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Questioned document examination (QDE) is a forensic science field that analyzes disputed documents to assess their authenticity and authorship. Document examiners utilize various techniques, including handwriting analysis and ink identification, to provide evidence in legal disputes. The examination process involves comparing questioned documents with known samples to determine their genuineness or origin.

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42 views1 page

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Questioned document examination (QDE) is a forensic science field that analyzes disputed documents to assess their authenticity and authorship. Document examiners utilize various techniques, including handwriting analysis and ink identification, to provide evidence in legal disputes. The examination process involves comparing questioned documents with known samples to determine their genuineness or origin.

Uploaded by

Andro Francisco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Questioned document examination (QDE) is a branch of forensic science that scientifically

analyzes disputed or suspicious documents to determine their authenticity, origin, or


authorship. A questioned document is any document where facts about its genuineness,
source, or content are questioned, often in a legal context. Document examiners use
techniques like handwriting analysis, ink and paper identification, and scrutiny of alterations
to compare questioned documents with known samples, providing evidence to resolve legal
and criminal disputes.

What is a Questioned Document?


A document becomes "questioned" when there are doubts about its authenticity, authorship,
or origin. This could involve:
 Handwritten signatures: on a will or contract
 An anonymous threatening letter: or ransom note
 Tampered financial documents: like checks or receipts
 Counterfeit currency: or official documents
 Graffiti: if it's relevant to an investigation
The Role of the Document Examiner
A forensic document examiner applies scientific methods and state-of-the-art equipment,
such as microscopes and specialized imaging devices, to analyze documents. Their work
includes:
 Handwriting and signature analysis:
Comparing questioned handwriting to known samples to determine authorship.
 Identifying alterations:
Detecting erasures, additions, or changes to the document's original content.
 Ink and paper analysis:
Determining the types of ink and paper used, which can help date or identify a document.
 Deciphering obliterated or damaged documents:
Restoring information from burned, liquid-soaked, or otherwise obscured documents.
 Identifying office machine products:
Analyzing typewritten or printed documents to find characteristics of particular machines.
How the Examination Works
The process is comparative, much like analyzing fingerprints or firearms. Examiners
compare the questioned document to a known standard document with similar
characteristics. By identifying areas of significant similarity or dissimilarity, the examiner can
render an expert opinion on whether the documents share a common origin or if a
document is genuine or fraudulent.

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