NOTES ON QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

The Role and Nature of Questioned Document in Police Work:

The document examiner has a dual objective. First, to discover the facts and
second, to prove the facts. The document examiner who would truly serve the ends of
justice must go to the witness stand fully prepared to support this conclusion with
testimony that is factual, clearly understandable & persuasive. Expert testimony should
be measured by its convingness.
With regard to handwriting, the document examiner should be furnished by police
investigation only those writings which can be proved to the satisfaction of the court to
be genuine writings.
The Examiner as a Part of the Investigative Team in Crime Detection and
Investigation:
The field of questioned examination is one of the three Is of the investigation of
crime i.e. Instrumentation. Documents as evidence in various cases specifically forgeries
and the like are submitted to the laboratory for the appropriate examination. Documents
examiner who scientifully studies the elements, nature and composition of documents
regards this field of expertise as one of the process of discovering and proving facts for
promoting justice law enforcement. One of the necessary steps in the investigation is
disputed documents is the accurate determination of what the fact really is taken then
comes the task of proving the fact in court. The specialist or the document examiner will
provide in the name of justice testimony that will emulate the necessary result of the
examination. He should be accurate, fair and courageous. These three words are
basically the traits of a law enforcer and on which the secure foundation of this
profession is built. This profession has produced men have nationally and worldwide
influenced for the better administration of justice. The outstanding reputation acquired for
ability and honesty in a particular field has always carried over to and filtered through the
thinking of those in related fields assisting them the better performance of their work.
Questioned Document:
One in which the facts appearing therein are not true, and are contested either in
whole or in part with respect to its authenticity, identity, or origin. It may be a deed,
contract, will, election ballots, marriage contract, checks, visas, application form,
certificates, etc.
Document is questioned because its origins, its contents, or the circumstance
and story regarding its production arouse suspicion as to its genuineness or it may
adversely scrutinized simple because it displeases someone.
Document is said to be questioned when it is disputed or attacked, either in
whole or in part as to its date or age, as to its source or origin, as to the material used in
their production, and as to its relation in some other document.
Classes of Questioned Documents:
1. Documents with questioned signatures.
2. Documents containing alleged fraudulent alterations.
3. Questioned or disputed holographic wills.
a. Holographic Will will entirely written in the handwriting of the testator
b. Notarial Will signed by the testator acknowledge before a notary public with
three witnesses
4. Documents investigated on the question of typewriting.

a. with a view of ascertaining their source

b. with a view of ascertaining their date
c. with a view of determining whether or not they contain fraudulent alterations or
substituted pages
5. Documents on issues of their age or date.
6. Documents on issues of materials used in their production.
7. Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that they identify some
persons through handwriting.
a. anonymous and disputed letters, and
b. superscriptions, registrations and miscellaneous writings
8. Genuine documents erroneously or fraudulently altered or disputed.
Document:
Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible, partially visible
that may present or ultimately convey a meaning to someone. May be in the form of
pencil, ink writing, typewriting, or printing on paper.
In the case of People vs. Moreno, CA, 338 O.G. 119, a document is any written
document by which a right is established or an obligation is extinguished.
In the case of People vs. Nillosquin, CA, 48 O.G. 4453, a document is every
deed or instrument executed by person by which some disposition or agreement is
proved, evidenced or set forth.
Kinds of Documents:
Under the Philippine Law, the following are the four kinds of documents:
1. Public Document any instrument notarized by a notary public or competent public
official with solemnities required by law. (Cacnio vs. Baens, 5 Phil. 742)
2. Official Document any instrument issued by the government or its agents or its
officers having the authority to do so and the offices, which in accordance with their
creation, they are authorized to issue and be issued in the performance of their duties.
3. Private Document every deed or instrument executed by a private person without
the intervention of a notary public or of any person legally authorized, by which
documents, some disposition or agreement is proved, evidenced or set forth.
4. Commercial Document any instrument executed in accordance with the Code of
Commerce or any Mercantile Law, containing disposition of commercial rights or
obligations.
Note:
A private document may become a public or official document when it partakes
the nature of a public or official record. So if the falsification committed on such
document, that is, when it is already a part of the public record, falsification of public or
official document is committed. However, if such private document is intended to
become a part of the public record, even though falsified prior thereto, falsification of a
public document is committed.
Standard Document:
Are condensed and compact set of authentic specimen which is adequate and
proper, should contain a true correction of the material form a known source. They are
used by the Document Examiner as the basis for his identification or non-identification of
the questioned document as, for example, for the known handwriting which serves to
establish who wrote the disputed letter.
Two Kinds of Standard Documents:

a. Procured or Collected Those which are obtain from files of document executed in
the persons day to day business, official, social or personal activities.
b. Requested Those which are given or made upon the request of an investigator for
purpose of making comparative examination with the request writing.
Writings which do not constitute documents:
Based on some Supreme Court rulings:
1. A draft of a municipal payroll which is not yet approved by the proper authority.
(People vs. Camacho, 44 Phil. 484)
2. Mere blank forms of official documents, the spaces of which are not yet filled up.
(People vs. Santiago, CA, 48 O.G. 4558)
3. Pamphlets or books which do not evidence any disposition or agreement are not
documents but are mere merchandise. (People vs. Agnis, 47 Phil. 945)
Subjects Considered in Questioned Document Exam:
1. Handwriting examination
a. examination of signatures and initials
b. examination of anonymous letters
c. hand printing examination
2. Typewriting examination
3. Examination of inks
4. Erasures, alterations or obliterations, etc.
5. Counterfeiting
DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
Objectives:
a. The objective is to furnish the investigator in the field with sufficient
background information concerning document examination.
b. No attempt is made to provide detailed information sufficient to qualify the
investigator as an expert document examiner.
Importance/Significance:
a. In the commission of a crime, the criminal often finds necessary to employ one
or more documents in furtherance of his act.
b. In some crimes, such as forgery, the document is an integral part of the crime.
c. In others, such as false claims against government, documents often play an
important part in proving the commission of the crime.
d. Proof of the fact that a document was altered or made by a particular individual
may show that:
1. He committed the crime.
2. He had knowledge of the crime.
3. He was present in a certain locality at a specified time.
Evidence that a document was not made by an authorized individual or machine
may prove it to be fraudulent. Latent fingerprints on documents are of great value to the
investigator.
Purposes:
A document may be examined for a number of purposes including:

1. Identity of the author/maker/writer.

2. True contents of the documents.
3. Origin of the instrument or paper used in making the documents.
4. Alterations or erasures which have been made.
5. Authenticity of the document.
Logical Process of Inquiry in Document Examination:
An aware document expert must know that the first step in making over a case to
get the proper identification. The logical processes of inquiry are:
1. Ascertain the facts: to select questioned, denied, or admitted, authentic, and
doubtful documents.
a. Concerning the document in questioned. Is only one signature is question? Is
any part of the document is question? Is the date of the document in question? Is the
paper or the typewriter used in the document in question?
b. Regarding the standards.
1. Make sure that there are sufficient numbers of authentic documents for comparison
submitted. If there are inadequate standards, obtain more.
2. Determine whether the standards are authentic ones, on which a foundation can be
built for admitting them in evidence.
2. Analyze the details: synthesize the elements, date, circumstances, conditions,
technical problems and the like.
a. The examiner of the questioned documents, after ascertaining the facts,
should have detailed information as to the circumstances of the document in questioned,
the condition of an alleged writer, or of any condition that may have affected the writing
or any facts that are part of the technical problem with the document that is submitted to
the expert.
b. He should inquire about the circumstances and conditions as far as the client
knows, such as, was the document signed sitting on the wall, on the lap, or lying in bed?
Sitting in bed, lying on his back or side? For example a document could have been
signed in a moving automobile or while having a drink at the bar.
3. Qualify the case:
How much time is needed for the examination? Is it possible to complete the
study from the original papers, or is it necessary to make special photo-enlargements for
proper examination? If it is possible to make arrangements with the client for photoenlargement, is it advisable to do so? Photo-enlargements are always useful for
demonstrating the reasons on which the opinion is based, especially in court.
Scientific Method in Questioned Document:
The document examiners strive constantly for objectives and the avoidance of
personal bias. It orders knowledge, follows in logical sequences. It classifies knowledge
as the only systematic means to its organization a deduction to matters of facts. It insists
upon verification as the most reliable form of proof. It utilizes observation or
experimentation designed expressly toward the control of variables. A scientific method
therefore consists of the following processes:
1. Analysis properties of characteristics observed or measured.
2. Comparison properties or characteristics of the unknown determined thought
analysis are now compared with the familiar or recorded properties of known items.
3. Evaluation Similarities or dissimilarities in properties or characteristics will each
have a certain value for identification, determined by its likelihood of occurrence. The
weight or significance of each must therefore be considered. The principle of
identification requires that when two items contain a combination of corresponding or

similar and specifically oriented characteristics of such number and significance as to

preclude the possibility of their occurrence by mere coincidence and there are no
unaccounted for differences. It may be concluded that they are same in their
characteristics attributed to the same cause.
HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION AND EXAMINATION
Definition of Terms:
Writing It is the result of a very complicated series of acts, being used as whole,
combination of certain forms of visible mental and muscular habits acquired by long,
continued painstaking effort.
Handwriting It is the visible effect of bodily movement which is an almost subconscious
expression of fixed mental expression of certain ideas associated with script form.
Natural Handwriting Any writing executed normally without any attempt to control or
alter its identifying habits and its usual quality of execution.
Disguised Writing A writer may deliberately try to alter his usual writing habits in hope
of hiding his identity, writing skill is poorer, change in slant, size, altered or capital letters.
Stroke Series of lines or curves written in a single letter. One of the lines of an
alphabet or series of lines or curves within a single letter. The path traced by the pen on
the paper.
Terminology Concerning Stroke characteristics:
Arc/Arch a curved formed inside the top curve of loop, as in small letters h, m, n,
p.
Ascender is the top portion of a letter or upper loop.
Baseline maybe actually on a ruled paper, it might be imaginary alignment of writing. Is
the ruled or imaginary line upon which the writing rest.
Beaded preliminary embellished initial stroke which usually occurs in capital letter.
Beard is the rudimentary initial up stroke of a letter.
Blunt the beginning and ending stroke of a letter. (without hesitation)
Body the main portion of the letter, minus the initial of stroke. Terminal strokes and the
diacritic of any. Example: the oval of the letter O is the body, minus the downward
stroke and the loop.
Bowl a fully rounded oval or circular form on a letter complete into O.
Buckle/Buckle Knot a loop made as a flourished which is added to the letters, as in
small letter k and a or in capital letters A, K, P. The horizontal end loop stroke
that are often used to complete a letter.
Cacography a bad writing
Calligraphy the art of beautiful writing
Descender opposite of ascender, the lower portion of a letter.
Diacritic t crossing and dots of the letters I and j. The matters of the Indian script
are also known as diacritic signs. An element added to complete a certain letter, either a
cross bar or a dot.
Ending/Terminate Stroke of Toe the end stroke of a letter.

Eye/Eyelet/Eye Loop a small loop or curved formed inside the letters. This may occur
inside the oval of the letters a, d, o. The small loop form by stroke that extend in
divergent direction as in small letters.
Foot the lower parts which rest on the base line. The small letter m has three feet,
and the small letter n has two feet.
Habits any repeated elements or details, which may serve to individualize writing.
Hesitation the term applied to the irregular thickening of ink which is found when
writing slows down or stop while the pen take a stock of the position.
Hiatus/Pen Jump a gap occurring between continuous strokes without lifting the pen.
Such as occurrence usually occurs due to speed.
Hook it is a minute curve or an ankle which often occurs at the end of the terminal
strokes. It is also sometimes occur at the beginning of an initial stroke. The terminal
curves of the letters a, d, n, m, p, u, are the hook. In small letter w the initial
curve is the hook. The minute involuntary talon like formation found at the
commencement of an initial up stroke or the end terminal stroke.
Hump upper portion of its letter m, n, h, k. The rounded outside of the top of the
bend stroke or curve in small letter.
Knob the extra deposit of ink in the initial and terminal stroke due to the slow
withdrawal of the pen from the paper. (usually applicable to fountain pen)
Ligature/Connection the strokes which connect two stroke of letter, characterized by
connected stroke between letters.
Long Letter those letters with both upper and lower loops.
Loop an oblong curve such as found on the small letters f, go, l and letters stroke
f has two. A loop maybe blind or open. A blind loop is usually the result of the ink
having filled the open space.
Majuscule a capital letter
Minuscule a small letter.
Movement Impulses this refer to the continuity of stroke force writing is usually
produce by disconnected and broken movements more motion or movement impulses
than genuine writing.
Oval the portion of the letter which is oval in shape. The small letter stroke a , d ,
g , and q contain oval letter a , t while coming down.
Patching/Retouching retouching or going back over a defective portion of a written
stroke. Careful patching is common defect on forgeries.
Pen Lift an interruption in a stroke caused by removing the writing instrument from the
paper. Disconnection between letters and letter combination maybe due to lack of
movement control. Using a ball-point pen may cause pen lift due to the failure of the ball
to rotate.
Pen Position or Pen Hold Is the relative location of the pen in relation to the paper
surface which can be determined by the presence of the emphasis or pen shading.
Pen Scope Represents the reach of the hand with the wrist at rest. It is the average
scope or limits of the pen during the process of writing with the wrist of the hand at still.
Retrace/Retracing any part of a stroke which is super imposed upon the original
stroke. Is the stroke which goes back over other writing strokes; it is slightly to occur in

others handwriting. Example: vertical strokes of the letter d, t while coming downward
from the top to bottom will have a retracing stokes. Any stroke which goes back over
another writing stroke. In natural handwriting there may be instances in which the pen
doubled back over the course.
Shoulder outside portion of the top curve, small letter m has three shoulders and the
small letter n has two, the small letter h has one shoulder.
Spur a short initial or terminal stroke.
Staff Any major long downward stroke of a letter that is the long downward stroke of
the letter b, g.
Stem or Shank the upright long downward stroke that is the trunk or stalk, normally
seen in capital letters.
Tick/ Hitch any short stroke, which is usually at the top of the letters.
Tremor a writing weakness portrayed by irregular shaky strokes is described as writing
tremor.
Other Terminology Related to Handwriting Examination:
Alignment is the relation of parts of the whole of writing or line of individual letters in
words to the baseline. It is the alignment of words. The relative alignment of letters.
Characteristics is any property or marks which distinguish and in document
examination commonly called to as the identifying details.
Kinds of Characteristics:
Class characteristics not all characteristics encountered in document examination are
peculiar to a single person or thing and one which is common to a group may be
described as class characteristics.
Individual or Personal Characteristics characteristics which is highly personal or
peculiar and it is unlikely to occur in other instances.
Collation side by side comparison. Collation as used in this text means the critical
comparison on side by side examination.
Comparison the act of setting two or more items side by side to weigh their identifying
qualities. It refers not only a visual but also the mental act in which the element of one
item are related to the counterparts of the other.
Disguised Writing a writer may deliberately try to alter his usual writing habits in hopes
of hiding his identity. The result regardless of their effectiveness is termed disguised
writing.
Examination it is the act of making a close and critical study of any material and with
questioned document, Is the process necessary to discover the facts about them.
Various types are undertaken including microscopic, visual photographic, chemical, ultra
violet and infra-red examination.
Graphoanalysis the study of handwriting based on the two fundamental strokes, the
curve and the straight
Graphometry analysis by comparisons and measurement.
Graphology the art of determining character disposition and amplitude of a person
from the study of handwriting.
Line quality is the overall character of the inks lines from the beginning to the ending
strokes.

Two classes:
a. Good line quality
b. poor line quality
Microscopes Examination any study or examination which is made with the
microscope in other to discover minute details.
Movement Is an important element in handwriting. It embraces all the factors which are
related to the motion of the writing instrument skill, speed freedom, hesitation, rhythm,
emphasis, tremors and the like. The manner in which the writing instrument is move that
is by finger, hand, forearm or whole arm.
Natural Writing any specimen of writing executed normally without any attempt to
control or alter its identifying habits and its usual quality or execution.
Natural Variation these are normal or usual deviations found between repeated
specimens of any individual handwriting.
Opinion in legal language, the Document Examiners conclusion. Actually in court, he
not only expresses an opinion but demonstrate the reasons for arriving at this opinion.
Though this book, opinion and conclusion are used synonymously.
Proportion or Ratio is the relation between the tall and the short letter is referred as to
the ratio of writing.
Pen Pressure the average force with which the pen contacts the paper may be
estimated from the examination of the writing. Pen pressure as opposed to pen
emphasis deals with the usual of average force involved in the writing rather than the
period increases.
Pen Emphasis the act of intermittently forcing the pen against the paper surfaces with
increase pressure. When the pen point has flexibility, this emphasis produces shading,
but with more rigid writing points heavy point emphasis can occur in writing with out any
evidence of shading.
Pen Pressure the average force with which the pen contacts the paper or the usual
force involves in writing. This is one of the most personal but somewhat hidden
characteristics in writing.
Ratio of Writing it is the relationship between the heights of the short letters.
Rhythm is the element of the writing movement which is marked by regular or periodic
recurrences. It may be classed as smooth, intermittent, or jerky in its quality. The
flourishing succession of motion which are recorded in a written record.
Shading is the widening of the ink strokes due to the added pressure on a flexible pen
point or to the use of a stub pen.
Skill in any set there are relative degrees or ability or skill and a specimen of writing
usually contains evidence of the writers proficiency.
Slope/Slant is the angle or inclination of the axis of the letters relative to the baseline.
Three Classes:
a. Slant to the left
b. Slant to the right
c. Vertical slant
Speed of Writing not every one writer as the same rate so that consideration of the
speed of writing may be a significant identifying element. Writing speed cannot be
measured precisely form the finished handwriting but can be interpose in broad terms of
slow, moderates, or rapid.

BASIS OF HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION

Handwriting:
In Wignores Principles of judicial proof, handwriting is defined as a visible effect
of bodily movement which is an almost unconscious expression of fixed muscular habits,
reacting from fixed mental impression of certain ideas associated with script form.
Environment, education and occupation affect individuals so variously in the
information of this muscular habit that finally the act of writing becomes an almost
automatic succession of acts stimulated by this habit. Thus a persons style or writing in
most details becomes as fixed as the habit and serve as a continuous inseparable mark
of that one person.
The imitation of the style of writing by another person becomes difficult because
the other person cannot by mere will power reproduce in himself all the muscular
combination which from the habit of the first writer.
Physiological Basis of Handwriting:
The impulse to from a letter begins in the brains writing center in the cortex. This
center is skin to brain areas control visions, hearing, taking and walking, guides the
muscles as they weave the complex movements that make the words. Since writing in
the mind, emotion and attitudes both path of the mind, influence how we write just as
they influence how we walk and talk.
In writing the pen functions as an extension of the hand. The fingers transmit to
the paper, the directive impulse and the variation in muscular tension that according to
the nature of the writers nervous organization occur during the act of writing.
Hence as each writer has his own way of holding his hand, manipulating the pen,
and exerting pressure, the same pen in different hands will produce entirely different
strokes.
This center near the motor area of the cortex responsible for the finger
movement involved in handwriting. The importance of this center is that when it
becomes diseased as in a graphic, one loses the ability to write although he could still
grasp a fountain pen, ball pen or pencil.
Thus the ability or power to hold a fountain pen or pencil to from symbols and
words can be said to emanate from its cortical center.
The hands contain two kinds of muscles which function is in the act of writing. A
group of extensor muscles push up the pen to form the upward strokes and ease the
tension produced as a result of flaxen by a group of muscle called the flexor muscles
which push the pen to from the downward strokes.
This flexor and extensor muscles combined with numerical muscle 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 various muscles used in writing work together to produce written from is known as
motor coordination.
Kinds of Writing Movements:
1. Finger Movement Is mostly employed in vertical writing and mainly in the formation
of printed styles of writing. Letters are formed by the actions of the thumb, index and the
middle finger. This is the movement employed by children, or generally by those with
whom writing is an unfamiliar process, it is otherwise called as the push and Pull
writing.
Characteristics:

a. It results to an inferior or poor quality of writing with lack of rhythm and speed.
b. Spacing is cropped up and the dashes are usually absent.
c. Finishes are done in irregular and abrupt manner or are varied between letters.
d. Pen usually starts resting on the paper and ends with short and abrupt strokes
due to limited and irregular movements of the fingers.
e. Shading is pronounced.
f. Lack of clear-cut, smooth and regular lines.
2. Hand Movement It involves the action of the hand as a whole with the fingers
playing but a minor role (mainly in the formation of small letters) and the wrist is the
pivotal of the lateral movement.
Characteristics:
a. Affords more expensive writing.
b. Narrow connections at the top and bottom of letters.
c. There is a considerable speed in movements.
d. More regularity of the lines.
3. Forearm (or Muscular) Movement Writing is produced by the movement of the hand
and arm and also fingers in some cases. The elbow is the pivotal of the lateral
movement.
Characteristics:
a. Shows the greatest freedom and speed.
b. Smooth clear cut as indicative of rhythm.
c. Slight shading is produced.
d. More even baseline.
e. Lateral movements in longer making the shifting of the writing hand fewer.
f. Uniformity in size of letters.
This movement once used in imitation of genuine writing will make
difficulties in its examination.
4. Whole Forearm Movement It involves the action of the entire arm without rest and is
employed in very large writing. Ornamental penmanship, blackboard writing, and by a
few writers in making all the capital letters are some of the writing where this movement
is being employed.
A more or less definite pattern for each is stored away in the subjective mind but
the hand does not always produce a stereotype duplicate of that pattern. This is due to
extraneous influences such as fatigue, lack of nervous tone, or muscular coordination,
sickness and the like.
The hand ordinarily is not an instrument of precision and therefore we may not
expect every habitual manual operation to be absolutely uniform. The greater this skill in
the art of penmanship, the less the various there will be in the form of individualize
letters as well as in the writing as a whole.
Kinds of Writing:
1. Cursive connected writing
2. Script separated writing
3. Block capitalized writing
Development of Writing:
1. Children learn writing by following the school copy model.
2. After acquiring some degree of skill the children no longer follow the school model.
3. As speed increasing, conscious design and regularity begin to breakdown.
4. In the course of trial and error, modification are made, simplification and elaboration,
addition and omission occur.
The writing pattern of each child embodies a unique combination of such
deviation from the standard letter forms or school model, and becomes his personal
habits.

Although, thousands learn the same system and that the natural result is identity,
but facts show that it is not because those who were taught the dame system or school
copy a class of writes, but such impairs does not by any means produce a slavish
uniformity.
Variation begins as soon as writing begins and continues till each writer in the
way that seems best and easiest to him. No two persons write exactly alike and no
reproduction of a handwritten document can duplicate completely all the detailed of the
original writing.
Handwriting Problems:
1. A signature contested by its author which in reality is genuine and corresponds
perfectly to the ordinary and habitual signatures of that person.
2. A signature contested by its author which in reality was written by him but in a way
which was different from the ordinary manner and which is more or less different from
the common genuine signatures of that person.
3. A signature contested by its author which in reality was written by a third person and
which is a forgery written in an attempted imitation of a model.
4. A spurious signature written by somebody who did not attempt to imitate the signature
of a person and who uses a fictitious name and this to give his work the appearance of a
signature.
5. An uncontested signature, in fact, genuine but written by an unknown person whose
name must be deciphered by the document examiner.
Writing Habits:
Writing by all its thousand of peculiarities in combination is the most personal and
individuals thing a man does that leaves a record which he can seen and studies. This is
what constitutes individuality in handwriting.
Writing habits learned in the early years are those habits which are part of a
basic system or which are modifications of the system of writing found among so large a
group of writers that they have only slight identification value. These might include an
open top O and an A or a looped T which occur in many rapid careless handwriting.
A few of these early habits learned by the child are those slant of letters l, d,
b, g, t with small letters like letters n, m, I, o, e and also form and design of
letters. These groups of habits are also called general or class characteristics.
Another group of writing characteristics or habits is termed individuals habits. Any
writing habit or character in writing maybe modified and individualized by different writers
in many different ways in many varying degrees and the writing individuality of any
particular writer is made up of all those common and uncommon characteristics and
habits.
It is always in the combination of particulars that identifies and necessarily the
more numerous and usual the various elements and features, the more certain and
identity. No two persons write alike.
An individual characteristic maybe the survival of an error when writing was
learned. An individual characteristic maybe caused by the conscious influence of the
writing of other that we frequently see.
Various individual characteristics in writing also grow out of the purpose for which
writing is used and the amount of writing done. One who writes much will develop many
individual qualities while the one who does practically no writing will continue to write the
general system acquired in school.

Thus, in the development of writing, basic forms or school copy or system of

writing, are imposed upon the writer. And later, after a degree of manipulative skill has
been acquired, writers refashion these basic forms in his own individual way.
He develops a personal style in his writing which becomes as fixed as the habit
in most details and serve as a continuous inseparable mark of that one person.
Significance of school Copy Forms or Systems Characteristics as Basic in the
Identification of Handwriting:
1. Similarities of form are not indicative of identity unless they concern unusual form or
what are termed deviations from the normal. Similarities are bound to occur in different
writings but such similarities exist only in letters which are normal in form, the fact bears
no significance.
2. All differences in form are indicated of non-identity.
3. The likeness in form maybe general and simply indicate the class or genus or the
difference that does not differentiate maybe nearly superficial.
4. In many systems of writing, the date and influences of system of writing have an
important bearing on the question of genuine or of forgery and in other cases, the
presence of European characteristics in handwriting is a vital and controlling fact.
Stroke:
A stroke is the path traced by the pen on the paper. It should be observed
whether the course of the strokes is continuous or broken. The pen stroke is the visual
record of the writing movement.
Qualities of the Strokes:
1. Expansion whether the movement is extended or limited in its range with respect to
both vertical and horizontal dimension.
2. Coordination whether the flow of movement is controlled or uncertain, smooth or
jerky, continuous or interrupted.
3. Speed whether the movement has been rapid or slow and whether the space has
been steady or variable.
4. Pressure whether the pressure exerted in the movement on its upward and
downward reach.
5. Direction Leftward or rightward trend of they movement and its upward and
downward reach.
6. Rhythm In the sequence of movements that wave the total pattern, certain similar
phases recur at more or less regular interval.
Motor Coordination:
The special way in which the various muscles used in writing work together to
produced written forms. Generally speaking, four groups of muscles are employed in
writing. Those which operate respectively the joints of the finger, wrist, elbow and
shoulder.
Characteristics of Motor Coordination:
1. Free, smelt rounded curve.
2. Gradual changes of directions.

3. Pressure is always in a state of change, moving from light to heavy or from heavy to
light.
4. Speed
5. The shading impulse is distributed over a considerable length of the line whereas in
writing produced with a slow motion as in the finger movement, the shading often has a
bunchay appearance, in which the maximum width of the shaded line is attained
abruptly.
Rhythm in Handwriting:
Rhythm is a succession of connected, uniform strokes working in full
coordination. Manifested by clear-cut accentuated strokes which increase and decrease
in which like perfect cones. Pressure is always in a state of change moving from light to
heavy or from heavy to light.
Lack of Rhythm:
Characterized by a succession of awkward, independent, poorly directed and
disconnected motions.
Importance of Rhythm:
By studying the rhythm of the succession of strokes, one can determine if the
writer normally and spontaneously or write with hesitation as if he is attempting to for
another signature.
Letter of Connections:
Determine the essential expression of the writing pattern. It is mean indicator of
the neuro-muscular function. Words are form by connection letters to one another.
Even letters are formed by the joining of the upward and downward strokes.
These types of connections are:
1. Arcade a rounded stroke shaped like an arch. It is a slow mode of connection
resulting from controlled movements.
2. Garland links the downward stroke to the upstrokes with a flowing curve swinging
from left to right. It is an easy, effortless mode of connection, written with speed.
3. Angular Connective Form where the downward strokes and upward strokes meet
directly, angular connection are formed. These types of connection impose a check on
the continuity of movement characterized by an abrupt stop and start each turning point.
4. The Threadlike Connective Form the joining of downward and upward strokes is
slurred to a threadlike tracing or where rounded turns used at both top and bottom
produce a double curve. These forms appear both in the shaping of letters within the
word.
STANDARDS OR EXEMPLARS
They are known writings which indicate how a person writes. A writer manifests
fixed habits in his writings that identify him. This fact provides the basis for an opinion of
conclusion regarding any writing identification problems.
General Classes of Handwriting Standards:
1. Collected Standards are known (genuine) handwriting of an individual such as
signature and endorsements on canceled checks, legal papers, commercial, official,
public and private document and other handwriting such as letters, memoranda, etc.
Written in the course of daily life, both business and socials.

2. Request Standards are signature or other handwritings (or hand printings) written by
an individual upon request for the purpose of comparison with other handwriting or for
specimen purposes.
3. Post Liten Motan Exemplars writings produced by the subject after evidential
writings have come into dispute and solely for the purpose of establishing his
contentions.
In most instances, collected standards are preferable to request standards,
though both types should be submitted if available. Standards should be collected from a
period dated within a year of the date questioned document, with some written within
weeks or days of the questioned writing.
Types of Standards Desirable for Comparison Use in the Two Most Common
Types of Questioned Documents Problems:
a. Submit collected and request standards signature from both individual case.
b. When anonymous letter writings other than signature are in questioned.
1. Submit request standards writings of general nature from both victim and suspects (as
much standards as possible to obtain within reason)
2. Submit request standards of the questioned text written (or printed) at least 3
writings by the suspect/s and in some instanced by the victim)
Suggested Procedure for Taking Request Handwriting Standards in all Types of
Questioned Document Problems:
1. Have the subject seated in a natural position at table or desk having smooth writing
surface.
2. Furnish subject with paper and writing instrument similar to those used in questioned
writings, lie: paper should be same size, and ruled or unruled; as questioned document:
if questioned document is in written furnish subject with pen and ink, etc.
3. Never permit subject to see any writing on questioned document.
4. Dictate material to be written (or printed, if questioned material is hand printed): give
no assistance in spelling or arrangement on page. Dictate at a rate of speed which will
produce the subject natural writing habits. Too slow dictation will enable subject to
attempt disguise, to rapid dictation will produce normal writing.
5. Remove each specimen upon completion by subject number in consequence, date,
time and identify by initiating each, and request subjects to sign each specimen.
6. Observe all writing done by subjects and indicate any attempt at disguise, as well as
whether subjects appears to be normally right or left handed, etc.
Special Procedure for Taking Request Handwriting Standards Where Checks
Forgery is Changed or Suspected:
1. Furnish subjects with check blanks similar to the questioned check/s.
2. Dictate the entries to be made on specimen checks as follows:
a. Date
- same as shown on questioned check
b. Payee
- do
c. Amount
- do
d. Signature
- do
e. Endorsement
- do
f. Any other writing shown on questioned check.
g. Give subjects to help or suggestions in completing specimen checks.
Miscellaneous:

a. The laboratory should be informed of the age apparent health and physical condition
of the time standards are written.
b. Do not fold, staple or pin document, handle questioned documents with care.
c. Indicate in the sample handwriting the time, place, date, signature of writer as well as
witness of the handwriting.
Sources of Signatures Written in the Course of Daily Affairs:
1. Canceled checks.
2. Signature cards for savings, checking and charge accounts and safe deposit boxes.
3. Signed receipts for telegrams, special delivery or registered letters, express and store
packages, etc.
4. Business and personal letters.
5. Credit applications and cards.
6. Signature on sales slips, on job orders slips, requisition slips, and purchase slips.
7. Leases, mortgages, agreements, bills of sale, contracts, deeds, notes stock
certificates and transfers and other legal or business documents.
8. Court records and affidavits, such as naturalization papers, bankruptcy proceedings,
divorce papers, probated wills and estate files, powers of attorney, etc.
9. Passports, marriage application, license and affidavits.
10. Driver automobile chauffeur, and other types of licensee applications.
11. Application for gas, electricity, water and telephone services.
12. Loan application and receipts.
13. Tax returns or affidavits.
14. Insurance and employment applications.
15. Records from currency exchanges, check cashing agencies and pawnshop.
16. Time sheets, payroll, pay receipts and personal forms.
17. Barangay registrations, petitions.
18. Relief and unemployment and old age compensation records.
19. Signature for certain drug purchases, hotel registrations.
20. Church, club, professional society records.
21. Veteran records.
22. Fingerprint records.
23. School or university class records and cards.
24. Application for clearances like in the office of municipal and city courts, city fiscals
office, N.B.I. and other government and private offices.
25. Application for firearms and licenses.
26. Application for commission and enlistments in the AFP and foreign armed forces
offices.
27. Application for export and import and dollar allocations
28. Identification cards.
29. Application for right like water rights, copyrights, patents, franchises, etc.
30. Application for civil service examination, board and bar examinations.
31. Application for scholarships.
32. Residence certificate, class A and B, reservist data sheet.
33. Others.
Factors to Consider in the Selection of Standards:
1. Good writing standards should be sufficient to define accurately the identifying habits
as well as the kind and extent of variation typical of the writers handwriting under any
specific writing condition. (Hilton)
2. If the questioned handwriting was executed under abnormal conditions it is necessary
to look for standards prepared under comparable circumstances.
3. The style of the writing contained in the standards or exemplars should be similar to
the style of the questioned writings. If the questioned writings are hand printed, then get
hand printed standards or exemplars.

4. Same instrument used in the preparation of the questioned document must be

obtained in the standards. If the signature was written by ball pen in ruled paper and
above a typewritten name, standards prepared under similar conditions should be
selected. If the questioned handwriting was written a pencil, then standards written
should be contemporaneous with standards exemplars. The ideal standards are those
before, on and after the date of the questioned writing. The interval of years between the
questioned and standards should not exceed more than five years.
According to Ordway Hilton, an authority on the subject of standards, selection of
standard must be very carefully controlled if the standards describe accurately and
completely how a person writes.
If the writing in question was prepared under normal writing conditions, in respect
to the physical surroundings and the writers health no difficult problem will arise, and
comparison on the basis of ten or twenty contemporary signatures written under
comparable physical condition will give accurate results. But some problems are
complicated and harder to solve. This includes the following:
1. Signature of the careless or highly unreliable writer. There is a group of writers who
execute their signatures with lack of consistency. With 74 or 100 known signatures, the
examiner may still be confused to account for some rare peculiarity which occurs in the
questioned signature. With a writer of this type, even a series of signatures written within
a week or so of the questioned signature may show great variation.
2. Receipt signature. Is has same lack of consistency but only when a writer is signing
for a delivery, such as letter or telegram. Under other conditions his signature is
consistently uniforms and superior in form.
3. Near-illiterate writer. Writing is a slow and difficult task. The signature is drawn, slow
and its designs are primitive. Problems involving these signatures tend to be
troublesome.
4. Signatures of physical impaired writer.
a. The intoxicated signature generally, deterioration in writing can be caused by
excessive consumption of alcohol. The writing skill declines although other writers still
continue to write with skill.
- successive signatures wander away from the normal design and also the
design of the immediately preceding signature written in somewhat unpredictable way
successive specimens written during the same night of drinking vary greatly in many
identifying elements. Our problem is how to obtain comparable specimens which can be
used effectively in accurately identifying a signature which clearly reflects the influence
of excess alcohol.
b. Old age deterioration very difficult problems may be encountered with signatures
which have seriously deteriorated due to the writers age or to terminal illness. Writing is
characterized by a lack of fluency in the execution and inaccuracy and inconsistency in
details of form. Study of a series of signature to signature than was typical of vigorous
signatures of earlier years. The inconsistency of these signatures complicates the
problem. In order to reach the most accurate conclusions, two or three times the normal
number of signatures may be needed, and must be closer in date to the signature in
question than in the usual case.
c. The sick bed signature infirm signature written on a sick bed represent badly
deteriorated signatures of a writer who subsequently regains some or all of his writing
vigor. A signature of this kind may have been immediately after a serious accident or
operation when it was believed essential to execute the particular document.
- period of illness are not times when one is appropriate to do much waiting and
so there may be only limited numbers of signatures write. Thus the right kind of
standards, therefore are extremely difficult to locate, if the exist at all.

5. Disguised signature or writing. - the questioned writing of the may be disguised that
the problem becomes more confusing to the document examiner. If the questioned
signature is disguised, specimens written under normal condition cannot be used for
comparison. The examination is therefore hampered by the lack of truly adequate and
proper standards.
Admissibility of Standard Writing:
Standard used by the document examiner in an identification problem are vital
importance to him. If some of the standard writings on which the document examiner
bases his conclusion cannot be introduced, then the document examiner may not be
able to provide convincing or his testimony may be weakened.
Classes of Standard Writings Which are Admissible for Comparison Purposes:
1. Standard Writings Witnessed. The courts accept as sufficient proof that evidence in
the form of uncontradicted testimony of a competent eyewitness to the execution of
writing is sufficient to permit the use of such writings as standard to test other writing.
- It was not necessary for the witness actually to have watched the pen of the
writer as it passed over the paper where it appeared that there was no other as person
present at the time but he write and the witnesses that the writing was done in the
witnesses presence and that writer then gave them the paper.
- Included in this class of admissible standards are writings voluntarily prepared
by a party in the presence of an investigator, these generally are known as requested
writings.
2. Standards Writings Admitted. It the party whom a handwriting standard is to be
admits the geniuses of the standards it could hold that further proof of genuineness is
unnecessary.
3. Record Maintained in Regular Course of Business as Standard Writings. Generally,
the contexts of records maintained in the regular course of business are admissible as
an exemption to the hearsay rule, as proof of their contents.
- However, their acceptance as such does not in itself establish the writings as a
standard for comparison. Circumstantial evidence, particularly in civil cases, has been
held to be sufficient proof to admit records of this nature as standard of writing for
comparison.
4. Government Document as Standard Writings. Signatures of government officials on
document treated as authentic and produced from official archives may be admitted in
evidence as standard of comparison whether being as issue as to the forgery of the
signature of the same persons on other documents.
5. Ancient Writings. The courts have admitted writings on ancient document as
standard for comparison.
6. Other Writings Standards. Among writings admissible as standard are signature on
spelling motion or other instruments, such as an appearance bond, which may without
further proof of genuineness be used as a standard.
7. Familiarity Sometimes Establish Standard Writings. Testimony to the genuineness of
a collection of standard of writing by witnesses who are familiar with a persons
handwriting.
8. Opinion Evidence. The court seem to be in general agreement that proof of the
genuineness of a standard cannot be established by the opinion of experts testifying
from a comparison of the writing sought to be used as standard with another writing.
9. Genuineness of Standard Decided by Court. The sufficient of the proof of the
genuineness of a standard of writing is a matter to be decided by the court.
HOW TO PREPARE AND COLLECT HANDWRITING STANDARDS

Principal Points to Consider Regarding Collected Standards:

1. The amount of standard written.
a. Signature - twenty to twenty five
b. Writing
- usually five or seven pages of natural writing
2. Similarly of subject matter.
a. Compare conventional copy book from with conventional copy-book form
standard; and compare highly individualized questioned signature with highly
individualized standards signatures.
b. Extended writing determine whether the questioned writing is purely cursive,
or script, or block, or combination of the three or two styles of writing.
3. Relative dates of the questioned and the standards writing.
- standard signatures or writing must be those written five years before or five
years after the date of the questioned signature or writing.
4. Condition under which both the questioned and the standard are prepared.
a. Paper rested on the knee
b. Standing
c. Sitting
d. Lying down
e. Moving vehicle
- The document examiner must make a brief investigation into the condition
under which a document was written.
5. Writing instrument and paper.
a. Paper Determine whether the questioned writing was written in the ruled pad
paper or plain paper.
b. Writing instrument Determine whether the questioned writing was written in
ball point pen, fountain pen, etc.
For Requested and Dictated Standards:
1. Material must be dictated to the suspect/s.
2. Carefully select the dictated. Do not dictate the entire content of the anonymous letter.
3. Adequate amount of writing must be included.
4. Some portion of the dictation should be repeated at least three times.
5. Writing instrument and paper should be similar to those used in preparing the
questioned document.
6. The dictation should be interrupted at intervals.
7. Normal writing conditions should be arranged.
As much as possible the combination of the collected and requested standards
must be used in the comparison in order to obtain an adequate and accuracy of the
opinion.
For Typewriting Standards:
1. If the typewriting ribbon is obviously now, remove it to the laboratory with the
typewriting exemplars prepared from another ribbon. (the text of the material in question
may still be visible on the ribbon).
2. Use of about the same size as the questioned materials, type out a full word copy of
the message in question, typographical errors, using nearly as possible the same degree
of touch as that used in typing the questioned materials.
3. After placing the typewriter in a stencil position or removing the cloth ribbon, obtain
samples of each character on the keyboard by typing through carbon paper which has
been inserted carbon side down over a piece of white bond paper.

4. Make certain that each specimen contain the make, model and serial number of the
typewriter from which it was produced as well as the date and initials of the offices.
5. Typewriter specimen should be taken from suspect typewriter/s. It is usually not
necessary to forward the typewriter to the laboratory it complete known exemplars are
obtained.
6. If possible, after a typewritten exemplar is obtained from a suspect typewriter, the
investigator insures that the typewriter is kept in its current condition. With evidence thus
obtained from typewritten documents the laboratory experts is in position to find valuable
assistance to the solution and subsequent prosecution of many cases.
Indication of Disguised Writings:
1. Abnormally large writing.
2. Abnormally small writing.
3. Alteration in slant (usually backhand)
4. Usually variation in slant within a single unit of writing (within a single signature)
5. Printed forms instead of cursive forms.
6. Decrease in the usual speed of writing.
7. Unusual widening or restriction of lateral spacing.
Kinds of Disguises:
1. Change of slant from right to left or vice versa.
2. Change of letter, either from cursive to block style or vice versa.
3. Change from cursive (conventional style) to block form or vice versa.
4. Change of style from small to big or vice versa.
5. Deteriorating ones handwriting.
6. Using the wrong hand. (Ambidextrous)
Evidence of Alcoholic Intoxication in Handwriting:
1. Bizarre letter forms.
2. Greatly enlarge writing.
3. Illegible forms and writing generally.
4. Uneven baseline.
5. Meaningless blobs or extraneous strokes in the writing.
6. Inconsistency in slant of writing.
7. Inconsistency in the form of repeated letters.
Importance of Contemporaneous Standard:
For the reason that characteristics and qualities of handwriting gradually change
with many writes, the alleged date of writing in question and the actual date of all
standard writing should be known, because of this possibility of change the standard
always should include all that are available within a certain definite period; including the
item when it is claimed the questioned writing was written.
If it is alleged that writing was produced under unusual surrounding of any kind,
this fact should be known by the examiner. If the writer was subjects to unusual changes
in physical or mental condition due to age, disease or personal habits, or through any
cause, these facts also should be known. Certain general qualities in handwriting
necessarily are affected by conditions of the writer or surrounding the writer and often it
is necessary to determine whether the written results are in harmony with alleged
condition.
HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION
Principle of Identification:

When any two specimens of handwritings contain a combination of

corresponding or similar and specifically oriented characteristics of such number and
significance as to preclude the possibility of their occurrence by mere coincidence, and
there are no unaccounted for difference, it may be concluded that they are similar in
writing characteristics and therefore written by one and the same person.
Writing as a whole is a combination of certain forms which are the visible result of
a series of controlled successive movement that follows the fixed grooves of habits.
These writing habits like habits of speech become so automatic and unconscious
that even by the most demanding effort, it is almost impossible to change them. It is one
of the most permanent of human habits.
Early developed and mature handwriting shows peculiarities which are
combination of all various and their cannot be exactly duplicated in the writing of any
other person.
General Characteristics:
These characteristics refer to those habits are part of basic writing system or
which are modifications of the system of writing found among so large a group of writes
that have only slight identification value.
They might include an open top small letter t which occurs in any rapid careless
writings, proportion of all letters to medium letters, slant connection and combination of
letters.
General similarities can certainly form a part of the basic identification but here
must be very unique combinations of them and of individual or personal writing indicate
the class or genus or the difference that does not differentiate may prove lack of
genuineness.
Individual Characteristics:
They are characteristics which are the result of the writers muscular control,
coordination, age health, and nervous temperament, frequency of writing, personality
and character. No two persons write alike. They are found in the following:
1. Writing movement the character of writing movement is a primary determinant of
writing speed. It makes more time to make a long one. More time to form a small solid
letter than a form a large racy one. Short, steady lines suggest a firmly controlled and
purposeful movement. A feather edged broken line suggest a slowly executed
movement.
2. Form and design of letters all differences in form and design of letters are indicative
of non-identity.
Similarities of form are not indicative of identity they concern unusual forms or
what are termed deviations from the normal. Similarities are bound to occur in different
writings but such similarities exist only in letters which are normal in from, which facts
bear no significance.
Those which occur only occasionally are next importance. The writing pattern of
letters has three dimensions, width, depth, height.
3. Muscular control or motor control is characterized by free smooth, well regulated
movements produced without tension or impulsive variation. Deviations from true motor
or muscular control are:
a. Loose writing this is characterized by too much freedom of movement and
lack of regulation. This is noticed especially in tall letters forms.
b. Restrained writing there is a lack of freedom and inhibited movements. It
gives you the impression that every stroke was made with great difficulty. This writing is
small. There is distortion of letter forms which may lead to illegibility. However small
writing is not always evidence of restrained movement fatigue during long periods of

writings. True full-arm movement can be employed only under rather ideal conditions
such as while sitting at a clean table or desk.
4. Motor coordination the efficient way which the various muscles writing work together
to produce written forms. A writer with a good motor coordination writes without mental
strain, forming his letters without conscious attention. The hand moves as soon as the
mind conceives a word to write and the word is there on the paper. There are times
when one set of muscles do not properly yield to the pressure of the other set muscles
especially at junction and the conflict hinders the normal flow of the pen. This discoordination of writing muscles leaves a distinct mark which is visible under
magnification. Two writers of the same class may not have equal coordination or discoordination their writings. Each write has his own width regard to alignment and the
relative position of the letters.
Faculty Coordination is Characterized by the Following:
a. Wavering and very irregular line or strokes with uncertain and unsteady progress.
There is no freedom of movement along the strokes of the letter forms. The writing is
obviously very slow and is typical of the writing of a young child or for any one who
painstaking draws a picture of an unfamiliar form.
b. Angular line a very common fault of coordination. Curves, large and small are not
smoothly rounded and there is no gradual change of direction. On the contrary, and
angle marks almost every change are direction in the line. Investigation has disclosed
that angles are accompanied by a lessening of writing speed.
c. Shading in forearm movement where considerable speed is used, there is ordinarily
but slight shading if any. The shading impulse here is distributed over a considerable
length of the line whereas writing produced with a slow motion as in the finger movement
the shading often has a bunchay appearance that is to say, the maximum width of the
shaded line is attained abruptly. The shading impulse is firmly grounded and difficult to
overcome. It is basis of its degree and location. Some writers place the greatest
emphasis on the straight strokes, others on the curves.
6. Skill legibility and symmetry are the basis upon which ones skill or pictorial aspect is
judged. Skill is classified as poor, medium, and good.
7. Alignment good alignment is obtained by a forearm movement in which the elbow
joint is used as the center or pivot of lateral motion and arm is held at right angles to the
line or writing. This set-up allows the hand and forearm to swing left and right in an arc
and also permitting the forearm to rotate so that the palm may be turned downward or
upward.
8. Pen pressure one of the most reliable indications of naturalness in handwriting is the
rhythmical and fluent application of pressure and release of pressure. This indicate that
pressure is always in a state of change moving form light to heavy or form heavy to light.
9. Connection the connective form determines the essential expression of the writing
pattern. It is the main indicator of his neuromuscular function. Connections used may be
rounded like the garland and the arcade, angular and threads. They form the letter and
ink them within the words.
10. Pen hold this location of the shading can give clue to how the fountain pen is held.
If the pen is held pointing to the right shoulder, shading appears fairly high or long the
sides of circular form. This is shown in small letter d. If the pen is held pointing away
from the right shoulder, shading tends to appear at the top and the bottom of circular
formation such as small letters o, a, and d.
11. Rhythm this characteristic is an importance indicator of a natural writing movement.
It is caused by a contraction and relaxation of group of muscles in full coordination.
Pressure is always in a state of change from light to heavy or vice versa.

12. Disconnections or pen lifts between letters this characteristic may be due to lack of
movement control or closely related to design of letters and habits controlling this
characteristic where acquired when writing was learned. Many free writers dont stop the
motion of the pen every time it is raised so that the notion itself may be learning to write
are taught to take up the pen before the small letters a, c, d, g, q, and t and the
design of certain styles of these small letters requires that the pen be raised.
13. Speed speed of writing which is correlated with naturalness of handwritings
frequently shown by slurring of letter forms.
Indication of Speed Writing:
a. Smooth, unbroken strokes and rounded forms.
b. Frequent signs or tendencies to the right.
c. Marked uncertainly as to the location of the dots of small letters i, j and crosses of
small letter t.
d. Increased naturalness of words or small letter t connected with the following words.
e. Letters shortened or degenerated almost to illegibility toward the end of words.
f. Wide writing width of letters is greater than the connecting spaces adjoining it.
g. Great difference in emphasis between upstrokes and down strokes.
h. Marked simplification of letters especially capital letters.
i. Rising line.
j. Increased pen pressure.
k. Increase in the margin to left at the beginning of the line.
Indication of Slow Writing:
a. Wavering forms and broken strokes.
b. Frequent signs or tendencies to the left.
c. Conspicuous certainly as to the location of the dots of small letters I, j, or t
crosses with just perceptible deviation from the intended direction.
d. Frequent pauses by meaningless blobs, angles divided letters and retouches.
e. Careful execution of detail of letters, toward the end or names.
f. Narrow writing.
g. No difference in emphasis in upstroke and down stroke.
h. Ornamental or flourishing connections.
i. Sinking lines.
14. Slant as a writing habit under certain conditions, slant becomes highly significant
and with many writers in one of the most fixed of habits. Slight divergence in the few
strokes of a single signature may be very strong evidence of lack of genuineness when
such divergence is part of a combination of character pointing to a writer of a different
system of writings from the imitated. A slight but persistent difference in slant in two
writings of considerable length may be evidence difference might be the result of
intended disguise.
15. Proportion of letters as an individual characteristic or habit this characteristic refer
to the proportion of the upper and lower loops of capital and small letters and to the
medium letters.
16. Quality of stroke or line quality the line or stroke itself in writing shows the quality of
speed and continuity of motion with which it is made, the degree of muscular skill
employed in the operation, the relation of the pen point to the surface of the paper, the
nature of the movement employed in making the stroke as shown by its force and
freedom or its hesitation.
17. Variation there are trivial or superficial differences which can be observed when
any two genuine signature or writings are compared with each other. These writings will
differ somewhat in size as well as in certain unimportant particulars in design and
execution because of the fact that the human writing mechanism is not an entirely
accurate reproducing instrument like a stamp print but produces and inevitable variation
within a certain field. The degree of this variation varies with different writers.

Causes of Variations:
a. Function of some external condition example: influence of the available space.
b. Abnormal conditions such as physical injury, toxic effects, vibration, emotion and
deception.
c. Position of letter all the letters are to be found initially, medially, and finally. The fact
of a different position, especially in combination with another and particular letter, may
modify any of them in some way or another.
Classes of Individual Characteristics:
a. Permanent characteristics can be found always in his writings.
b. Common or usual can be found in a group of writers who studied the same system
of writing.
c. Occasional only found occasionally in his writing.
d. Rare special to the writer and perhaps found only in one or two persons in a group
of one hundred individuals.
Fundamental Law as Which Govern the Conclusion in Handwriting Identification
Problems:
a. A signature naturally and genuinely written under normal condition contain all
of the individual habits of the writers signature which are put into it in a way that is
consistent with his writing ability and the writing quality of his signature.
b. A signature is fraudulent if it contains habits, qualities or elements which are
significantly different from genuine signatures written under similar conditions.
Probative Value of Writing Characteristics:
It is impossible to illustrate and define all the thousands of actual and possible
individual qualities and characteristics of writing and weight and measure their
comparative values for the reason that these values differ greatly with different writers
and under varying conditions. It is very important to have an understanding of the
principles by which the force and significance of characteristics are to be measured.
Some General Principles Can be Stated That Apply in Most Cases:
a. Those identifying or differentiating characteristics are of the most force which
is most divergent from the regular system or national features of a particular handwriting
under examination.
b. Those repeated characteristics which are inconspicuous should be first be
sought for and should be given the most weight, for these are likely to be so
unconscious that they would not intentionally be omitted when the attempt is made to
disguise and would not be successfully copies from the writing of another when
simulation is attempted.
c. Ordinary system or national features and element are not alone sufficient
characteristics necessarily have as evidence of identity as stated above, it present in
sufficient number and in combination with individuals qualities and characteristics.
Correct Conclusion:
To reach the conclusion that two writings are written by the same hand,
characteristics or dents and scratches in sufficient quantity to exclude the theory of
accidental coincidence; to reach the conclusion that writings are by different hands, we

may find numerous likeliness in class characteristics but divergences in individual

characteristics or we may find divergences in both but the divergence must be
something more than mere superficial differences.
If the conclusion of identifying is reached, there must not remain significant
differences that cannot reasonably be explained. This ignoring of the differences or the
failure properly to account for them is the cause of the errors in handwriting
identification.
A Document Examiner usually observes a scientific approach in the examination
of the disputed writing. The possibility that handwriting being identifiable and separated
from others largely depends on any individuals who have developed the complex
structural product of modifying normal practice and adapting to the needs and abilities.
Although there is no specified approach, the following are always observed:
a. Recognition of handwriting characteristic one must acquire the ability to
distinguish what are the style and individual characteristics. Distinguish characteristics
which are normal and disguise.
b. Comparison of handwriting characteristics make allowance to the presence
of natural variation in handwriting.
c. Evaluation of handwriting characteristics for opinion purposes evaluate the
significance and number of similarities and dissimilarities in handwriting.
Examples of Common Characteristics:
a. Ordinary copy-book form.
b. Usual systematic slant.
c. Ordinary scale of proportion or ratio.
d. Conventional spacing.
How Individual Characteristics are Acquired:
a. Outgrowth of definite teaching.
b. Result of imitation.
c. Accidental condition or circumstances.
d. Expression of certain mental and physical trains of the writer as affected by
education, by environment and by occupation.
Examples of Some of the Individual Characteristics:
a. Hook to the right and hook to the left.
b. Shape, position, size and angle of I dots t crossing.
c. Idiosyncrasies
d. Bulbs and distinctive initial and final pen pressure.
e. Embellishment, added strokes and free movement endings.
f. Abbreviation of letters.
g. Simple and compound curves and graceful endings.
h. Labored movement producing ragged lines.
i. Terminal shadings and forceful endings.
j. Presence and influence of foreign handwriting, with the introduction of Greek
e.
Movement or Manner of Execution:
1. Kinds of movement
a. Forearm
b. Whole arm
2. Quality of movement
a. Awkward, illiterate and uncertain.
b. Hesitating and painful due to weakness and illness.

c. Strong, heavy and forceful.

d. Nervous and irregular.
e. Smooth, flowing and rapid.
3. Speed
a. Slow and drawn
b. Deliberate
c. Average
d. Rapid
4. Different movements employed affect wring in:
a. Smoothness
b. Directness
c. Uniformity
d. Continuity of strokes
e. Connecting or curves between letters
Points to Consider in Examining Extended Writing:
(Anonymous, threat, poison letters)
1. Uniformity does the questioned writing have smooth, rhythmic and free flowing
appearance?
2. Irregularities does the questioned writing appear awkward, ill-formed slowly drawn?
3. Size and proportion determine the height go the overall writing as well as the
heights go the individual strokes in proportion to each other.
4. Alignment are they horizontally aligned, or curving, uphill or downhill?
5. Spacing determine the general spacing between letters, spacing between words.
Width of the left and right margins, paragraph indentions.
6. Degree of slant are they uniform or not?
7. Formation and design of letters, t bars, I . dots, loops, circle formation.
8. Initial, connecting and final strokes.
HANDPRINTING
The procedure and the principle involved is similar to that of cursive handwriting,
the different steps in the preparation of both collected and requested standards should
be applied in this problem which is determination of the author of questioned hand
printed writings.
Specimen must be hand printed and reflect the style of printing habitually used
by the writer. Instructions should be given to print capitals and small letters. At least the
investigator should obtain about ten sheets of paper containing the subject handwriting.
The materials of course should approximate the materials used in the questioned hand
printed document.
In block capital and manuscript writings, personal individual rest principally in
design, selection, individual letter construction, size, ratios and punctuation habits. The
initial step in handwriting examination is to determine whether the questioned
handwriting and standards were accomplished with:
a. a fluency of movement and a certainty of execution indicative of familiarity with
and a measure or skill in handwriting of conversely.
b. a conscious mental effort and non-rhythmic execution denoting either
unfamiliarity with or disguise in the subjects handwriting.

Investigation and Detailed Examination of Signatures:

Forgery A legal term which involves not only a non-genuine document but also and
intent room however, it is used synonymously with fraudulent signature or spurious
document.
Spurious Document A fraudulent signature in which there was no papparent attempt at
stimulation or limitation. It is a common form of forgery encountered at stipulation or
limitation.
Traced Forgery Any fraudulent signature which was executed by actually following the
outline of a genuine signature with a writing instrument.
Simulated or Freehand Imitation Forgery A fraudulent signature which was executed
purely by simulation rather than by tracing the outline of a genuine signature.
Anachronism This something wrong in time and in place. This means that the forger
has trouble matching the paper, ink, or writing materials to the exact date it was
supposed to have been written.
Guided Signature A signature which is executed while the writers hand or arm is
steadied in any way is classified as a guided or assisted signature. Under the law of
most jurisdictions such as a signature authenticates a legal document, provided it show
that the writer requested assistance. Guided signatures are most commonly written
during a serious illness or on a deathbed.
Definition of Signature:
A name or a mark that a person puts at the end of a document to attest that he is
its author or that he ratifies its contents. Many persons who have done a lot of writing
transform their name. Letters become simplified or condensed, complex movement
name. This is now signature. It is mark but this mark is now personal. It is a personal
combination of strokes in which it is possible to recognize the writer.
Signatures should be considered not just from the point of view whether there is
any difference whatever. The problem is to form a judgment first about the normal range
of variation in the standard and then to consider whether the questioned signature has
significant similarity and whether any difference you observe is within the range of
normal variation established by the standards or whether variations shown by several
signatures.
Classes of Signature:
a. Formal or Complete Class of signature used in acknowledging important document
such as will, checks, contract and business papers.
b. Informal or Cursory (Initial) A class of signature for routinely document or made for
personal correspondence.
c. Careless Scribble Used for mail carrier, delivery of goods, purchase of equipments
and an autograph collector.
Examination of Signatures is Considered a Specialized Branch of Handwriting
Identification for the Following Reason:
1. A signature is a word most practiced by many people and therefore most fluently
written.
2. A signature is a means to identify a person and have a great personal significance.
3. A signature is written with little attention to spelling and some other details.

4. A signature is a word written without conscious thought about the mechanics of its
production and is written automatically.
5. A signature is the only word the illiterate can write with confidence.
Suggested Steps in the Examination of Signature:
Signature in documents must be examined exhaustively and scrutinized in every
detail to avoid error in judgment.
The difference between the laymans observation and those with special training
in questioned documents examination lies on gross features in the signatures, while the
letter makes an exhaustive study of the minute details.
Step 1 Place the questioned and the standard signatures in the juxta-position or side
by side for simultaneous viewing of the various elements and characteristics.
Step 2 The first element to be considered is the handwriting movement or the manner
of execution (slow, deliberate, rapid, etc). The fundamental difference existing between a
genuine signature and an almost perfect forgery is in the manner of execution.
Step 3 Second elements to examine is the quality of the line, the presence or tremors,
smooth, fluent or hesitation. Defect in line quality is only appreciated when simultaneous
viewing is made.
Step 4 - Examine the beginning and ending lines, they are very significant, determine
whether the appearance blunt, club-shaped, tapered or vanishing.
Step 5 Design and structure of the letters Determine as to roundness, smoothness,
angularity and direction. Each individual has a different concept of letter design.
Step 6 Look for the presence of retouching or patching.
Step 7 Connecting strokes, slant, ratio, size, lateral spacing.
Step 8 Do not rely so much in the similarity or difference of the capital letters, for these
are the often changed according to the notion of the writer.
Indication of Genuineness:
a. Carelessness
b. Spontaneity
c. alteration of thick and thin strokes.
d. Speed
e. Simplification
f. Upright letters are interspersed with slanting letters
g. The upward strokes to a threadlike tracing.
h. Rhythm
i. Good line quality
j. Variation
Three Classes of Forged Signature:
1. Simulated Signature the free hand drawing in imitation of model signature.
a. Simulated with the model before the forger he makes an effort to obtain a
reproduction of the model signature. He works slowly, stroke after stroke.
a.1. Direct technique forger works directly with ink.
a.2. Indirect technique forger work first with special pencil and afterwards
covers the pencil strokes with ink.

b. Simulated free hand forgery used by forgers who have a certain skill in
writing. After some practice, the forger tries to write a copy of the model quickly.
2. Traced Signature a tracing of a genuine signature outline.
a. Direct tracing copy is made by transmitted light.
b. Indirect tracing forger used a carbon paper and place document on which he
will trace the forged signatures under the document bearing the model signature with
carbon between the two.
Types of Traced Signatures:
a. Carbon Process The forger places the document to be forged on the bottom,
inter-leave a piece of carbon and places on top a document containing the genuine
signature. The forger then traces over the genuine signature with pencil, pen stylus, or
other sharp pointed instrument.
The pressure of this over tracing against the carbon paper imprints the signature
outline in carbon on the top bottom document. This type could be easily detected by the
smattering of carbon remnants on the forged document.
b. Indention Process - The document containing the model signature is placed on
top of the forged document. The forger traces with considerable pressure, over the
genuine signature using a pencil, pen stylus, or similar instrument and creates an
indented signature outline on the document being forged. Later this depression outline is
overwritten using pencil or fountain pen.
c. Transmitted Light Process The document to be forged is place on top of the
document containing the genuine signature. The two documents are superimposed over
a trace a signature outline, with pencil or fountain pen following the design of the
genuine set in bold relief by the light in back of it.
3. Simple Forgery forger does not try to copy a model but writes with something
resembling we ordinarily call a signature. For this he uses a false name and makes a
rapid stroke, disturbing his usual writing by adopting a camouflage called disguise.
Indication of Forgery Simulated and Traced:
1. Tremulous and broken connecting strokes between letters, indicating points at
which the writer has temporarily struck.
2. No rhythm
3. Carefulness or unusual care and deliberation
4. No contrast between upward and downward strokes
5. Slow writing angular writing
6. Blunt beginning and ending
7. Placement of diacritical marks just over the stem of letters
8. Absence of spontaneity lack of smoothness of letters
9. Restrained writing there is a lack of freedom or inhibited movements. It
gives the impression that every stroke is made with great difficulty. This writing is small.
10. No variation
WRITING MATERIALS (PAPER) IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
One of the subjects of inquiry in questioned documents is the writing material
used. The common (probable) questioned on paper is the AGE, whether the actual age
of the paper corresponds with the alleged date of preparation of the questioned
document.
To fully understand the principles of tracing the age of the writing materials used
in questioned documents, it is imperative for a questioned documents examiner to be
aware of the evolution and development of papers. When such paper was first
introduced or used, physical changes on papers and the importance of water marks, are
some of the valuable things that an investigator should know to come up with a more
conclusive opinion.

Paper sheet of interlaced fibers usually cellulose fibers from plants, but sometimes
from cloth rags or other fibrous materials. That is formed by pulping the fibers and
causing to felt, or mat, to form a solid surface.
Writing Materials the evolution of writing materials culminated in the development of
paper. The oldest written records still surviving are the Sumerian clay tablets dating back
from 4th millennium B.C.
Papyrus came into use about 3,500 B.C., people of Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and
Southern Europe used the pith (soft Spongy tissue of the stem) of the sedge (grass like
herb) CYPERUS PAPYRUS to make a writing known as PAPYRUS.
Parchment writing material made from skin of animals primarily of sheep, calves or
goats was probably developed in the Middle East more or less contemporaneously
with papyrus. It came into wide use only in the 2 nd century B.C. in the city of
PERGAMUM, ANATOLIA.
Vellum writing materials from fine skins of young calves or kids and the term vellum
was often used for all kind of parchment manuscripts, it became the most important
writing material for bookmaking, while parchment continued for special manuscripts.
Almost every portable surface that would retain the marks of brush or pen was
also used as a writing material during the early period.
Development of Paper Manufacturing:
Cailun (Tsai Lun) it is widely claimed that invention of paper is generally attributed to a
Chinese court official, CAI LUN (TSAI LUN), in about 105 A.D.
- the first to succeed in making paper from vegetable fibers tree barks, rags, old
fish nettings.
- the art of paper making was kept secret for 500 years; the Japanese acquired it
only in the 7th century A.D.
- in 751 A.D. the Arab city of Samarkand was attacked by marauding Chinese
and some Chinese taken as prisoners were skilled in papermaking and were forced by
the city Governor to build and operate a paper mill and Samarkand soon became the
papermaking center of the Arab world.
- knowledge of papermaking traveled westward, spreading throughout the Middle
East, the Moorish invasion of Spain led to the invention (1150 A.D.) or erection of the
first European paper mill at JATIVA, VALENCIA.
- knowledge of the technology spread quickly and by 16th century, paper was
manufactured throughout most of Europe.
Chlorine was introduced in 19th century for bleaching and colored linen could already
manufacture for paper.
Esparto a grass grown in Libya, also in Spain and North Africa was first introduced in
England in 1861.
Straw was used to make paper in 1800.
Sulphite paper from wood was not attempted until 1869 and paper called SULPHITE
(modern type) was first used between 1880 and 1890.
Oldest Manuscript letters dated 874 A.D. have been found in Egypt and the oldest
manuscript in England on cotton paper dated 1890 A.D.
Tracing the Age of Paper (Document):
The age of the document may be estimated from paper. Four cases were
reported by Lucas in which the age of the document was established from the
compositor/composition of the paper.

In one of these cases, a document dated 1798 A.D. was found to be written in
paper composed entirely of chemically prepared wood cellulose. Considering that this
type of paper was not introduced not until about 60 years later, the document is
obviously a fake one.
Watermarks:
Sometimes a LIMIT may be placed to the age of the document by means of
watermark, the earliest known dating from 1282. unfortunately, however, not all papers
contain watermarks.
The earliest way of identifying the date of manufacture of the paper is by the
WATERMARK a brand put on the paper by the manufacturers.
It is impressed into the paper by wires on the rollers called DANDY ROLL that
make the paper, and these designs are changed from time to time. Usually watermarks
are requested by their owners/manufacturers with the patent office.
If present, watermark is one of the most reliable means of tracing the age of the
paper. However, the questioned documents examiners finding is limited only to the
APPROXIMATE DATE (YEAR) of the paper manufacture.
In determining the age of the paper by watermarks, it is necessary to ascertain
the owner of the watermark in question or its manufacturer.
In the FBI, this is done by checking the reference file of the laboratory. Once the
manufacturer is determined, then consideration is given to changes in design and
defects of individual design.
In recent years, some large manufacturers have cleverly incorporated
inconspicuous changes in their watermark design in order to date their products.
Obviously, document is fraud if it contains a watermark which was not in
existence at the time the document purports to have been executed.
In Case the Watermark of a Certain Paper Manufacturer did not Changed, the
Following is Applied:
In those cases where no change in the design has been made over a long period
of time, defects in the individual design may furnish a clue as to the age of the paper.
The dandy roll through constant usage will somehow be damaged. This damage
is also known as caused by WERA and TEAR which become progressively more and
more as time goes by. The damage on the dandy roll will leave some peculiar markings
on the watermark of the paper manufactured or all papers that will pass through the
damaged dandy roll.
The investigator carefully determined the distinct markings caused by the dandy
rolls damaged surface will coordinate with the paper manufacture regarding when such
damage occurred on the dandy roll used.
Discoloration:
One way of tracing the age of the paper is through the observance of the
changes in its physical characteristics particularly DISCOLORATION. Naturally, a paper
will discolor after a passage of time due to numerous environmental factors such as
moisture, temperature, dust etc.
Causes of Discoloration:
Discoloration is highly influenced by storage of the papers or documents and
conditions like the following:
1. Due to process of oxidation brought about by natural means

2. Brown spots due to molds that are very characteristics both in appearance and
distribution
3. Exposure to dust and dirt
4. Occasional staining of fruit juice, grease
5. Excrete of rats, mice and other insects
6. May also due to heat, partial burning, etc.
Wood Pulp papers out of wood pulp may start to discolor at edges from 2 to 3
years
Rug-ship Quality may be very old before discoloration starts.
WRITING INSTRUMENT (PEN)
A tool for writing or drawing with a colored fluid, such as ink. The rise and spread
of Christianity increased the demand for permanent written religious documents. Pen
came from the Latin word PENNA meaning feather.
Quill Pens
It is a hollow, horny part of large feather usually from goose and was used for
writing on parchment. Poland, Germany, Russia, and the Netherlands were the largest
producers of quill.
As the size of writing became smaller, both writing tools and surfaces changed.
Vellum or parchment books replaced the papyrus roll, and the QUILL replaced the REED
PEN.
Although quill pens can be made from the outer wing feathers of any bird, those
of goose, swan, crow and later turkey, were preferred. The earliest reference (6 th century
A.D.) to quill pens was made by the Spanish Theologian ST. ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, and
this tool was the principal writing implement for nearly 1300 years.
To make a quill pen, a wing feather is first hardened by heating or letting it dry out
gradually. The hardened quill is then cut to a broad edge with a special pen knife.
The writer had to recut the quill pen frequently to maintain its edge. By the 18 th
century, the width of the edge had diminished and the length of the slit had increased
creating a flexible point that produced thick and thin strokes by pressure on the point
rather than by the angle at which the broad edge was held.
Also by the 18th century, paper had replaced vellum as the chief writing surface
and more writing was being done for commerce than for church or crown. During this
period, attempts were made to invent a lasting writing tool that did not require recutting.
Horn, tortoise shell, and gemstones were tried, but steel was eventually used for
permanent pen points.
Although pens of bronze may have been known to Romans, the earliest mention
of BRAZEN PENS was in 1465. The 16 th century Spanish calligrapher JUAN DE
YCIAR mentions brass pens for very large writing in his 1548 writing manual, but the use
of metal pens did not become widespread until the early part of the 19th century.
The first patented steel pen point was made by the English engineer BRYAN
DONKIN in 1803. The leading 19th century English pen manufacturers were WILLIAM
JOSEPH GILLOT, WILLIAM MITCHELL, and JAMES STEPHEN PERRY.
Use of the quill rapidly declined during that century, especially after the
introduction of the free public education for children; more emphasis was then placed on
the teaching of writing than on teaching the skill of quill cutting.
In 1884, LEWIS WATERMAN, a New York insurance agent, patented the first
practical FOUNTAIN PEN containing its own ink reservoir. Waterman invented a
mechanism that fed ink to the pen point by capillary action, allowing ink to flow evenly
while writing.

By the 1920s the fountain pen was the chief writing instrument in the west and
remained so until the introduction of the ball point pen after WORLD WAR II.
Reed Pen/ Swamp Pen
It came from especially selected water grasses found in Egypt, Armenia and
along the shores of the Persian Gulf, were prepared by leaving them under dung heaps
for several months.
It was the first writing tool that had, the writing end slightly worn like a brush.
About 2,000 years B.C., this reed pen was first used in NEAR EAST on papyrus and
later on parchment.
The Ball Point Pen
JOHN LOUD, in 1888, patented the first ball point writing tool. A ball point pen
has in its point a small rotating metal ball that continually inks itself as it turns.
The ball is set into a tiny socket. In the center of the socket is a hole that feeds
ink to the socket from a long tube (reservoir) inside the pen.
As early as the 19th century, attempts had been made to manufacture a pen with
a rolling ball tip, but not until 1938 did Hungarian inventor GEORGE LAZLO BIRO invent
a viscous, oil-based ink that could be used with such a pen.
Early ball point pens did not write well; they tended to skip, and the slow-drying
oil-based ink smudged easily. However, the ball point pen had several advantages over
the fountain pen:
a. The ink was waterproof and almost inerasable;
b. The ball point pen could write on many kinds of surfaces and could be hold in
almost any position for writing; and
c. The pressure required to feed the ink was ideal for making carbon copies.
Ink formulas were improved for smoother flow and faster drying, and soon the
ball point replaced the fountain pen as the universal writing tool.
Fiber Tip Pens
In 1963, fiber tip markers were introduced into the U.S. market and have since
challenged the ball point as the principal writing implement.
The first practical fiber tip pen was invented by YUKIO HORIE of Japan in 1962.
it was ideally suited to the strokes of Japanese writing, which is traditionally done with a
pointed ink brush.
Unlike its predecessors, the fiber tip pen uses dye as a writing fluid. As a result,
the fiber tip pen can produce a wide range of colors unavailable in ball point and fountain
pen inks. The tip is made of fine nylon or other synthetic fibers drawn to a point and
fastened to the barrel of the pen. Dye is fed to the point by elaborate capillary
mechanism.
Felt-tip markers are made of dense natural or artificial fibers impregnated with a
dye. These markers can be cut to a variety of shapes and sizes, some up to an inch in
width. A modification of the ball point pen using a liquid dye fed to a metal/plastic ball
was introduced in the U.S. from Japan in 1973.
The Examination and Identification of Inks:
The examination of inks often plays an important part in document examination.
In this case the inks to be examined are not available in liquid form. One kind of
examination centers on the question as to whether the ink of some writings or of
alterations in a police blotter is identical with the ink found in the possession of the
suspect.

For this reason, the examination of questioned documents is restricted to a

comparative examination of certain properties of these inks. However, the examination
carries with it certain difficulties as the quantity of material available for examination is
small and the examination can be done only one.
It is necessary then that before a chemical examination is attempted, which
results in a partial destruction of writing, an exhaustive examination by non-destructive
methods be carried out.
These non-destruction methods include visual examination with the aid of a
binocular microscope as well as photographic examination. They should be used first
before any chemical examination is resorted to.
It is necessary therefore to be acquainted with the composition and
developmental history, method of manufacture of the types of ink most commonly used.
Sometimes, antedating can only be proved by identifying a competent of the ink, which
was not yet included in inks at the alleged date of the document.
Composition and Characteristics of Inks:
1. Indian Inks
The oldest form of Indian ink consisted of a suspension of carbon black (soot or
lampblack) in water to which glue or a vegetable gum was added. Inks of this
composition are still on the market mostly in the shape of sticks or cakes. In modern
carbon ink, the glue or gum is replaced by a solution of shellac in borax or ammonia.
These inks are not affected by oxidants. It is practically impossible to remove the last
traces of the carbon from the paper without causing damage to it.
2. Log Wood Inks
These inks which were used extensively about a century ago, have now because
obsolete and are no longer manufactured. They were made from an aqueous extract of
logwood chips and potassium chromate. These inks will be found only on old.
3. Iron Gallotanate Inks
This ink has been used as writing for over a thousand years. Formerly it was
made of a fermented infusion of gall nuts to which iron salts were added. The ink was
composed of suspension of the black, almost insoluble ferric tannate.
The particles were kept in suspension by adding glue or gum Arabic. This
manufacturing method was not economical and so it had to be changed. It was observe
that if the ink was slightly acidified with hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid, the oxidation
of the ferrous iron was checked and the undesirable precipitation of the ferric tannate
was prevented. The ink thus obtained was practically colorless and did not acquire the
black color desired before it matured on paper. Coloring matter (Aniline dyes) was added
to the ink as well as a sterilizing agent to prevent growth of mold and bacteria in the ink.
4. Fountain Pen Inks
These inks are regarded as special fountain pen inks, and consisting of ordinary
iron gallotannate inks with a lower iron content in most cases but with a higher dyestuff
content than normal inks. This type of ink is placed on the market under the name of
blue-black permanent. The iron content range from .7 Fe/I (e.g. Parker Quink
Permanent Blue) to 2.7 Fe/ I (e.g. Pelikan Fullhaltertinte).
5. Dyestuff Inks
These inks are composed of aqueous solutions of synthetic dyestuffs, to which a
preservative and a flux are added. The writing qualities of the ink are improved by
addition of substances such as glycerol, glucose or dextrin.
The dark blue and black inks are often composed of four or more dyes because
no black dyestuff of sufficient tinctorial capacity is known.
6. Water Resistant Writing and Drawing Inks

These inks are special group of dyestuff inks. They consist of a pigment paste
and a solution of shellac made soluble in water by means of borax, liquid ammonia or
ammonium bicarbonate. Sometimes the pigment suspension is combined with acid or
basic dyestuff.
7. Alkaline Writing Inks
These are quick drying inks which possesses a ph of from 9 to about 11. They
penetrate quickly through the size of the paper allowing the ink to penetrate quickly into
the paper. The dyestuff in these inks consists of acid dyes, sometimes combined with
phthalc cyanide dyes.
These inks are not much in demand because they are rather expensive and
because the material of many fountain pens is affected by them. The best known of
these inks are the Parker super chrome inks which in the colors black, blue-black, blue,
red and green. Phthalocyanine dye is found in the blue super chrome inks. The super
chrome inks were already obtainable since 1950, which fact maybe of importance for the
determination of the age of a document.
8. Ballpoint Pen Inks
The ballpoint pens did not appear on the European market before 1945. The
development of the present pen was accomplished during World War II because the
army and the Air Force needed a writing instrument which would not leak at high altitude
and which supplied quick drying water resistant writing.
In principle, the construction of all ballpoint pens is the same. The differences are
in the finish, the precision with which the instrument is made, the size and the material of
the ball, and the composition of the ink. As a rule, the diameter of the ball lays between
0.6 and 1.0 mm. the cheapest makes having the largest diameter. The ball is made of
steel while the more expensive makes of sapphire.
The quality of the pen is chiefly to be judged by the writing angle. The best
writing angle for the ballpoint pen is 90 degrees, but a normal hand of writing seldom
uses this angle. The cheaper makes have a minimum writing angle of 55-60 degrees. If
one writes at too small an angle, the brass socket holding the ball will scratch a lined into
the paper, parallel with the ink line.
9. Stamp Pad Inks
They are made with the acid of substances such as glycerol, glycol, acetin or
benzyl alcohol and water. Airline dyes are added as coloring matter. For quick drying
stamp pad inks, more volatile organic solvents are used as acetone, ethanol, etc. As a
vehicle, dextrin, gum Arabic, or tennin is sometimes added. Through the addition of
tannin, the stamp impression becomes water resistant after drying.
10. Hectograph Inks
These inks very much resemble stamp pad inks and are exclusively made with
basic dyes. To the dyestuff solution several other substances are added such as
glycerol, acetic acid and acetone.
11. Typewriter Ribbon Inks
These inks are usually composed of a blend of aniline dyes, carbon black and oil
such as olein or castor oil. The two-tone ribbons however contain no dyes, but pigments
suspended in a oil base. This is necessary because aniline dyes tend to bleed and
would cause the sharp division between the differently colored halves of the ribbon to
merge.
12. Printing Inks
Printing inks often consist of a mixture of colored pigments, carbon black and a
base which may consist of oil, resins, synthetic resins or a mixture of these. It is
possible to remove printing ink from a document by scrubbing the document with an
aqueous solution of a suitable detergent. The rubbing and breaking up of the surface of
the ink and the detergent facilitates the suspension and eventual removal of the carbon
and other ingredients by the water.

13. Canceling Inks

These inks often contain carbon and this fact should be burned in mind when it is
required to decipher faint cancellation marks on a postage stamp and wrappers. Carbon
is opaque to infra-red sensitive plate and be relied upon to improve the legibility of any
marking affected by a carbon containing canceling ink.
Erasure of canceling ink on valuable stamps is usually affected by attack on the
medium which bind the carbon to the surface of the stamp and it is to be regretted that
many canceling inks are manufactured width media which offer resistance to attack so
that the resistant carbon can simply be swabbed off. This can be usually be detected by
infra-red photography which will reveal the traces of carbon, which almost invariability
remain on the stamp.
14. Skrip Inks
Skrip inks are manufactured by W.A. Chaffer Pen Company since 1955. The inks
contain a substance which is colorless in visible light and has a strong affinity for the
fibers of the paper, and yet is not bleached by hypoclorite ink eradicators or washed out
by soaking on water.
Thus if a writing with Skrip is obliterated with ink eradicator, the original will
produce a characteristics fluorescence and can be deciphered by reviewing under
filtered ultra-violet. Similarly if writing made with was able skrip is soaked in water so the
invisible dye is washed out, the original record can be read clearly by filtered ultra-violet
light.
The Chemical Examination of Inks:
The chemical examination of ink is indicated in the following problems:
1. The chromatographic examination and separation of the dyestuff in the ink.
2. The determination of the age of the ink.
TYPEWRITER/TYPEWRITING EXAMINATION AND IDENTIFICATION
Typewriter Defined:
A machine that can reproduce printed characters on papers or that can produce
printed letters and figures on paper.
Evolution of Typewriters:
Several typewriters like machines were develop during the latter part of the 17 th
century. The first patent, however, was granted by QUEEN ANNE of England to HENRY
MILL in 1714 for a machine designed to reproduce a letter of the alphabet.
Within the next 100 years, however, at least 50 attempts were made by various
inventors to develop a typing machine. In 1829, WILLIAM AUSTIN BURT of Detroit,
invented the TYPOGRAPHER.
The development of the first practical typewriter begun in 1866 by
CHRISTOPHER LATHAM SHOLES and was patented in 1868. He developed the first
practical typewriter in cooperation with two fellow mechanics, CARLOS GLIDEN and
SAMUEL SOULE.
Six years later, Christopher Latham Sholes entered an agreement with
ELIPHALET REMINGTON and SONS, GUNSMITH and SEWING MACHINES
MANUFACTURERS, the company produced the REMINGTON MODEL I.
Four years later, REMINGTON MODEL II was introduced having both the lower
and upper case of the alphabet. MARK TWAIN was among the first to buy a typewriter
and the first to submit a typewritten manuscript to a publisher.
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW recognized the importance of typewriter when he
became the first writer to use it as a stage prop in Canada in 1897. When THOMAS

EDISON visited Sholes to see his machine, he forecasted that typewriters would one
day be operated by electricity.
Soon afterwards, Edison built such typewriter. He used a series of magnet, which
made the machine large and too expensive to be marketed.
The first practical typewriter was invented in 1914 by JAMES F. SMATHERS of
Kansas City. In 1933, the International Business Machines Inc. (IBM), introduced the first
commercially successful electric typewriter to the business world.
The latest development in electric typewriter is one which not only eliminates
type bars and movable carriages but can use six interchangeable type of typefaces.
The first basic change in typewriting operation appeared in 1961. Despite of the
revolutionary advances in typewriting capabilities, one essential element has remained
unchanged since the first Remington. The keyboard arrangement, nicknamed QWERTY
for the top line of letters was designed to make it easier for salesmen to use the
machine.
A much more efficient arrangement was devised in 1936 by AUGUST DVORAK.
The process of changing over the DVORAK seemed so difficult that it was never even
begun.
Identification and Examination of Typewritten Questioned Documents:
The earliest comment in writing by a document examiner on typewriting
identification was made by HAGAN in 1894. He wrote that all typewriter machines even
when using the same kind of type become more or less peculiar by use as to the work
done by them. These peculiarities positively connect them with the printing done by the
machine.
This exposition of the principles of typewriting identification was followed in 1900
by AMES who wrote that the identity of writing by different operators as well as that done
on different machines can be done with considerable degree of certainty.
Different operators have their own peculiar methods which differ widely in the
location of date, address, margins, punctuation, spacing, signing as well as impressions
from touch.
In several articles written between 1901 to 1907, ALBERT S. OSBORNE, the
foremost document examiner of the early 20th century, define the principles of typewriting
identification used today. He called it THE LANDMARKS IN TYPEWRITING
IDENTIFICATION.
Typewriting Identification:
The typewriter has become an instrument of world wide importance in the
correspondence and commerce of the world and therefore could be an effective screen
for commuting crime.
In several articles written between 1901 and 1907, Albert S. Osborne, the
foremost document examiner of the early 20 th century, defined the principles points
enunciated by Osborne are as follows:
a. The typefaces used by the different typewriter manufacturer can be
differentiated on the basis of design and have dating significance.
b. Through usage, typewriters develop individuality which can serve to identify
the typewriting of a particular typewriter.
c. The gradual development of typewriting individuality plus ribbon condition and
typeface. Cleanliness can be used to date a document of fix it written a period of time.
d. Horizontal and vertical alignment, tilting characters, lack of uniformity of
impression (off-footedness), typeface score, breads, defects and deformities all serve to
identify the typewriting of a particular machine.

e.
Peculiar
habits
of
striking
the
typewriter
keys,
spacing,arrangement,punctuation, mistakes, corrections, can be used to identify a typist
or differentiate typists.
f. A sheet of paper cannot be reinserted in a typewriter in exact register with
previous typing done on the sheet of paper.
Classification of Typewriters as to Typeface:
a. Pica Type the typefaces are spaced ten characters to the horizontal inch.
b. Elite Type the typefaces are spaced twelve characters to the horizontal.
Identification of Typewriter by the Defects of the Stroke:
The identification of a typewriter consist first of the preliminary examination of the
questioned document in which the general characteristics such as the style, the
dimension of the characters, the spacing and the design of the letters. This important
phase of work enables document examiner to eliminate numerous suspect typewriters
keeping only those of the same make and model as that of the suspected typewriters
provided however they are equipped with the same characters.
The defects of the typewriter maybe compared to ailment or sickness and
congenital deformation while its translation on the paper be compared to symptoms of
the defects. This comparison has the advantage of sorting out the exact conditions of the
control of questioned typewritten documents as follows:
a. First, it will show the actual state of the typewriter and consequently that the
aspect of the stroke is not immutable but evolves progressively so that a good
identification needs the comparison of documents from sufficiently adjacent period.
b. It show that the expert do not see the defect of the typewriter right away but
only its translation on the paper by a writing anomaly of which he must appreciate the
cause. Like in medicine, a given symptom maybe common to several ailments and
inversely the same ailments maybe accompanied at certain movements by different
symptoms.
c. Lastly, it will explain that certain anomalies are not even ascribable to an
organic cause of the typewriter but to a phenomenon outside it. For example, an error of
manipulation by the typist may give some anomalies of the stroke and have no
connection with the mechanism of the typewriter itself. Others are due to a temporary
sickness such as a torn ribbon which will give an incomplete impression of the character
or dust which may choke the mechanism of the stroke. It is only the permanent faults
which permit of a positive identification.
Terminologies in Typewriting Examinations:
Alignment Defect Include character which writes improperly in the following respects: a
twisted letter, horizontal mal-alignment, vertical mal-alignment and a character special
adjustment to the type block.
Carbon Impression Any typewriting which is placed on the paper by action of the
typefaces striking through carbon paper is classed as a carbon impression. Generally,
carbon impression is Carbon Copies but sometimes original typewritings are made
directly through a carbon paper copy.
Character - In connection with typewriting identification the terms Character is used to
include either letters, symbols, numerals or point of punctuation.
Clogged (Dirty) Typefaces With use the typefaces becomes filled with lint, dirty and
ink, particularly in enclosed letters such as the o, e, p, and g. In this condition is allowed
to progress without cleaning, there comes a time when the written impression actually
print with the clogged areas shaded on a solid block.
Defects The term defect describes any abnormality or mal-adjustment in a typewriter
which is reflected in its works and which leads to its individualization or identification.

Horizontal Mal-adjustment An alignment defect in which the character prints to the right
or left of its proper position.
Mal-alignment Is synonymous with the term Alignment Defects.
Off its Feet The condition of a typeface printing heavier on one side or corner than over
the remainder of its outline.
Permanent Defect Any identifying characteristics of a typewriter which cannot be
corrected by simply cleaning the typeface or replacing the ribbon is classed permanent
defect. Actually, this term is not absolutely accurate since all defects in typewriters
undergo modification and change in time.
Platen The cylinder which serve as the backing of the paper and which absorbs the
blow from the typeface.
Proportional Spacing Typewriting A modern form of typewriting which resembles
printing in that all of the horizontal space as they do with the conventional typewriter, for
example, the i occupies two units, the o three and m five. A typewriter of this design
is known as a proportional spacing machine.
Rebound A defect in which a character prints a double impression with the lighter one
slightly offset to the right or left.
Ribbon Condition Typewriter ribbons gradually deteriorate with use and the degree of
determination is a measure of the ribbon condition.
Ribbon Impression Typewriting which is made directly through a cloth ribbon.
Transitory Defects An identifying typewriter characteristic which can be eliminated by
cleaning.
Typeface The printing surface of the type block is known as the typeface, with most
modern typewriter this block is attached at the end of a movable arm or type bar which
propels the typeface against the ribbon and paper to make the typewriter impression.
Typeface Defects Any peculiarity of typewriting caused by actual damage to the
typeface metal. These defects maybe actual breaks in the outline of the letter where the
metal has been chipped away sometimes referred to as broken type, or they may be
distorted outlines of the letter where the typeface metal has become bent or smashed,
they can only be corrected by replacing the type block.
Twisted Letter Each letter and character is designed to print a certain fixed angle to the
baseline, due to wear, and damage to the type bars and the type block, some letters
become twisted so that they lean to the right or left of their correct slant.
Vertical Mal-alignment A character printing above or below its proper position has the
quality of vertical mal-alignment.
Identification of Typewritten Documents:
As a preliminary step in the identification of typewriting, it is necessary to
establish that the style and size of the letters and numerals are the same and that both
the letter spacing and the line spacing are the same.
In order to make a further study leading either towards an identification or nonidentification such instrument as magnifying lenses, microscopes and various kinds of
measuring devices are used. These instruments make it possible to study the following:
a. Slant A study is made of each character to determine to what extent if any, it
leans either to the right or to the left.
b. Alignment If a typewriter is in proper alignment each character should strike
in the center of an imaginary rectangle.
c. Footing A letter may strike heavier either on the right, on the left, on the top,
or on the bottom.

d. Defects in the Typefaces These may be brought about either through

mistreatment or as a result of ordinary wear and tear.
When Questioned Typewriting is Compared With Known Typewritten Exemplars, 3
General Areas of Examination are Made:
1. Size and spacing (vertical and horizontal)
2. Type style
3. Unique identifying characteristics character and alignment defects
Nine Points That Maybe Involve in Questioned Typewriting:
1. That of ascertaining the exact date of such typewriting.
2. Whether every line of the document was written at one time.
3. Whether the various lines of the document were written at different time by the same
machine.
4. Whether the document was written at different times by several machine.
5. Whether spurious, typewritten pages have been substituted or inserted in the
document.
6. Whether interlineations have been added to the original document.
7. Whether additional words of sentences have been written at the end of the paragraph.
8. Whether the entire document was written by one machine.
9. Whether the document was written by a particular suspected typewriter.
Principal Typewriting Question That Maybe resolved in Typewriting Examination:
1. To determine whether an evidence typewriting was accomplished on a suspected
typewriter.
2. To determine whether an evidential typewriting prepared as a known typewriter was
actually typewritten on its purported date.
3. To determine whether all of typewriting was prepared by a suspected typist.
4. To determine the make or brand of the typewriter on which a questioned typewriting
was prepared.

REVIEW QUESTIONAIRES IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

INSTRUCTIONS: Select the best answer for each of the following questions.
1. Is concerned with the examination of forged, altered or suspected papers to see if
they are genuine or if they have been changed.
a. Documents falsification
b. Estafa
c. Forgery
d. Questioned documents examination
2. Defined as a visible effect of bodily movement which is an almost unconscious
expression of fixed muscular muscles.
a. Speed of writing
b. Handwriting
c. Natural writing
d. Writing habits
3. A document completely written and signed by one person is known as:
a. Holographic document
b. Disputed document
c. Questioned document
d. None of the above
4. It is the deterioration in writing caused by excessive consumption of alcohol.
a. Intoxicated writing
b. Receipt writing
c. Careless writing
d. Illiterate writing
5. It includes characters which write improperly in the following aspects: a twisted letter,
horizontal mal-alignment, vertical mal-alignment and a character off-its feet.
a. Carbon impression
b.
Clogged typeface
c. Character
d. Alignment defect
6. In writing, it functions as an extension of the hand.
a. Paper
b. Shoulder
c. Pen
d. Elbow
7. Any typewriting which is placed on the paper by action of the typefaces striking
through carbon paper is classed as:
a. Character
b. Carbon impression
c. Clogged typeface
d. Defects
8. Writings produced by the subject after evidential writings have come into dispute.
a. Collected
b. Post liten motan
c. Request
d. None of the above

9. A traced forgery of signature is not really writing but:

a. Retouching
b. Drawing
c. Patching
d. Tremor of fraud
10. A group of muscles which push up the pen to form the upward strokes.
a. Flaxen
b. Flexor
c. Extensor
d. Strokes
11. Who first invented the paper more than 2000 years ago?
a. Indians
b. Babylonians
c. Americans
d. Chinese
12. Handwriting written by an individual upon request for the purpose of comparison with
other handwriting.
a. Collected
b. Procured
c. Request
d. Post liten motan
13. In connection with typewriting identification, it includes letters, symbols, numerals, or
point of punctuation.
a. Defects
b. Horizontal mal-alignment
c. Character
d. Clogged typeface
14. It is mostly employed in vertical writing and mainly in the formation of printed styles
of writing.
a. Whole forearm movement
b. Hand movement
c. Forearm movement
d. Finger movement
15. Term describe as: the typefaces become filled with lint, dirt, and ink particularly in
enclosed letters such as the o, e, p, g, and others.
a. Clogged typeface
b. Horizontal mal-alignment
c. Defects
d. Mal-alignment
16. Handwriting of individual written in the course of daily life, both business and social.
a. Collected
b. Procured
c. Request
d. Letter a and b
17. Refers to the proportion of the strokes to each other in width as affected shading.
a. Pen pressure
b. Pen writing
c. Pen lifting
d. Pen strokes
18. Writing movement employed by those with whom writing is an unfamiliar process, it
is otherwise called as push and pull writing.
a. Finger
b. Forearm

c. Hand
d. Whole forearm
19. Forged signature made by free hand movement and constant practiced is called:
a. Traced forgery
b. Simulated forgery
c. Simple forgery
d. Spurious signature
20. They are known writing which indicates how a person writes.
a. Standard
b. Exemplars
c. Natural writing
d. Letter a and b
21. This term describes any abnormality or maladjustment in a typewriter which is
reflected in its work and which leads to its individualization or identification.
a. Horizontal mal-alignment
b. Off-its feet
c. Mal-alignment
d. Defects
22. It involves the action of hand as a whole with the fingers playing but a minor role.
a. Finger movement
b. Forearm movement
c. Hand movement
d. Whole forearm movement
23. A term synonymous with the term alignment defects.
a. Malnourished
b. Defects
c. Mal-alignment
d. Alignment
24. The special way in which the various muscles used in writing work together to
produced written forms.
a. Rhythm
b. Motor coordination
c. Handwriting
d. Arcade
25. What was done, when one retouches or goes back over a defective portion of a
writing stroke?
a. Retracing
b. Patching
c. Pressuring
d. Shading
26. The flexor and extensor muscles when combined with numerical muscles it forms
what?
a. Lateral strokes
b. Diagonal strokes
c. Vertical strokes
d. Horizontal strokes
27. The condition of a typeface printing heavier on one side or corner than over the
remainder of its outline.
a. Off-its feet
b. Platen
c. Permanent defect
d. Proportional spacing

28. Writing is produced by the movement of the hand and arm and also fingers in some
cases.
a. Whole forearm movement
b. Hand movement
c. Forearm movement
d. Finger movement
29. What type of forgery is made when the writers exerts no effort to effect resemblance
or facsimile between the forged and the genuine signatures?
a. Simple
b. Simulated
c. Traced
d. Spurious
30. Types of connections characterized by rounded stroke shaped like an arch.
a. Angular
b. Threadlike
c. Garland
d. Arcade
31. Is any written statement by which a right is established or an obligation extinguished;
it is a deed, instrument or other duly authorized paper by which something is proved or
set forth?
a. Document
b. Tablet
c. Rubric
d. Contact
32. Is a succession of connected, uniform strokes working in full coordination?
a. Rhythm
b. Writing
c. Strokes
d. Finger movement
33. Refers to the slope of the handwriting in relation to the base line.
a. Spacing
b. Slant
c. Skills
d. Strokes
34. Types of connections characterized by links downward strokes to the upstrokes with
a flowing curve swinging from left to right.
a. Angular
b. Threadlike
c. Garland
d. Arcade
35. Any identifying characteristics of a typewriter which cannot be corrected by simply
cleaning the typeface or replacing the ribbon.
a. Mal-alignment
b. Temporary defects
c. Defects
d. Permanent defects
36. It involves the actions of the entire arm without rest and is employed in very large
writing.
a. Finger movement
b. Forearm movement
c. Hand movement
d. Whole forearm movement

37. The cylinder which serves as the backing of the paper and which absorbs the blow
from the typeface is known as:
a. Pletesmograph
b. Roller
c. Cylinder cone
d. Platen
38. Kind of writing characterized by disconnected style.
a. Cursive
b. Block
c. Script
d. Capitalized
39. What is that interruption in a stroke, caused by sudden removal of the writing
instrument from the paper surface?
a. Tremor
b. Retouching
c. Pen lifting
d. Hiatus
40. Children learn writing by following the school copy model. This statement is.
a. True
b. Partially true
c. False
d. Partially false
41. A kind of document which is executed by a private person without the intervention of
a notary public, or of competent public official, by which some disposition or agreement
is proved, evidence or set forth.
a. Private document
b. Public document
c. Official document
d. Commercial document
42. Qualities of strokes characterized by movement is extended or limited in its range.
a. Pressure
b. Expansion
c. Speed
d. Coordination
43. Any disconnected style of writing in which each letter is written separately is a form
of:
a. Cursive
b. Writing
c. Drawing
d. Hand lettering
44. The path which is traced by the pen on the paper.
a. Rhythm
b. Direction
c. Strokes
d. Coordination
45. What is that introductory up and down stroke found in almost all capital letters?
a. Hitch
b. Beard
c. Humps
d. Buckle knot
46. Writing movement characterized by poor quality of writing with lack of rhythm and
speed.
a. Finger

b. Forearm
c. Hand
d. Rhythm
47. A kind of document in which public officials participated.
a. Public document
b. Official document
c. Private document
d. Commercial document
48. A group of muscles which push the pen to from the downward strokes.
a. Extensor
b. Flexor
c. Flaxen
d. Rhythm
49. A kind of document which is executed by person in authority by private parties but
not notarized by notaries public or by competent officials.
a. Public document
b. Official document
c. Private document
d. Commercial document
50. May be committed in two ways: 1.) by giving to a treasury or bank notes or any
instrument payable to bearer or two order, and the appearance of a genuine document;
and 2.) by erasing, substituting, counterfeiting, or altering by any means, the figures,
letters, words, or signs contained therein.
a. Falsifications of documents
b. Questioned documents examination
c. Forgery
d. Estafa
51. A defect in which a character prints a double impression with the lighter one slightly
offset to the right or left.
a. Rebound
b. Typeface
c. Bounding
d. Breechface
52. Philippine paper bills are printed in what process.
a. Intaglio process
b. Off-set process
c. Lithographic process
d. All of the above
53. Strokes which goes back over another writing strokes and which is slightly to occur
due to lack of movement control?
a. Retouching
b. Retracing
c. Shading
d. Patching
54. May be committed in the following means: 1.) counterfeiting or imitating any
handwriting, signature or rubric; 2.) causing it to appear that persons have participated in
any act or proceeding when they did not in fact so participated; 3.) etc nevertheless it
applies to documents whether private, public, official or commercial documents.
a. Falsifications of documents
b. Questioned documents examination
c. Forgery
d. Estafa

55. A kind of document which is recognized by the Code of Commerce and other
Mercantile Laws.
a. Private document
b. Commercial document
c. Public document
d. Official document
56. In addition to its use in developing secret writings, iodine fumes can be used to.
a. Determine if erasures have been made on a document
b. Determine the kind of papers used in writing
c. Determine the kind of ink used in writing
d. Determine the personal character of the author
57. Writing in which letters is open or the most part is joined together?
a. Cursive
b. Signature
c. Disguised
d. Hand lettering
58. Stroke where the motion of the pen precedes the beginning and continues beyond
the end to a vanishing point and are found on free natural writing and as a rule are
important indication of genuineness.
a. Ending stroke
b. Flying starts and finish
c. Terminal stroke
d. Pen movement
59. What is that which widens the ink strokes due to the added pressure on a flexible
pen point?
a. Pen pressure
b. Shading
c. Pen lifting
d. Retouching
60. Of the following the most reliable single criterion in judging the authenticity of paper
money is the..
a. Arrangement of the red and blue threads
b. Wet strength of the paper
c. Quality of the engraving
d. Color of the seal
61. Is an exemplar that has been obtained from an official record, personal letter, or any
other document that is known to have been written by the suspect, when the suspect
refuses to write an exemplar, when the suspect is not available, or when the
investigation is conducted without the knowledge of the suspect?
a. Collected standard document
b. Questioned document
c. Simulated document
d. All of the foregoing
62. A sign of forgery in guided hand signature is:
a. Good pen control
b. Disconnected stroke
c. Uneven alignment
d. Slanting strokes
63. Typewriting which is made directly through a cloth ribbon is called as the:
a. Character
b. Typeface
c. Rebound
d. Ribbon impression

64. In connection with the analysis of questioned documents, which of the following is
least likely to be successful?
a. Establishment of the age of ink
b. Determination of make and age of typewriter
c. Restitution of the erased or eradicated writing
d. Identifying the peculiarity of an individual
65. It is an instrument that can be legally used in comparisons with a questioned
document; its origin is known and can be proven.
a. Simulated document
b. Standard document
c. Forged document
d. Falsified document
66. Paper which has been treated in such a way as to minimize the change of a
successful forgery by erasure, whether mechanical or chemical, being carried out on any
document of which it forms the basis called:
a. Chemical paper
b. Safety paper
c. Tested paper
d. Polyethylene coated paper
67. The printing surface of the type block is known as:
a. Type line
b. Typeface
c. Ribbon
d. Type block
68. What system of handwriting classification based on the following factors: forms, skill
combination, shading movement, slant, terminals and embellishment; has proved useful
to police departments in large cities..
a. Sir Edward Richard Henry
b. Lee and Abbey
c. Rolando Wilson
d. Landsteiner and Levine
69. Those are symbols added to complete certain letters such as i and t.
a. Spur marks
b. Loop marks
c. Diacritical marks
d. Hiatus marks
70. Handwriting samples of the same writer may vary somewhat according to the
conditions under which the wring was done. In which of the following classes of writers
are such variations in genuine writing likely to occur?
a. Men writers
b. Women writers
c. Practiced writer
d. Semi-illiterate or unpracticed writer
71. This group of document includes those papers which the entire writing is in question
as spurious, forged or counterfeit in its entirely fall into.
a. Wills and testaments
b. Questioned documents
c. Stroke of writing
d. None of the foregoing
72. A modern pen nib which contains a reservoir of ink in a specially designed back or
chamber is described as:
a. Ball point pen
b. Fountain pen
c. Pencil

d. Fiber pen
73. Any peculiarity of typewriting caused by actual damage to the typeface metal block is
known as:
a. Temporary defects
b. Permanent defects
c. Typeface defects
d. Ribbon defects
74. In which of the following respects is forged handwriting most likely to differ from the
genuine writing which the forgery attempts to imitate?
a. Over all flow or running quality
b. Average height and breadth of letters
c. Starting finishing tails or extraneous flourishes
d. Width of pen or pencil lines
75. It is the failure to complete the junction between two letters without lifting the pen.
a. Spur
b. Hiatus
c. Humps
d. Loops
76. What is that indelible ink whose marking substance is composed of mixture of aniline
ink and graphite?
a. Stencil
b. Printers ink
c. Nut gall ink
d. Copy pencil
77. May be accomplished by the insertion of a word, phrase, or sentence between two
lines of the original writing.
a. Forgery
b. Intercalation
c. Substitution
d. Insertion
78. One of the unconscious and inconspicuous writing habits of an individual and are
often entirely disregarded in simulated writing.
a. Pen pressure
b. Pen lifting
c. Pen writing
d. Pen strokes
79. Is a specimen of writing prepared with deliberate intent of altering the usual writing
habits in the hope of hiding his identity?
a. Disguised writing
b. Natural writing
c. Guided writing
d. Assisted writing
80. A condition of coin when it is made of metal, whether or inferior or superior intrinsic
value to that of the genuine coin and is given the appearance of one legal tender.
a. Mutilated coin
b. Priceless coin
c. False or counterfeit coin
d. All of the foregoing
81. What is a specimen of writing in which the letter are disconnected in form?
a. Cursive
b. Manuscript
c. Hand lettering
d. Block capital

82. It is the act of diminishing by ingenious means the metal in the coin; to take
advantage if the metal abstracted; he appropriates a part of the metal of the coin, hence
the coin diminishes in intrinsic value.
a. Mutilation of coins
b. Priceless coins
c. Counterfeit or false coins
d. None of the foregoing
83. Refers to properties or marks, elements or qualities which serve to distinguish known
as the basis of identification.
a. Characteristics
b. Individual characteristics
c. Class characteristics
d. Sample
84. In order to sustain a charge for an offense under Article 168 of the Revised Penal
Code, the possession of the false treasury and blank notes must be coupled with
a. The intention to keep it at home
b. The intent to use the same
c. Intent to surrender the same to proper authorities
d. All of the foregoing
85. Is an irregularity in strokes characterized by shaky or wavering stroke which is
perfectly apparent even without magnification?
a. Genuine tremor
b. Tremor of illiteracy
c. Tremor
d. Tremor of fraud
86. A type of forgery which involves fraudulent signature executed by actually following
the outline of a genuine signature with a writing instrument?
a. Carbon outline process
b. Indention process
c. Lasered
d. Traced
87. Refers to the study of ones handwriting in attempting to determine ones personality.
a. Agraphica
b. Graphology
c. Chromatography
d. Handwriting identification
88. A classification of falsification that for the act to be punished, it must be shown that
some prejudice or damage to a third party must have been caused or intended to be
caused..
a. Falsification of private document
b. Falsification of official document
c. Falsification of public document
d. Falsification of commercial document
89. Refers to the usual or normal deviation found in a repeated specimen of individuals
handwriting.
a. Natural variation
b. Transitory change
c. Permanent damage
d. Temporary defect
90. An autopsy report is an example of what kind of evidence?
a. Documentary
b. Testimonial
c. Experimental
d. Object/real

91. A type of conventional typewriter in which the characters are normally space 12 in
one horizontal inch.
a. Pica
b. Elite
c. Proportional spacing machine
d. Computer
92. A classification of falsification in which damage is immaterial, for what is important is
violation of public faith, and the destruction of the truth, and the change must affect the
integrity of the document..
a. Falsification of commercial document
b. Falsification of official document
c. Falsification of public document
d. Falsification of private document
93. Is a typeface defects in which the letters are printed to the right or left of its proper
position.
a. Vertical maladjustment
b. Horizontal maladjustment
c. Twisted letter
d. Off-its feet
94. A modern form of typewriting which resembles printing in that all of the letters,
numerals and symbols do not occupy the same horizontal space as they do with the
conventional typewriter.
a. Conventional typewriting
b. Proportional spacing typewriting
c. Typewriting identification
d. Document typewriting
95. Known as the father of questioned document.
a. Albert S. Osborn
b. John Augustus
c. Dr. Hans Gross
d. Orway Hilton
96. What is the first step in the procurement of typewriting exemplars?
a. Procurement of the suspected typewriter
b. Acquisition of typewriting exemplars
c. Study of the questioned typewriting
d. Preparation of exemplars
97. Specimen of writing was executed in the regular course of once activities.
a. Requested
b. Collected
c. Executed at one time
d. Day to day standard
98. As a rule, it is easier to determine whether or not a signature is forgery, but it is very
difficult on the other hand to establish who committed the forgery because:
a. The forger might be left handed
b. Imitation is one of the most effective means to disguise
ones handwriting
c. It might be traced forgery
d. There could be no sufficient standard available
99. Is the type of writing movement that gives a great freedom of movement and
considered as the most skillful type of movement.
a. Finger movement
b. Hand movement
c. Forearm movement

d. Whole arm movement

100. When document examiners as well as police are dealing with documents, the most
common problem they encountered are those concerning:
a. Origin
b. Counterfeit
c. Authorship
d. Content (alteration)
101. The art of determining character disposition of a person from the study of writing.
a. Graphoanalysis
b. Graphometry
c. Graphology
d. None of these
102. This group includes all papers on which it is alleged that some changes have been
made fraudulently by erasure, addition, or substituting, or substitution, etc.
a. Handwriting specimen
b. Countersigned
c. Document on which the signature is questioned
d. Document containing alleged fraudulent alteration
103. Represents the reach of the hand with the wrist at rest.
a. Pen position
b. Pen emphasis
c. Pen pressure
d. Pen scope
104. Are meant to those grace lines, superfluous strokes and are useful only for
ornamentation are not essential to the legibility of the signatures and usually occurs
among writers who attempt to express some phase of their personalities.
a. Diacritical marks
b. Embellishments
c. Idiosyncrasies
d. Flourishing strokes
105. The extra deposit of ink in the initial and terminal strokes due to the slow withdrawal
of the pen from the paper.
a. Hump
b. Hook
c. Knob
d. Foot
106. Is one of the most expensive instruments used for examination of documents that
would show three dimensional enlargements?
a. Polarizing light
b. Infra-red gadget
c. Stereoscopic microscope
d. Ultra-violet light
107. The main portion of the letter minus the initial end stroke.
a. Body
b. Beaded
c. Blunt
d. Beard
108. Fraudulent tampering with a document often involves two kinds of erasures,
namely;
a. Mechanical and chemical erasures
b. Electronic and chemical erasures
c. Electronic and Mechanical erasures
d. All of the foregoing

109. It is a minute curve on an ankle which often occurs at the end of the terminal
strokes.
a. Hump
b. Hook
c. Hiatus
d. Foot
110. The process of making out what is eligible or what has been effaced.
a. Decipherment
b. Cipherment
c. Decipher
d. Cipher
111. The average force with which the pen contacts the paper maybe estimated from the
examination of the writing.
a. Pen scope
b. Pen emphasis
c. Pen position
d. Pen pressure
112. Is the combination of the basic designs of letter and the writing movements involved
in the writing?
a. Copy book form
b. System of writing
c. Writing movement
d. Line quality
113. The angle or inclination of the axis of the letters relative to the baseline
a. Slope
b. Slant
c. Strokes
d. Both a and b
114. A kind of erasure through the use of a rubber eraser, sharp knife, razor blade or
picking instrument.
a. Chemical erasure
b. Electronic erasure
c. Mechanical erasure
d. All of the foregoing
115. The elements of writing movement which is marked by regular or periodic
recurrences.
a. Retracing
b. Rhythm
c. Retouching
d. Alignment
116. Is one which contains some change either as an addition or deletion?
a. Traced
b. Forged
c. Genuine
d. Altered document
117. The act of intermittently forcing the pen against the paper surface with increase
pressure.
a. Pen pressure
b. Pen scope
c. Pen Emphasis
d. Pen position

118. What is that type of signature which has been made in a particular date, time,
place, and at a particular purpose of recording it?
a. Model signature
b. Standard signature
c. Evidential signature
d. Guided signature
119. The critical composition on side by side examination.
a. Composition
b. Collation
c. Examination
d. Collection
120. A kind of erasure by using ink eradicator or blending agent.
a. Chemical erasure
b. Electronic erasure
c. Mechanical erasure
d. None of the foregoing
121. Any repeated elements of details of writing, which may serve to individualize it.
a. Hesitation
b. Hiatus
c. Habits
d. Hook
122. Is outer portion of a curve bend or crook?
a. Humps
b. Staff/stem/shank
c. Whirl
d. Central part
123. Going back over a defective portion of a written stroke
a. Pen Scope
b. Retrace
c. Retracing
d. Patching
124. Is a light examination in which a source of illumination strikes the surface of the
paper from the back or at the bottom, usually designed in identification of water
markings?
a. Direct light
b. Oblique light
c. Side light
d. Transmitted light
125. An interruption in a stroke caused by removing the writing instrument from the
paper
a. Pen jump
b. Pen lift
c. Pen scope
d. Pen position
126. An eligible form of a writing which is characterized by partially visible depression
appearing underneath the original writing.
a. Invisible writing
b. Obliterated writing
c. Indented writing
d. Contact writing
127. The relations of parts of the whole of writing or line of individual letters in words to
the baseline
a. Alignment

b. Tick
c. Baseline
d. Characteristics
128. Is the visible record of the written strokes resulting from a combination of various
factors associated to the motion of the pen? Is the overall quality of the strokes?
a. Movement
b. Writing habits
c. Line habits
d. Significant writing habits
129. The study of handwriting based on the two fundamental strokes, the curve and the
straight.
a. Graphology
b. Graphoanalysis
c. Graphometry
d. None of the these
130. What is that substance which is capable of bleaching an ink?
a. Sympathetic ink
a. Ink eradicator
c. Superimposing ink
d. Invisible ink
131. One in which the facts appearing therein are not true, and are contested either in
whole or in part with respect to its authenticity.
a. Questioned Documents
b. Holographic Writing
c. Document
d. Notarial Will
132. Is the type of light examination best used in deciphering an obliterated writing and
charred document?
a. Ultra-violet light
b. Transmitted light
c. Infra-red light
d. X-ray
133. Any material containing marks, symbols or signs either visible partially visible that
may present a meaning to someone.
a. Questioned Documents
b. Holographic
c. Document
d. Notarial
134. Is the type of writing movement that gives a great freedom of movement. Also
considered as the most skillful type of movement.
a. Finger movement
b. Forearm movement
c. Hand movement
d. Whole arm movement
135. Any instrument notarized by a notary public or competent official with solemnities
required by law.
a. Public
b. Private
c. Official
d. Commercial
136. Is a type of abnormality/defects in typewriter that can easily be corrected by simply
cleaning the machine or replacing the ribbon?
a. Temporary defects

b. Clogged typeface
c. Permanent defects
d. Actual breakage
137. Are condensed and compact set of authentic specimen which adequate and proper.
a. Document
b. Holographic
c. Notarial
d. Standard Document
138. A coin is said to be, when it is made of metal, whether inferior or superior intrinsic
value so that of the genuine coin, and is given the appearance of one legal tender.
a. False or counterfeit coin
b. Mutilation of coin
c. Forged
d. Falsified
139. Any writing executed normally without any attempt to control or alter it identifying
habits.
a. Writing
b. Disguised writing
c. Handwriting
d. Natural writing
140. It is the act of diminishing, by ingenious means, the metal in the coin.
a. False or counterfeit coin
b. Mutilation of coin
c. Forgery
d. Falsification
141. The path traced by the pen on the paper
a. Stroke
b. Prints
c. Slant
d. Beard
142. This is committed whenever the offender makes or imitates a treasury or bank
notes or certificates, of giving it the appearance of one that is genuine.
a. Falsification of document
b. Forgery
c. Intercalation
d. Rubric
143. The rudimentary initial upstroke of a letter.
a. Beaded
b. Blunt
c. Beard
d. Body
144. This crime is committed by counterfeiting or imitating any handwriting, signature or
rubric; causing it to appear that persons have participated in any act or proceeding when
they did not in fact so participate; etc.
a. Falsification of document
b. Forgery
c. Intercalation
d. Copying
145. It is the visible effect of bodily movement which is an almost subconscious
expression of fixed mental expression of certain ideas associated with script.
a. Writing
b. Typewriting
c. Alignment

d. Handwriting