift- an interruption in strokes caused by a sudden removal of the writing instrument from
the paper surface.

 Pen emphasis- is the act of intermittently forcing the pen against the paper surface with an
increase in speed.

 Pen position- refers to the relative location of the pen in relation to the paper surface.

 Pen pressure- refers to the usual or average pressure applied in writing.

 Pen scope- it represents the reach of the hand with the wrist at rest.

 Retouching- also known as patching is a stroke which goes back over a defective portion of a
writing to correct or repair an error.

 Retracing- refers to the strokes which goes back over another writing stroke. In natural
handwriting there may be many instances in which the pen doubles back over the same course.

 Rhythm- refers to that element of writing movement which is marked by periodic or regular
recurrences. It is the harmonious or balanced recurrence of impulse or strokes. It may be
classified as smooth, jerky, or intermittent in its quality.

 Shading- refers to the widening of the ink stroke due to the added pressure on a flexible pen
point.

 Skill- the degree of ability or a writer’s proficiency in writing.

  Speed- it cannot be measured precisely from the finished handwriting but may be interpreted in
broad terms of slow moderate or rapid.

Rule #3. Writing standards are necessary to establish the individual’s normal writing habits and to show
the degree of variation common to his writing.

 The best standard include writing which was prepared for a comparable purpose and under
similar conditions to the matter under investigation.

Rule #4. A specimen of writing was written by a particular person if all its identifying elements are a part
of his handwriting and furthermore the variation within its specimen falls within his range of
writing variation.

Module 7. Indications of Genuineness:

 Flying or flourishing starts (initial strokes)

 Flying or vanishing finishes or strokes (terminal strokes)
 Intermediate strokes when pen comes off the paper but not stooped and shows continuity of
motion.
 Abbreviated form.
 Distorted forms.
 Illegible forms written in sufficiently free and rapid manner.
 Broken and unfinished signature.
 Genuine retouching or overwriting.
 Ink failure.
 Skillful shading.
 Correct general appearance with incorporated refined qualities of an individual character.
 Consistency of refined line quality.
 Freedom in writing.
 Certain natural variations in details of the writing.

Indications of Forgery

 Tremors
 Hesitations- pen stops at unusual places.
 Non- continuous broken strokes.
 Abrupt changes in direction of line or strokes, showing uncertainty of movement.
 Concealed of hidden amalgamations.
 Bulbous or blunt initial and terminal strokes.
 Misplaced shading.
 Shading in more than one direction indicating frequent change of pen hold due to hesitation.
 Lack of variation of pen pressure.
 Erratic change of slant.
 Defective line quality- stilted- drawn quality devoid of free, natural, normal writing movements.
 Unnecessary, careful patching or retouching.
 Unnatural pen- lifts.
 Presence of carbon, pencil or indented outlines along the strokes of “inked” patterns.
Document Examination

Document examination consist mainly of comparing questioned handwriting with known

handwriting to reveal the writer’s identity; it also includes the examination of hand printing,
forgeries, typewriting, inks, paper, indented and eradicated writing, rubber-stamp impressions,
charred paper, and related items. No two persons write accurately alike; the writing process is so
multifaceted that personal peculiarities always persist in the handwriting of any given individual.
Detailed inspection reveals these hidden characteristics which can then form the basis for an
expert’s opinion.

Miscellaneous Aspect of Questioned Documents:

Alterations

Alterations or changes which usually affect the original meaning of a document are made either at
the stage of preparation and are already part of the document when it is executed, signed, sealed
or witnessed of done fraudulently after its execution.

Fraudulent changes naturally are made in a hidden manner and they may never be discovered if
special attention is not directed to them. Alterations are made in any of the following manner:
 Erasures:

 Mechanical – done by rubbing off with rubber eraser or scraping off with a sharp
instrument.
 Chemical – accomplished by ink eradicator or other bleaching solutions.

 Addition.
 Substitution.
 Inter – lineation or intercalation (insertion between lines)
 Superimposition.
 Obliteration of smeared over writing by blacking out portions of writings by some opaque
materials.

Ink and questioned Documents:

Common concerns/ issues relative to inks in questioned documents:

 “Whether two writings made with the same kind of ink were made with identical ink of different
qualities of in different solutions”.
 “Whether the ink in one part is similar or different in kind from ink on other part of the same
document or other documents.

Manner of making entries on a document:

 Whether documents of different dates or a succession of differently dated book entries show
the natural variation in ink writing.
 Whether the conditions point to one continuous writing at one time under identical conditions.
 Whether the ink is as old as it purports to be.
 Different inks of the same class can often be distinguished positively from each other by
dissimilarity in:
 Depth or strength of color;
 Contrast or range of color;
 Variation of tint of the ink as a whole attributed to chemical changes after the inks are
compounded;
 Secondary color by oblique reflected lights;
 Margin of the stroke whether clear cut, smooth, or feathered;
 Gloss or sheen;
 Penetration or degree of the ink when absorbed into or shows through the paper;
 Color of smeared portions or blotted strokes;
 Amount of sediment, or precipitate manifested in thin or blotted strokes.

Paper and Questioned Documents:

Origin, difference or identity in paper is shown by the:

 Color
 Consistency
 Thickness
 Finish or surface
 Watermark
 Wove or laid style
 Cutting
 Size
 Ruling
 Loose or padded sheet
 Wire marks
 Composition or character of fibers used in its manufactured
 Colored, gilded or silver edges
 Rounded corners
 Book binder’s stitch

Typewriters are machine designed to print or impress type characters on paper, as a speedier
and more legible substitute for handwriting. Since the introduction of practical typewriters in
the 1870s, the machines have come into universal use and have played an important part in the
development of modern business and in the great dissemination of written and printed
information that has characterized the 20th century.

The first known attempt to produce a writing machine was made by the British inventor Henry
Mill, who obtained a British patent on such a machine in 1714. The next patent issued for a
typewriter was granted to the American inventor William Austin Burt in 1829 for a machine with
type arranged on a semicircular wheel that was revolved to the preferred letter, then pressed
against the paper. In 1833 a French patent was given to the French inventor Xavier Progin for a
machine that embodied for the first time one of the principles employed in modern typewriters:
the use for each letter or symbol of separate type bars, set in motion by separate lever keys.
The Remington Typewriter

During the 1850s and 60s many inventors tried to produce a practical typewriter but none
succeeded until 1868, when three American inventors, Christopher Latham Sholes, Carlos
Glidden, and Samuel W. Soulé, patented a writing machine. Early in 1873, they contracted with
E. Remington & Sons of IIion, New York, manufacturers of rifles, and sewing machines to
manufacture their typewriters.

The first Remington typewriter came off the line in September 1873. The Remington included
almost all the basic features of the modern machine. The paper was held in a carriage between
a rubber platen and a smaller rubber cylinder which, which were placed parallel to one another
the carriage was moved from right to left by means of a spring as the letters were struck; the
movement was regulated by an escapement device, so that the carriage traveled the distance of
one space for each letter. The carriage was returned to the right by a lever, which also served to
rotate the platen for a space of one line by means of a ratchet and pawl. The typebars were
arranged in a circle; when any one of the keys, which were arranged in a mounted keyboard at
the front of the machine, was depressed, the corresponding typebar struck against the bottom
of the platen by lever action. An inked cloth ribbon ran between the typebar and the platen, and
the type struck this ribbon to make an inked impression on the underlying paper that was
positioned against the platen above the ribbon. The ribbon was carried on a pair of spools and
was moved automatically after each impression.

The early Remingtons impressed only in capital letters, but in 1878 the carriage shift was made
possible by two inventions. One was a key and lever that moved the carriage an abrupt distance
down for printing the capitals, and another key and lever that moved the carriage to its original
position for printing the lowercase or small letters. The other was the double key, with capital
and lowercase letters mounted on the uniform typebars. The presentation of the shift and
double keying allowed the addition of numbers and other symbols without increasing the size of
the keyboard. The typing procedure known as touch - typing, which enabled operators to
achieve great speed and accuracy soon appeared.

Typebars basic commercial typewriters struck the paper at the bottom of the platen; the line
being written was thus not visible to the operator. Commencing in the 1880s this disadvantage
was removed by the so- called visible typewriters, in which the type struck the front of the
platen.

Following the success of the Sholes- Gidden- Remington machine, a number of new models of
typewriters were invented, but few of them proved to be of any enduring worth, and most were
discarded. Among the typewriters that proved profitable in the U.S. were the Underwood, L.C.
Smith, Royal, and Woodstock.

Electric Typewriters

Electric Typewriters have been in widespread use since 1925, and a major role in the
field has been played by the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). In these
equipment a motor- driven mechanism performs the actual work of lifting the typebar and
striking it against the ribbon, and also of returning the carriage to the right and turning platen at
 the end of the line. Because the keys are used only to initiate the electric mechanism, the
pressure used by the operator is much less than on conventional mechanical typewriters and as
a result the operator can type faster and with less fatigue. Another significant benefit is that the
impress, or pressure, of each letter is completely uniform.

Basis of Typewriting Identification

 Same type size: PICA- 10 characters per inch. Elite-12 characters per inch, Proportional spacing
machine IBM 1/32 unit type. (f 1 I t j-2 units; h r u w – 4 units; m- 5 units, all other letters – 3
units).

 Same type designs: “8 key letters – and other alphabetical characters, numerals “1-9” and other
signs and symbols.

 Similar combination of correctly- writing and defective writing characters.

Points to consider in Preparing standard of Typewriters:

 Include all words and characters used in the questioned document.
 Use the same wording as the questioned document if possible.
 Employ different degrees and speed.
 Utilize the same or similar quality of paper; and
 Make no machine adjustments or ribbon changes until at least several standards are completed.
 Each sheet should contain data on make, model, serial number of machine and initials or
signature of the investigator. Submit typewriter’s ribbon if it has not been changed since the
questioned document was typed.

Typeface defects: Refers to any peculiarity of typewriting caused by actual damage to the type
face metal. Type face refers to the printing surface of the type block.

 Horizontal mal- alignment- a deficiency in alignment in which the character prints to the right or
left of its proper position.

 Vertical mal- alignment- a defect in alignment in which the character prints below or above its
proper position.

 Twisted letter- each character and letter is designed to print at a certain fixed angle to the
baseline. Due to damage and wear to the type bars and type block some letters are distorted so
that they lean to the left or right of their correct slant.

 Off its feet- the condition of a type face printing heavier on one corner or side over the reminder
of its outline.

 Rebound- is a defect in which a character prints a double impression with the lighter one slightly
offset to the left or right.

 Clogged type face- otherwise referred to as dirty typeface characterized by unclean prints due to
constant use of the typewriter without cleaning the typeface, commonly occurring in enclosed
letters and characters.
  Types of defects: the term defect is used to described any maladjustment or abnormality in a
typewriter which is reflected in its work and which leads to its identification and
individualization.

 Permanent defect- refers to any identifying attribute of a typewriter which cannot be corrected
by simply cleaning the typeface or replacing the ribbon. It includes actual breaks in typeface, like
worn- off serifs and cut on shanks.

 Transitory defects- refers to an identifying typewriter characteristics which can be eliminated by

replacing the ribbon or cleaning the machine. Dirty impressions from clogged or dirty typefaces
and incomplete impressions due to poor condition or worn out, torn ribbon.

 Alignment- defects are horizontal, vertical, character printing off its feet and tilted characters.

Module 8. Care and Handling of Documentary Evidence:

Documents being questioned or disputed should be cared and handled in a manner that
will not impair their value as evidence. Such precautionary measures may seem unnecessary,
but it frequently occur that either through carelessness or ignorance of evidential value of an
important document is seriously impaired and significant interest are thus jeopardized. As much
as possible, the exact physical condition of every portion of a disputed document should be
cautiously observed and made a matter of written record.
Thereafter, it should be preserved as far as possible in exactly the same condition as it is
when first suspected. It is advisable that a plastic container or covering should be provided. In
this connection, the following conditions are standard operating procedures in handling
documentary evidences.

 Disputed documents should not be cut, torn or in any manner mutilated in the slightest degree.
 Documents should not be folded in any new place and should not be folded and unfolded
unnecessarily.
 Documents should not be touched with an eraser of any kind, not with a pen, pencil or sharp
object.
 Documents should not be subjected to chemical treatment. Except on special permission, no
chemical analysis should be made on the document as chemicals applied may damage or deface
the document.
 Do not damp, soak or wet documents.
 Portions of the document which is of particular significance such as signature, amount or date
should not be encircled in any manner as to affect the strokes or portions thereof.
 Hand deliver or send by registered mail the documents.
 Have a note on the accurate chain of custody.
 Photograph the document n its original state upon receipt.
 Initial and date the document in its safe areas.
 Store in locked vault to ensure evidence safety.
 Minimize light exposure as such rays may diminish the color or ink and hasten aging of the
document.
 Minimize handling of the documentary evidence to avoid leaving imprints.
 Keep the document in transparent plastic folders.
  Keep accurate and precise records.

Apparatus and Instruments used in Questioned Document Examinations:

 Magnifying lens- Utilized by bank personnel the maximum character of which is four
inches and while this appears big with its wider frame the magnifying power of hand
held lens is only two times the original.
 Shadowgraph.
 Stereoscopic Binocular microscope where a tri- dimensional enlargement is possible.
 Ultra-violet lamp.
 Infrared viewer.
 Transmitted light gadget to provide illumination beneath or behind the glass on
which document in placed.
 Table lamp with adjustable shade and neck such as the available gooseneck lamp for
controlled illumination, required in side- light examinations placing the light at a low
angle in a position oblique to the plane of the document.
 Measures and test plates preferably made of transparent glass plates to be used for
signatures and typewriting examination.
 Video Spectral Comparator 2000 an imaging apparatus that allows the examiner to
analyze inks, visualize hidden security features and reveal alterations in a document.
It is composed of a desktop computer that runs on a software provided by the
manufacturer and an imaging device that includes a color charged coupled device
(CCD) video camera a black and white CCD video camera, excitation/barrier filters
and various radiant energy sources such as halogen, tungsten, Foster Freeman and
fluorescent lamp.

VI. CONTENT DISCUSSION

Module 1. Questioned Document its Meaning and Brief history

Module 2. Classes of Standard
Module 3. Individuality of Handwriting
Module 4. Three Essential Phases of document Examination
Module 5. Basic Rules for the Identification of Handwriting
Module 6. How Writing is Identified?
Module 7. The Indications of Forgery and Genuiness
Module 8. Care and Handling of Document as Evidence

VII. ASSESMENT

Assignment/ Output - 20% (at least 1 for the Midterm and 1 for the final)
 Quizzes - 20%
 2 long quizzes per period
 40- 50 points per quiz which are accumulated
from
each module covered
 attached on the last page of the module
submitted to the Deans office
Periodical Examination - 60%

VIII. REFERENCES

1. Mendoza, Gregorio Bacay Jr.; The Questioned Document Examination and Practices;
Philippine Copyright 2019.
2. San Diego, Gilbert C.; Calima, Charles Jr; Manwong, Rommel K.; Compendium on Criminal
Justice Education; Philippine Copyright 2019.
3. Alvarez, Mary Grace P.; Forensic Examination of Questioned Documents. Copyright 2019
(1st edition)
4. Cejes, Lourdeliza Gural; Libres- Etis, Margarita; Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry
and Toxicology. Copyright 2018(1st edition)
5. Montalba, Edwin T.;Compilation in Criminalistics. Copyright 2018.
6. Agas, Juan L.; Bautista, Felipe S.;Guevarra Ricardo M.;Tatoy, Ma. Paulina S. Criminalistics;
Wisemans Books Trading Inc. Copyright 2019