CONCEPT OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

CLARITO G. LOPEZ JR MPA/PA;LLB

ABRA VALLEY COLEGES BANGUED, ABRA PHIL.

WHAT IS QUESTIONED DOCUMENT?

Any object that contains handwritten or typewritten/printed markings whose source or authenticity is in doubt.

One in which a document in its entirety, or in part, is subject to question as to authenticity and/or origin.

Questioned documents are DOCUMENTS raised concerning their:

origin; authenticity; age;

author; circumstances under which the document may have been executed.

Questioned documents may also include writings or markings found on walls, windows, doors, etc.

WHAT IS QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION?

Questioned document examination is a branch of forensics which focuses on the analysis of documents which are disputed.

This field allows us to:

analyze handwriting, forgeries,

typescript documents, and; counterfeits, which makes it essential to forensic science.

WHAT IS THE FIRST GOAL QD EXAMINER IN THE EXAMINATION OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENT?

When a questioned document examination is ordered, the first goal is to determine whether or not the document is genuine.

WHAT ARE DUTIES, WORKS AND OBLIAGATIONS OF A QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINER?

A questioned document examiner will look at the document in question..

..and use a variety of techniques to analyze it, and he or she may even be called as a witness in a case.

The document examiner must ascertain the authenticity or source of a document.

..to recognize erasures and overwriting in attempt to change the original meaning of a document

to reconstruct charred or burned paper.

Forensic document examiners make use of an array of techniques;

..using the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) .

..The VSC is used to examine documents for alterations, forgeries and counterfeit items.

What are the qualifications to become a questioned document examiner?

To be an examiner, a person must have an extensive study and practice ..

..that is, a period of training and a period of experience .

While credentials of the examiner play a vital factor in the evidentiary weight of his testimony, ..

..the same cannot be the sole factor in determining its value

(Tamani vs. Bravo GR 171497).

The evidentiary value depends upon the assistance he may afford in pointing out..

distinguishing marks which would escape notice from an unpracticed observer

(Tamani vs. Bravo GR 171497).

What are the different classes of questioned document?

Documents questioned on the ground of authenticity of signature

Documents questioned on the basis of alleged alterations.

Challenged photocopies and carbon copies of document.

Documents challenged on the basis of date of execution/Age.

Challenged typewritten documents

Indented Impressions

Deciphering water soaked, charred, or burned documents