Quiz 18: Document Examination

Questioned documents include: A)Contracts and passports. B)Petitions and lottery tickets. C)Letters and checks. D)All of the above

The possibility of recognizing known writing habits in samples produced when a writer is under the influence of drugs or alcohol is ________ the possibility of recognizing known writing habits produced when the writer of a sample is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A)Less than B)Greater than C)The same as

The ease with which a child's handwriting can be individualized is ________ the ease with which one can individualize an adult's handwriting. A)The same as B)Greater than C)Less than

The writing characteristics of a person may be altered by whether: A)The paper is ruled or unruled. B)Pencil, ballpoint, or fountain pen is used. C)The posture or stance of the author varies between writings. D)All of the above

The ease with which one can find individual variations in a typewritten document is ________ the ease of finding such defects in documents produced by business and personal computers. A)Less than B)Greater than C)The same as

In dealing with fax machines, photocopiers, and computer printers, which class characteristics might be examined? A)Type of paper B)Chemical composition of toner C)Type of toner-to-paper fusing method D)All of the above

Infrared luminescence is used to: A)Detect if two different inks were used in the writing of a document. B)Reveal writing that has been erased. C)Prepare ink for thin-layer chromatography. D)Both A and B

A databank of ink dye patterns has been established by the U.S. Treasury Department using: A)TTI. B)TLC. C)HPLC. D)NAA.

Document examiners frequently uncover the original writing of words that have been crossed out with the aid of: A)Color photography. B)Transmitted radiation. C)Infrared radiation. D)Side lighting.

When dictating to a person in order to obtain samples of handwriting, one should NOT: A)Use paper similar to that of the questioned document. B)Use a pen similar to that of the questioned document. C)Dictate the contents of the text at least three times. D)Allow the suspect to view the questioned document before dictating it.

Inks on handwritten documents may be compared for their chemical composition by the technique of: A)Thin-layer chromatography. B)Infrared spectrophotometry. C)Ultraviolet spectrophotometry. D)None of the above

Which of the following statements is FALSE? A)An inconclusive finding by a document examiner may be due to an insufficient number of known writings available for comparison. B)Any object that contains handwritten or typewritten markings whose source or authenticity is in doubt is a questioned document. C)Once adulthood is reached, an individual's handwriting generally will not change with age. D)In the case of Gilbert v. California the court held that the taking of handwriting exemplars was not prohibited by the Fifth Amendment.

Some inks, when exposed to blue-green light, absorb ________ radiation and emit light. A)Visible B)Polarized C)Ultraviolet D)Infrared

________ writings are partially visible impressions appearing on a sheet of paper underneath the one on which the visible writing was done. A)Obliterated B)Indented C)Questioned D)Charred

In the case of ________, the Supreme Court held handwriting to be nontestimonial evidence not protected by Fifth Amendment privileges. A)Gilbert v. California B)Carmichael v. Kumho Tire Co. C)United States v. Mara D)United States Secret Service v. Mara

Defects that are reproduced by a photocopier onto a copied document may originate from defects in all of the following photocopier parts EXCEPT: A)Glass plate B)Feed tray C)Inner cover D)Mechanical portions

Fax machines print a header known as the ________ at the top of each fax page, which may become a very important point of comparison. A)ELD B)HTTP C)TLC D)TTI

What is the process by which the image is stored in memory by scanning and converting by computer into an array of digital intensity values called picture elements? A)Luminescence B)Adobe Photoshopping C)Digitizing D)Pixelizing

When a suspect computer printer is not available, the examiner may need to analyze the document's ________ to identify the make and model of the machine. A)Handwriting B)Individual characteristics C)TTI D)Class characteristics

When comparing sample writing to a suspect document, the age difference between the documents should be no more than: A)Six to twelve months. B)Twelve to eighteen months. C)Two to three years. D)Five to seven years.

Which are important characteristics of a printer, photocopier, or fax machine? A)Printing technology B)Type of paper C)Type of toner or ink used D)All of the above

The TTI is a characteristic used to distinguish: A)Photocopiers. B)Fax machines. C)Computer printers. D)All of the above

Which is an example of an impact printer? A)Dot-matrix B)Ink-jet C)Laser D)All of the above

Overwriting or crossing out writing is known as: A)Erasure. B)Alteration. C)Obliteration. D)Indentation.

The property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light is known as: A)Infrared luminescence. B)Thin-layer chromatography. C)Microspectrophotometry. D)Digitizing.

Angularity, slope, and speed are examples of individual variations.

Margins, spacing, crowding, insertions, alignment, spelling, punctuation, phraseology, and grammar cannot impart individual variations.

An adequate number of exemplars is critical for determining the outcome of a comparison.

A TTI is a characteristic of a fax document.

A TTI cannot be used to distinguish between a real and a fraudulently prepared fax document.

The two general categories of printers are impact and nonimpact printers.

Nonimpact printers include thermal and dot-matrix printers.

Examination of toner typically involves microscopic analysis followed by identification of the inorganic and organic components.

Infrared luminescence can reveal writing that has been erased.

Indented writings are not readable under any typical examinations.

Two analytical techniques used to analyze writing inks are microspectrophotometry and thin-layer chromatography.

The most common features associated with a paper examination are general appearance, color, weight, and watermarks.

When comparing sample writing to a suspect document, the age difference between the documents should be no more than six to twelve months.

No two specimens of writing prepared by one person are ever identical in every detail.

A questioned document would not include any markings or writing on doors, walls, or other objects.

A(n)________ document is any object that contains handwritten or typewritten markings whose source or authenticity is in doubt.

________ are authentic samples of an individual's writing used for comparison to suspect handwriting samples.

Transitory defect marks originating from random debris on the glass platen are examples of points of comparison produced by a ________.

Investigators can use a TTI to determine the model of ________ machine that produced the document.

________ printers include thermal and dot-matrix printers.

________ printers include inkjet and laser printers.

________ luminescence can be used to detect alterations to a document made with ink differing from the original and can also reveal writing that has been erased.

Applying an electrostatic charge to the surface of a polymer film that has been placed in contact with a questioned document can be used to read ________ writing.

Two analytical techniques used to analyze writing inks are microspectrophotometry and ________ chromatography.

Deviations that are found between the repeated writings of an individual are known as _________ variations.

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Charred document

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Erasure

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Exemplar

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Indented writings

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Infrared luminescence

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Natural variations

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Obliteration

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Questioned document

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -TTI

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Any document that has become darkened and brittle through exposure to fire or excessive heat B)The removal of writing, typewriting, or printing from a document, normally accomplished by either chemical means or an abrasive instrument C)A property exhibited by some dyes that emit infrared light when exposed to blue-green light D)Blotting out or smearing over writing or printing to make the original unreadable E)A header that fax machines print F)The process by which an image is stored in memory G)Any document about which some issue has been raised or that is the subject of an investigation H)An authentic sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting I)Impressions left on paper positioned under a piece of paper that has been written on J)Normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual's handwriting -Digitizing

Describe two situations in which a document examiner may be prevented from coming to a positive conclusion about a questioned document.

What are natural variations? How can they be useful for detecting forgeries?

Name five important characteristics of a printer, photocopier, or fax machine that a document examiner must identify when analyzing a document in a situation where the suspect machine is not available.

List five objects that may be referred to as questioned documents if they were to be discovered at a crime scene. What makes a document a questioned document?

A warranted search of a victim's apartment yields three pages of exemplar handwriting samples written on ruled notebook paper with blue ballpoint pen. The investigators would like to compare the handwriting on these exemplars to a potential suicide note found with the dead victim written on unruled paper in pencil. Based on this information, which characteristics of the handwriting can be used to compare the exemplar documents and questioned document? Which characteristics cannot be used, and why?

A threatening letter is received by a company CEO via fax. What characteristics can be examined to gain information about the sending machine, the sending individual, and fraudulent source information?

A small piece of paper from a hotel notepad is found in the pocket of a potential "hit man" as he attempted to kill his "mark." The paper shows writing in various pen colors, some of which is obliterated and some of which was erased. The top corner of the paper also appears to possess intended writing. Discuss the methods investigators should employ to visualize the writing if possible.