exemplar
a standard document of known origin and authorship used in handwriting analysis
questioned document
any signature, handwriting, typewriting, or other written mark whose source or authenticity is in dispute or uncertain
characteristics of handwriting
the way a person writes; determine matches
What year was handwriting analysis qualified as form of expert testimony?
1999
What factors affect a person's handwriting?
Mood, age, illness, hurriedness, and different types of writing instruments affect handwriting
5 characertistics of handwriting analysis
a.Line quality-do the letters flow or are they erratic or shaky
b.Spacing-Are letters equally spaced or crowded
c.Size consistency-is the ratio of height to the width consistent
d.Continuous-is the writing continuous or does the writer lift the pen
e.Conn
3 steps of handwriting analysis
a.First, the questioned document and the standards (exemplars) are examined and detectable characteristics are recorded
b.Characteristics of questioned item are compared with known standard- thorough analysis
c.Experts determine which characteristics are
Explain what biometric signature pads and computerized analysis can determine
Biometric signature pads-identification authorization; recognizes signature based on speed, pressure, and rhythm of signing name; forgeries noticed by slight differences detected by pad
b.Computerized analysis-faster and more objective than analysis by in
Define & briefly explain fraudulence.
Fraudulence-when a financial gain accompanies a forgery
What are some ways checks can be altered?
a.Ordering someone else's checks from a deposit slip
b.Directly altering a check
c.Intercepting someone's check, altering it, and cashing it
d.Creating forged checks from scratch
How are counterfeit bills identified
- Counterfeit detecting pens containing iodine, causing paper to turn bluish-black
- special pens to determine type of paper
- uv lights to look for special marks
- interwoven threads/marks
What kind of evidence are tool marks?
Physical evidence
How can mass-produced tools be identified from one another?
minor differences
List & explain the 3 types of tool mark impressions that are analyzed.
a.Indentation marks
i.Distinctive marks left where used
ii.Hardness of tool influences resulting marks
iii.Indentation marks are made when tool is pressed against a softer surface
iv.Impression can indicate info such as size of tool used in a crime
b.Abra
List some of the cut marks found on bones, and describe the patterns they create
a.Stryker - few teeth marks
b.Band saw - few teeth marks; straight fine cut; seldom over-lapping marks
c.Hack saw - tiny tic-tac-toe board look with thousands of squares
d.Chain saw - roughened edge
e.Table saw - ridge grooves
Describe important factors for evidence documentation
a.tool marks on direct object
b. castings to preserve impressions
What information is presented before a jury during a trial?
a.written report on evidence
b. original evidence if possible
c. castings and magnified images of tool mark comparisions
Info determined from shoe impression or wear patterns? How?
a. Size - size of foot and approximate of person
b. Depth - weight
c. Type of shoe - job/personality
Steps in collecting shoe impression evidence
a. Photographic impressions before altered
b. Lift latent prints with luminal, electrostatic, or gel lifting
c. Cast plastic prints
tire treads examined for in analysis?
tread patterns, track widths, wheelbase measurement, turning diameter
3 types of tire marks and what they show
a. Skid - breaks hit suddenly and wheels lock; helps determine speed
b. Yaw - turning faster than vehicle can handle; squeak and smoke, sideways
c. Scrub - damaged or overloaded tire during/immediately after impact; curved, irregular
bite marks what kind of evidence? How are they unique?
a. Size of teeth/jaws
b. Position
c. Filings, caps, and crowns
d. Breakage and crowding
e. INDIVIDUAL EVIDENCE