DIWAN, REAGAN MALINIAS, JASSEN BDB FORSEM-7

LUNAG, LOPEZ MANG-USAN, VERGEL GROUP#4

LINGALING, DARYL TAO-AT, JAYNARD
MALIN, LIAM AKAVI

4.1. LEGAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF DOCUMENTS/ KINDS OF DOCUMENTS

a. PUBLIC DOCUMENTS are those documents that are notarized by a notary public or
competent public official with solemnities required by law (Cacnio vs. Baens, 5 Phil. 742).

b. OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS -are 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 (US vs. Asensi,
supra).

c. PRIVATE DOCUMENTS are deeds or instruments executed by a private person without the
intervention of a notary public or other persons legally authorized, and which proves same
disposition or agreement as evidenced or set forth therein. (US vs. Orera, 11 Phil 596).

d. COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTS are documents that are regulated by the Code of Commerce
and mercantile law. These documents are those that (People vs. Co Beng, CA., 40 O G. 1913)
or any other commercial law.

Types of questioned documents,

1. Documents with Questioned Signatures

- These are the most common type of questioned documents. ]

- Examples include deeds, wills, contracts, checks, and receipts.

- Signatures are often forged by stimulating, copying, or tracing the original.

- Ink analysis is crucial in these cases.

2. Documents with Alleged Fraudulent Alterations:

- These documents have been tampered with, potentially changing their meaning or
legal standing.

- Alterations can include additions, erasures (mechanical or chemical), substitutions,

and interlineations. ]

- The sequence of strokes is examined to uncover the alterations.

3. Questioned Holograph Documents:

- These are handwritten documents, often of historical or financial significance.

- Examples include letters from famous individuals, letters of credit, certificates, and
valuable manuscripts.

- Scrutiny includes examining the paper, watermarks, folds, seal impressions, writing,
and ink.

4. Questioned or Disputed Age of Dates in Documents:

- These documents are often claimed to be ancient or of historical importance.

- The origin of the paper, writing instruments, and dating methods are crucial for
examination.

5. Question of Materials from Where Documents are Produced:

- This category includes documents where the age of the paper or the materials used to
create the document are in question.

- This is often relevant when determining the authenticity of older documents.

6. Questioned Documents Involving Typewriting:

- These documents may have disputed dates, sources, or alterations related to the
typewriting process.

- The type of typewriter, ribbon, and spacing are examined to determine the origin and
authenticity.

7. Documents with Questioned Handwriting:

- This category includes various documents where the handwriting is in question. [1]

- Examples include registrations, subscriptions, anonymous notes, suicide notes, and

disputed letters.

8. Genuine Documents Fraudulently or Erroneously Attacked:

- These are documents that are mistakenly or intentionally questioned, despite being
authentic.
- This can occur when a writer uses multiple signature patterns or when certain
characters in the writing are incorrectly perceived as questionable.

Examples of Questioned Documents:

1. Wills: Determining the authenticity of signatures and handwriting to ensure the

rightful inheritance of assets.
2. Real Estate Documents: Investigating potential forgeries or alterations in
property deeds, contracts, and agreements.
3. Loan Documents: Examining signatures and terms to uncover fraud or
misrepresentation in financial transactions.
4. Company Agreements: Determining the validity of contracts, agreements, and
other business documents to resolve disputes or uncover fraudulent activities.
5. Military Records: Verifying the authenticity of service records, discharge papers,
and other military documents to address legal issues or potential fraud.
6. Family Custody Documents: Examining custody agreements, visitation
schedules, and other legal documents to ensure the safety and well-being of
children.
7. Suicide Notes: Investigating the authenticity of a note to determine if it was
written by the deceased or forged to mislead investigators.
8. Ransom Notes: Analyzing handwriting to identify the perpetrator or determine if
a ransom demand is genuine.
9. Counterfeit Currency: Identifying fake bills to combat financial fraud and protect
the integrity of the monetary system.
10. Forged Checks: Determining if checks have been altered or forged to defraud
banks or individuals.

EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS USED IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

1. Stereoscopic Microscope

- The most important and the commonly used equipment in forensic document examination.
This type of microscope provides a magnified three-dimensional image that assists the viewer in
the study of the pressure pattern, crossed lines, erasures, indentions, writing over folds and
similar problems.

2, Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)

- ESDA is used to visualize indentations by applying an electrostatic charge to a transparent
film. The film is laid across the page in question and once the charge has been applied, black
toner is passed across the film and reveals any indentations. This method can also determine if
something has been added to a journal or log after the original was made.

3. Ultra Violet Lamp

- this is usually used in the detection of counterfeit bills but can actually be used to detect
security features of qualified documents. It also reveals mechanical and chemical erasures.

4. Video Spectral Comparator

- Video Spectral Comparator is used to analyze inks and see whether they are the same or
different. This is done by looking at them under different lighting conditions where some
wavelengths of light are blocked. This technique can uncover layers in the document where
words have been scribbled out or written over.

4.2 Analyze the process of forgery detection

Forgery detection

Ø encompasses a multifaceted process that involves meticulous

examination, authentication, and verification techniques to uncover
Process of forgery detection

fraudulent documents, artworks, and other objects. The methods employed

vary depending on the type of forgery, but all aim to identify
inconsistencies, anomalies, and telltale signs that point to a counterfeit.

1. Examination:

Ø The initial step in forgery detection involves a thorough examination of the

suspected object. This involves a meticulous visual inspection to identify
any inconsistencies, discrepancies, or anomalies that may indicate a
forgery.
 Ø detection is a thorough visual inspection. This involves carefully examining
the document with the naked eye, looking for any irregularities or
discrepancies that might suggest tampering.

a. Handwriting Analysis:

Ø Experts meticulously scrutinize signatures and handwriting, looking for

inconsistencies in pen pressure, stroke direction, letter formation, and
overall writing style. These variations can reveal if a signature was forged
or if the handwriting is inconsistent with the person's known writing style.

b. Ink Examination:

Ø The color, texture, and chemical composition of the ink used in a document
can provide valuable clues. Experts may use techniques like ink
chromatography to analyze the ink and compare it to known samples,
determining if the ink is consistent with the document's purported age and
origin.

c. Paper Analysis:

Ø Forgers may use paper that is not consistent with the document's purported
age or origin. Examining the paper's texture, watermarks, and chemical
composition can reveal inconsistencies.

d. Printing Inconsistencies

Ø Examining the quality of printing, alignment, and spacing can reveal if a

document was printed on a modern printer or if it was created using older
printing methods.

2. scientific Analysis:

a. Microscopy: Use a microscope to examine the document for minute

details, such as fiber types in the paper, ink smudges, or alterations not
visible to the naked eye.
 b. Spectroscopy: Use light to analyze the chemical composition of
materials, such as pigments or inks, to determine their origin and age.

c. Infrared Analysis: Use infrared light to penetrate ink layers and reveal
underdrawings or hidden signatures. It can also identify pigments not
visible to the naked eye.

d. Carbon Dating: Determine the age of organic materials, like paper, by

measuring the decay of carbon-14. This can verify the age of a document
if its authenticity is in question.

3. Expert Evaluation:

a. Comparison with Known Samples: Compare the suspected

document with known authentic samples from the same period or by
the same individual. Look for inconsistencies in style, technique, or
materials.

b. Historical Context: Consider the historical context of the document.

Experts are familiar with the evolution of writing styles, printing
techniques, and paper types throughout history, which helps them
identify potential forgeries.

c. Knowledge of Forgery Techniques: Experts are aware of common

forgery methods, allowing them to look for telltale signs of tampering,
such as alterations, erasures, or additions.

4. Verification:

a. Witness Testimony: In some cases, signatures or documents

require witnesses to prevent forgery. Witnesses can provide
testimony to confirm the authenticity of a signature or document.

Example; A cashier at the store where the check was used testifies
that they saw the person present the check and receive goods in
 exchange. They might describe the person's appearance, any
unusual behavior, or details about the transaction.

b. Company Verification: When dealing with suspected forged

emails or documents, verify the information by contacting the
company or organization mentioned in the document.

A questioned document is any document that is the subject of an investigation or

examination to determine its authenticity, authorship, or other relevant characteristics.
This can include handwriting, signatures, typewritten text, printed documents, and even
digital files.

Questioned document examination is a specialized field of forensic science that

involves the analysis of various physical and chemical properties of documents to
determine their authenticity and origin. This can include examining the paper, ink,
printing or writing methods, and other physical characteristics of the document to
determine if it has been altered, forged, or otherwise tampered with.

Questioned document examination can be used in a variety of legal and investigative

contexts, including criminal investigations, civil litigation, and historical research. In
criminal cases, questioned document examination can be used to determine if a
document is a forgery, if a signature is genuine, or if a document has been altered in
some way. In civil cases, questioned document examination can be used to determine
the authenticity of contracts, wills, and other documents

Questioned documents are any documents whose authenticity, origin, or content is

disputed or under scrutiny. They can range from handwritten notes to complex legal
documents, and are often examined in criminal investigations and civil litigation

Process of Handwriting

In forensic science, handwriting analysis involves examining and comparing handwriting

to determine its origin or to identify individuals. Here’s a general overview of the
process:

1.Collection of Handwriting Samples

2. Document Examination

3. **Analysis of Handwriting Characteristics**: Key features of handwriting are

examined, including:

-Form

-Spacing

-Slant

-Size and Proportion

-Pressure

-Stroke Patterns

4.Comparison

5.Expert Opinion

6.Reporting

Analyze the process of signature identification

Signature identification

Is a process of verifying the authenticity of a signature on a document.

Types of signatures

Formal / conventional /copybook form

Done by writing the full name which is readable. Others may use this kind to
acknowledge important documents regardless of a design or kind.

Informal / Cursory

May be done by writing the first name, surname or the initials in a signature. This is a
signature that may be used for documents that are less important in the operation of the
firm.
Careless scribble

Signatures which cannot be read. It could be a symbol composed with lines or writing
that represents the person's name or personality.

Stamped signature

Refers to the signature that was skillfully prepared as an imitation to the original
signature, usually impressed on rubber stamps or similar items.

Thumb print

May be used as substitute to signature for illiterate persons or to those literate but are incapable
of writing their signature

Scanned signature

Is an electronically prepared signature that may also be used as e-signature.

Steps in the examination of signature

Step 1.

Place the questioned and the standard signature in the juxta-position or slide 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

The second element to examine is the quality of the line, presence of tremors, smooth, fluent or
hesitation. Defect in line quality is only only appreciated when simultaneous viewing is made.

Step 4

Examine the beginning and ending lines, they are very significant, and determine whether the
appearance is blunt, club-shaped, tapered or vanishing.

Step 5

Examine and compare the design and structural spacing.

Step 6
Do not rely so much on the similarity or difference of the capital letters , for these are often
changed according to the will of the writer.

Step 7

Mark with black arrow points of similarities and mark with red arrows points of dissimilarities.

4.3. Explain the procedures in counterfeit identification.

1. Visual inspection

-General Appearance: Look for inconsistencies in color, logos, fonts, and overall design.
Counterfeits often have minor deviations in these aspects.

-Quality of Materials: Examine the material used. Authentic items usually have higher-quality
materials and craftsmanship.

-Label Details: Check for spelling errors, incorrect logo placement, or poor print quality on
labels.

2. Comparison with authentic items

-Side-by-Side Comparison: If possible, compare the suspected counterfeit directly with a
genuine item. Pay attention to details like stitching, logo placement, and color shades.

-Use of Reference Materials: Consult official photographs, product descriptions, or technical

sheets provided by the manufacturer.

3. Check Serial Numbers and Other Identifiers

-Serial Number Verification: Contact the manufacturer or use official databases to verify if the
serial number or other unique identifiers match their records.

-Authentication Codes: For items with special authentication codes (e.g., QR codes or
barcodes), use verification tools or apps provided by the brand.

4. Technological Inspection

-Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Some genuine products have UV features like invisible security threads
or marks that are not visible under normal light.

-Infrared (IR) Scanning: Used to detect special inks or coatings not visible to the naked eye.

-Magnification: Employ magnifying tools to inspect fine details and check for discrepancies in
printing or design.

5. Verification of Packaging

-Security Features: Check for security features such as holograms, seals, or special printing
techniques that are difficult to replicate.

-Packaging Quality: Genuine packaging is typically high-quality with precise printing and robust
materials. Compare it with known authentic packaging.