handwriting sample, skilled writing, a poor writer, pen scope, a stroke, a slant, proportion, line quality, speed, connecting strokes (ligatures), the rhythm of the writing
Model: - I think the handwriting sample in figure 2.2. is accomplished by a poor writer.
-Why do think so?
-I think so because there are no connected strokes and ……..
UNIT 3. FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
1. . .
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1.Why is there a need for questioned document examination (QDE)?
2.What physical traces can assist to the forensic document examiner?
3.How can the forensic document examiner investigate handwriting/typing?
4.What types of documents are usually disputed?
5.How many stages are there in the process of examination? Name them.
6.What optional stage may be used by the examiner?
7.How has the work of the forensic document examiner been simplified nowadays?
TEXT
FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
Document Examination, as an established field of scientific study, came into being early in the 20th century as a means of identifying forgery and establishing the authenticity of documents in dispute. It grew out of the need of the Court to be able to correctly evaluate document evidence.
The examination of questioned documents relies on the scientific study of the physical evidence of a document. Physical traces that assist in the questioned document (QD) examination to uncover the history of a document are left in a number of ways: the writing instrument, i.e. pen and ink, pencil, typewriter, computer and printer, etc., the writing surface, such as paper, and information about the writer (or typist), such as physical position and physical, emotional, or mental state. For handwriting, the forensic document examiner observes various features: letter size, formation, and relative proportions, and letter slant, spacing, pressure, line quality, connecting strokes, etc. For typing, the document examiner observes characteristics of the typeface, font style, spacing between letters and lines, and association of a document with a particular machine or type of machine, i.e., typewriter, printer, or copier.
Common criminal charges involved in a document examination case include identity theft, forgery, counterfeiting, fraud, or uttering a forged document. A questioned document may be a sheet of paper bearing handwriting or mechanically-produced text such as a ransom note, a forged cheque or a business contract. It also includes things like graffiti on a wall, stamp impressions on meat products, or covert markings hidden in a written letter, among other things.
The most common type of examination involves handwriting. Handwriting identification is based on the principle: there are individual features that distinguish one person's writing from that of another. Generally, there are three stages in the process of examination:
Analysis: The questioned and the known items are analyzed and broken down to directly perceptible characteristics.
Comparison: The characteristics of the questioned item are then compared against the known standard.
Evaluation: Similarities and/or differences in the compared properties are evaluated and this determines which ones are valuable for a conclusion. This depends on the uniqueness and frequency of occurrence in the items.
Optionally, the procedure may involve a fourth step consisting of verification/validation or peer review.
Modern day questioned document problems are becoming more complex. Fortunately with the advent of specialized photographic techniques, computer-based systems for image enhancement, and recent developments in relative ink and paper dating by forensic chemists, the arsenal of analytical tools continues to expand with more conclusive determinations being made by the competent expert who is familiar with their proper applications and uses.
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1. to come into being
a. $ $
2. to identify forgery
b.
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3. to establish the authenticity
c. $
4. to evaluate document evidence correctly
d.
5. to uncover the history of a document
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6. uniqueness
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7. frequency of occurrence
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8. systems for image enhancement
h.
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3. .
1.The examination of questioned documents relies on the scientific study of the physical evidence of a document.
2.Physical traces that assist in the questioned document examination are left in a number of ways.
3.For typing the forensic document examiner observes various features: letter size, formation, and relative proportions, and letter slant, spacing, pressure, line quality, and connecting strokes.
4.For handwriting the document examiner observes characteristics of the typeface, font style, spacing between letters and lines.
5.A questioned document doesn’t imply a sheet of paper bearing handwriting or mechanicallyproduced text such as a ransom note, a forged cheque or a business contract.
6.The most common type of examination involves handwriting.
7.The process of examination usually includes three stages.
8.They are analysis, comparison and verification.
4. . .
.
1.Handwriting identification is based on some principles.
2.The questioned and known items are analyzed and broken down to directly perceptible characteristics.
3.The characteristics of the questioned item are then compared against the known standard.
4.Similarities and/or differences in the compared properties are evaluated by forensic document examiners.
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1.They have given Bishop Tutu the Nobel Prize.
2.The police allege that Simpson robbed three banks last year.
3.The company says that the production figures have fallen short of expectation.
4.The police have given everyone two weeks to surrender any guns which they may possess illegally.
5.They say he was cleaning his pistol and carelessness caused his death.
6.Evidence shows that Jackson was inside the house at the time of murder.
7.Please, don’t come to the station with me. I hate people saying goodbye to me through the window of a train.
8.They say the Princess is staying at the Hilton.
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1.documents in dispute, a means of, the authenticity of, is, Document Examination, and, identifying forgery, establishing.
2.are, the information, physical traces, the writing instruments, the writer, assist, the history of a document, about, and, the writing surface, that, to uncover.
3.graffiti on a wall, may, a sheet of paper, be, forged cheque, etc., a questioned document, a ransom note.
4.the principle, individual features, handwriting identification, one person's writing, based on, from, is, distinguish, that, that of another, there are.
5.in the process of, stages, there, analysis, three, evaluation, generally, comparison, are, examination, and.
6.consisting of, the procedure, a fourth step, optionally, may, verification/validation, involve, peer review, or.
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FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
HISTORY OF
FORMS OF QD
HANDWRITNG
QD
EXAMINATION
FEATURES
PEN
and
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graffiti on a wall
letter slant
Comparison
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UNIT 4. GRAPHOLOGY VS. FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
1. .
TEXT
GRAPHOLOGISTS VS. FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINERS
Generally, two categories of individuals are located during inquiries for questioned document examiners. These are Graphologists and Forensic Document Examiners. Although a forensic document examiner is not to be confused with a graphologist, and vice versa.
In the strict sense, graphologists claim to be capable of interpreting the character or personality of the writer by supposed traits left behind in the written line. They do not, by definition, compare handwriting to determine authorship or genuineness of the document.
Graphology is the study and analysis of handwriting especially in relation to human psychology. The activity dates back many centuries, having originally (as far as we can tell) been taken from Southern India to China and from there to Greece, circa 2,000 BC. Aristotle claimed that he could define a person’s soul from studying his handwriting. The Roman historian Suetonius claimed that Emperor Augustus did not separate his words which led him to conclude that the Emperor did not pay attention to detail in forming a picture of the whole situation. In 1870 French monk named Jean Hippolyte Michon coined the phrase "Graphology" (from the Greek: "Graph" meaning, 'To write' or 'I write', and "Logos" meaning 'doctrine' or 'theory'), believed the brain, and not the hand, controlled handwriting. He broke handwriting down into a series of strokes, assigning a personality trait to each stroke.
Those who specialize in graphology, the practice of handwriting analysis, believe your penmanship harbours more than the power of self-expression; they believe it bears the unique imprint of your personality. Handwriting reveals hundreds of elements of the person's "personality and character" which includes glimpses into the subconscious mind, intellect, energy, fears, motivations, imagination, integrity, aptitudes, etc.
For instance, pressure indicates the capacity for vigorous activities. The slant indicates the writer's emotional response to external forces. Most of us write average size, indicating an average ability to concentrate. We have to force ourselves to concentrate on minor details, especially for long periods of time.
Handwriting analysis or study does neither foretell the future, nor does it reveal the past. It can only help you to gain an understanding and insight into the personality of other people, especially those close to you by providing a map to somebody's inner self, level of satisfaction with the present situation, and future level of achievement. Some graphologists claim that a self-study and subsequent change of one's handwriting could control alcoholism, reduce depression and loneliness, turn failure (both social and business) into success, and cause many other miracles.
Questioned document examination is a branch of the forensic sciences. A document examiner is often asked to determine if a questioned item originated from the same source as the known item(s), and then present their opinion on the matter in court as an expert witness. Other common tasks include determining what has happened to a document, determining when a document was produced, etc. Document examination is employed in law enforcement investigations and prosecutions and in civil litigation.
The one common thing between graphology and document examination is that both involve handwriting. Training in document examination does not include graphology principles, and graphology has no relevance to the practice of document examination.
The Graphology/Forensic Document Examination association can be thought of as similar or analogous to that of the Astrology/Astronomy or Alchemy/Chemistry relationships.
315
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1.A forensic document examiner is often confused with a graphologist, and vice versa.
2.Graphologists can interpret the character or personality of the writer by his handwriting.
3.Graphology dates back many centuries.
4.Jean Hippolyte Michon believed the brain, and not the hand, controlled handwriting.
5.Those who specialize in handwriting analysis believe your penmanship harbours more than the power of self-expression.
6.Handwriting analysis or study can foretell the future and reveal the past.
7.It can only help you to gain an understanding and insight into the personality of other people.
8.Graphology is a branch of the forensic sciences.
9.A document examiner is often asked to determine if a questioned item originated from the same source as the known item(s).
10.Document examination is employed in law enforcement investigations and prosecutions and in civil litigation.
3. / .
1.Graphology is the study and analysis of handwriting especially in relation to …..
a)the history of the document
b)human psychology
c)the subconscious mind
2.The activity dates back many centuries, having originally been taken….
a)from Southern India to China and from there to Greece
b)from China to India and from there to Rome
c)from Southern India to Persia and from there to Greece
3.Emperor Augustus did not separate his words which led Suetonius to conclude that the Emperor ….
a)focused attention on one activity ignoring all other influences
b)didn’t possess strong libido and passions
c)did not pay attention to detail in forming a picture of the whole situation
316
4.French monk named Jean Hippolyte Michon coined the phrase "Graphology" in….
a)1880
b)1870
c)1890
5.Jean Hippolyte Michone broke handwriting down into a series of strokes, ….
a)assigning a personality characteristics to each stroke
b)assigning a personality trait to each stroke
c)assigning a personality power to each stroke
6.Handwriting reveals hundreds of elements of the person's personality such as ….
a)spacing, pressure, and line quality
b)imagination, integrity, and fear
c)alcoholism, loneliness and success
7.A document examiner is often asked ….
a)to present the opinion on the matter in court
b)to foretell the future
c)to reveal the past.
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Model: If I were a graphologist, I would pay attention to the slant of the letters and words. If I were a forensic document examiner, I would pay attention to the slant too.
to interpret the character of the writer, to determine the authorship of the document, to study handwriting, to determine the genuineness of the document, to analyze handwriting, to compare handwriting, to break handwriting down into a series of strokes, to foretell the future of the writer, to describe writer’s character, to determine what has happened to a document, to reveal the past of the writer, to determine when a document was produced.
COMMON THINGS
DIFFERENT THINGS
FORENSIC
DOCUMENT
EXAMINERS
GRAPHOLOGISTS
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a) signatures b) seal c) fingerprints d) psychologist e) handwriting analysis f) character traits g) a printout h) to decipher i) a meaningful description
Handwriting as a personal trademark
Handwriting is a very personal and individual trademark of personality. As no two people have exactly the same handwriting, _____1_____ have for hundreds of years been regarded as legally binding on documents of all types. A person's handwriting is his own private trademark or __2____
which cannot be reproduced by any other individual.
This was firmly believed by no less a personality than Sir William Herschel who founded the system of identification through ____3______. He accepted that handwriting revealed character in the same way that fingerprints reveal identity.
Alfred Binet, the renowned _____4_______ who founded the modern method of I.Q. Testing for intelligence was a firm supporter of _____5_____ and confirmed that certain handwriting traits revealed actual ____6_______.
The French psychologist, Pierre Janet (1859-1947) referred to handwriting analysis as a "science of the future" and described handwriting itself as; "an act which leaves _____7_____. It is the film record of the writer's sensibilities."
The "printout" left by handwriting is a description of the individual's character in psychological code. The graphologist, by using scientifically validated graphological techniques in combination with psychological theory is able ____8_____ that code and to translate it into _____9______ of the writer's character.
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DISCOVER WHAT YOUR HANDWRITING SAYS ABOUT YOU.
•On blank (unlined) paper please write the paragraph below as you normally would.
•Use at least two lines.
•Keep the paper in front of you so that you can answer the questions
'Well!' thought Alice to herself, 'after such a fall as this, I shall think nothing of tumbling down stairs! How brave they'll all think me at home! Why, I wouldn't say anything about it, even if I fell off the top of the house!' (Which was very likely true.)
“Alice's adventures in wonderland” Lewis Carroll
1.How would you say your letters slope?
•Backward
•Straight up and down
•Forward
2.Are the letters in your words
•Fully connected, with clear breaks between the words?
•Partially connected, depending on the letters?
•Unconnected, like printing?
3.Between words, do you leave
•Wide spaces?
•Narrow spaces?
•No spaces - words are connected, pen doesn't leave paper?
4.How close together are your lines of writing?
•Very far apart
•Apart far enough that the letters do not touch
•Close enough that the descenders of the top and the ascenders of the bottom overwrite each other.
•Note: Ascenders are letters like h and t. Descenders are letters like y and g.
5.What color ink did you choose?
(If you used another color, which of these three would you prefer?)
319
•Blue-black
•Red
•Light Blue
6.How large was your capital I in the sample?
•Larger than the other capital letters
•Smaller than the other capital letters
7.What do your t bars look like? (The crossbars on your letter t)
•They tend to be to the left of the stem of the t
•They cross the t more or less in the middle
•They tend to be to the right of the stem of the t
8.Does your writing slope
•Upward on the page?
•Downward on the page?
9.Which takes the most space vertically in a line of your writing?
•The ascenders (letters like t and h)
•The middle zone (letters like a, e, n)
•The descenders (letters like y and g)
10.How much pressure does your writing show?
•Fine and spidery?
•Firm and even?
•Heavy?
Check your answers with the analysis below.
1. Your letters slope,
Backward - indicates that you are shy, hesitant and afraid to show your feelings. Straight up and down - indicates that you are a person with a strong need for contact. Forward - indicates that you are reticent and self-controlled.
2. The letters in your words are,
Fully connected - indicates that you are a social person who likes to talk and meet others.
Partially connected - indicates that you are a shy, idealistic person who does not find it easy to have relationships.
Unconnected - indicates that you are a person who thinks before acting, intelligent and thorough.
3. The spaces between your words are,
Wide - indicates that you are reserved, shy, cautious, and thoughtful. Narrow - indicates that you are a talkative person, maybe even a busybody! No spaces - indicates that you are impatient and self-confident.
