Document Examination & Forensic Analysis Flashcards

Which technique is most commonly used to reveal indented writing (ESDA) on questioned documents?

Answer: Electrostatic Detection Apparatus

The Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) detects indented writing by exploiting electrostatic charge differences on the document surface.

When comparing typewritten documents, the examiner should primarily look for:

Answer: Alignment irregularities and typeface wear patterns

Alignment irregularities and typeface wear are individuating characteristics that help link a document to a specific typewriter.

A document examiner discovers that ink on a contract dries from the bottom layer upward. This most likely indicates:

Answer: Ink was added after the original printing

When ink dries from the bottom upward, it suggests it was applied over existing content, indicating a later addition or alteration.

In forensic document examination, what does 'page substitution' refer to?

Answer: Swapping an original page with a fraudulent replacement in a multi-page document

Page substitution is a fraud technique where a genuine page in a multi-page document is replaced with a fabricated one.

Which of the following best describes 'obliteration' in document examination?

Answer: Removing text by erasing, overwriting, or covering it to conceal original content

Obliteration is the deliberate concealment of original writing through physical or chemical means.

When examining a suspected forged signature, which feature is LEAST useful for comparison?

Answer: The color of the ink used

Ink color can be changed easily and is not a reliable individualizing characteristic for signature comparison.

A questioned document shows crossing strokes where newer ink sits on top of older ink in the intersection. What conclusion can be drawn?

Answer: The stroke with ink on top was written after the one beneath it

In ink intersection analysis, the stroke whose ink rests on top of the other was written second.