Welcome to the Tarrant
County Medical
Examiners Seminar
December 2007
LINDA JAMES, B.C.D.E., Diplomate
Advanced Document & Handwriting
Examination Services, LLC
Linda James, B.C.D.E., Diplomate
Statement of Qualifications
EDUCATION & TRAINING
National Association of Document Examiners: Board Certified Document Examiner, Re-certified 01/01/06
National Questioned Document Association Forensic Document Examination Course, 264 Study Hours
Apprenticeship/Hands-on Internship: Microscopes/Photography/Court Exhibits/Fax Machines/Printers/Copiers Typewriter/Ink Pens/Paper/Document
Cases/Court/Procedures/Preparation/Testifying, over 200 Technical Hours
National Questioned Document Association: Certified Document Examiner, 315 Study Hours.
College Notre-Dame-de-Foy, Canada: Introduction to Document Examination Equipmen/45 Hrs/3 College Credits
American Institute of Applied Science: Police Photography, Questioned Documents
American Institute of Applied Science: Forensic Science, 230 Study Hours/6 College Credits/Burlington County
North Central Texas Council of Governments: Regional Police Academy Basic Instructor Course, 40 Hours
Total of 23 College Credits Earned and Applied Toward an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
INSTRUCTOR
State Licensed Instructor, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies/Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
First Instructor/National Questioned Document Association Document Examination Course, 1992 - 1997
GIVEN AUTHORIZATION TO USE COURSE MATERIALS FOR INSTRUCTION
American Institute of Applied Science/Questioned Document Section
PUBLICATIONS
2001: National Association of Document Examiner Journal/Examination of Faxed Documents
1999: National Association of Document Examiner Journal/Document Manipulation
1996: National Association of Document Examiner Journal/The Silent Witness
BOARD POSITIONS
2007: 1st Vice President of the National Association of Document Examiners
2001-07: Certification Committee of the National Association of Document Examiners
2000-05: Board of Director, By-Laws Chairman of the National Association of Document Examiners
2001-02: Secretary of the Association Certified Fraud Examiners, Dallas, Texas
1998-99: Associate Director of the Association Certified Fraud Examiners, Dallas, Texas
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, National Association of Document Examiners, Texas Division-Intl. Association for Identification, Forgery Investigator’s Association of Texas,
International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, International Association of Crime Analyst, American Society of
Testing and Materials (ASTM) for the Development of Forensic Science Standards. Forensic Sciences Section (E30) Voting Member, and Questioned Documents Section (E30.02)
Voting Member. Associate member of the Association of Forensic Document Examiners (AFDE).
Advanced Document & Handwriting
Examination Services, LLC
Linda James, B.C.D.E., Diplomate
Statement of Qualifications
OPINIONS GIVEN ON THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF CASES
Ink and Paper/Recovered Hidden Writing Death Threats/Famous signatures on paintings/books
Disputed Wills/Lease Agreements Self-inking Stamped Impressions
Forged Signatures/Contracts/Checks Typewriter - Alteration/Additions
Dating Documents, Photo Copies Medical Records & Documents/Indented writing
Stolen Credit Cards/Falsified Identity Cards Falsified Annuity Claims/Sequential Writing
International Case Involving Kidnapping Birth Certificates/Immigration Documents
Capital Murder Cases/Alleged Rape Cases Bank Signature Cards/Embezzlement/Diary Entries
Falsified Life Insurance Forms/Traced Signatures Falsified Land Title Company Forms/Divorce Papers
Stock Certificates/ Mail Fraud/Election Ballots Altered College Records/Tests/Holographic Wills
Threatening Notes/Anonymous Notes Laser Printing Removal/Toner Anchorage
Bankruptcy/IRS Documents/Warranty Deeds Bank Security Agreements/Miranda Rights
Adoption Papers/Disguised Writing Stolen U. S. Treasury Checks/Corporate Minutes
APPOINTMENTS
Dallas County Criminal District Court, United States District Court, Dallas Division, Bell County District
Court, Paris Texas County Criminal Court, Collin County Criminal Court, Practicum Supervisor/Prescott
College/Master of Arts Program.
PROFICIENCY TESTING
2005/3006/2007: Collaborative Testing Services, Inc. (Handwriting and Document Examination)
Advanced Document & Handwriting
Examination Services, LLC
Linda James, B.C.D.E., Diplomate
Statement of Qualifications
PRESENTATIONS
2007: Instruments Employed by Document Examiners – TCDLA 5th Annual Forensics Seminar, Dallas TX
2007: A Forensic Look At Medical Records AORN (Association of Peri Operative Registered Nurse), Plano, TX
2007: Principles in Forensic Document Examinations TALI’s Super Conference Irving, TX
2007: Identifying Graphic Patterns in Signatures-Poster Presentation Annual NADE Conference, Tucson , AZ
2006: What Can a Document Examiner Do? – TCDLA 4th Annual Forensics Seminar, Dallas TX
2006: Taking Proper Request Writing Samples TALI’s Southwest Super Conference San Antonio, TX
2006: The Field of Forensic Document Examination North Texas University Forensic Science Club Denton
2006: Forensic Document Examiner’s Lab and Cases - Forensic Science Class - Austin College, Sherman, TX
2005: Cross Examining the Document Examiner – TCDLA 3rd Annual Forensics Seminar, Dallas TX
2005: President Bush National Guard Documents and CBS, N.A.D.E., Quebec, Canada
2005: Business – Contract or Employment Workers for the Document Examiner, N.A.D.E., Quebec, Canada
2004: What is a Forensic Document Examiner? – Plano Kiwanis Club, Plano, Texas
2004: Science and Crime - Forensic Science Class - Austin College, Sherman, TX
2004: Forensic Document Examination in the 21st Century - TCDLA 2nd Annual Forensics Seminar, Plano, TX
2003: Forensic Document &Handwriting Examinations - Forensic Science Class - Austin College, Sherman, TX
2002: What is a Forensic Document Examiner? Rotary Club - Arlington Division
2001: Forensic Document Examination, AICPA National Conference, Dallas, Texas
2001: Unique Cases and Their Solutions, Insurance Fraud Education Conference, Orlando, Florida
2001: Unique Cases and Their Solutions, Annual N.A.D.E. Conference, Crawley, England
2000: Handwriting Analysis -Texas Association of College and University Auditors, Corpus Christi, TX
2000: Document and Handwriting Analysis - Association of Government Accountants, Dallas Chapter
2000: Scientific Document Examinations - Chapter of the ACFE, Ft. Worth
1999: Forensic Document & Handwriting Analysis - The Institute of Internal Auditors, Dallas Chapter
1999: Red Flags of Forgery - The Institute of Internal Auditors
1999: Questioned Documents & Forgery - North Central Texas Council of Governments, Arlington, Texas
1997: Forensic Document Techniques - Seminar Presentation to Investigators/Peers, Dallas, Texas
1997: Illustrating and Demonstrating Letters in Court - Annual Conference of N.Q.D.A., Dallas, Texas
1997: Signs of Forgery - Gateway Bank, Garland, Texas
1996: Scientific Document Examination: What It’s All About - ACFE, Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter
1996: The Visible Effects of Speed in Handwriting - Collin County Community College, Plano, Texas
1996: Employees in the Document Examiners Office - Dallas, Texas
1995: How I Did It - Three Cases - Collin County Community College, Plano, Texas
1995: Faxes and Fraud - Annual National Association of Document Examiners Conference, San Antonio, Texas
1995: A Fingerprint in Time - Annual Conference of N.Q.D.A., Dallas, Texas
1995: Questioned Documents - Collin County Community College, Plano, Texas
Advanced Document & Handwriting
Examination Services, LLC
Linda James, B.C.D.E., Diplomate
Statement of Qualifications
CONTINUING EDUCATION
2007: TCDLA 5th Annual Forensics Seminar, Dallas TX
2007: Association of Forensic Document Examiners Symposium, Tucson, AZ
2007: National Association of Document Examiners Conference, Tucson , AZ
2006: FIAT/IAFCI 2nd Annual Conference, Galveston, Texas
2006: 69th Annual Conference of the Texas Division of the International Association for Identification
2006: National Association of Document Examiners Conference, at Sea
2005: National Association of Document Examiners Conference, Quebec, Canada
2004: FIAT Annual Conference TCLEOSE/Austin Police Department, Austin, Texas
2004: National Association of Document Examiners Conference, Anaheim, California
2004: American Academy of Forensic Sciences Dallas, Texas
2003: National Questioned Document Association, New Orleans, Louisiana
2003: Cyber Crime and Terrorism, MetroPlex 2003, Dallas, Texas
2001: AICPA National Conference on Fraud & Litigation Services, Dallas, Texas
2001: 64th TIAI Annual Education Conference, Digital Photography, Bob May (FBI), Arlington, Texas
2001: National Association of Document Examiners Conference, Crawley, England
2001: National Questioned Document Association Educational Conference, Dallas, Texas
2000: National Association of Document Examiners Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico
2000: National Questioned Document Association Educational Conference, Dallas, Texas
1998: Deloitte & Touche, Cybercrime & Computer Forensics/FBI Special Agents, U.S. Attorney, CFE
1998: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Proving Fraud/ Master Peace Officer James D. Ratley
1998: Criminal Justice Training Manager, Don Rabon, ACFE Fraud Examiner’s Seminar, Dallas, TX
1998: Secret Service Trained Handwriting Examiner, Chief Deputy, Denton County, TX
1997: The Forgery Investigator’s Association of Texas, Georgetown, Texas
1997: National Questioned Document Association, Dallas, Texas
1996: National Association of Document Examiners, Baltimore, Maryland
1996: FBI Examiner, Larry Ziegler Professional Development Seminar/Court Testimony/, Maryland
1996: Statement Analysis, Interviewing, & Interrogation Seminar, Dallas, Texas
1996: ACJS Professional Development Seminar/Technocrimes/August Bequia, Las Vegas, Nevada
1996: Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Las Vegas, Nevada
1996: American Academy of Forensic Sciences (48th Annual Meeting), Nashville, Tennessee
1995: National Association of Document Examiners, San Antonio, Texas
1995: National Questioned Document Association, Dallas, Texas
1995: Content Analysis Seminar, Dallas, Texas
1994: American Board of Forensic Examiners, Branson, Missouri
1994: National Questioned Document Association, Kansas City, Missouri
1992: National Questioned Document Association, Dallas, Texas
1991: National Questioned Document Association, Santa Fe, New Mexico
1990: National Questioned Document Association, Dallas, Texas
Advanced Document & Handwriting
Examination Services, LLC
Linda James, B.C.D.E., Diplomate
Statement of Qualifications
COURT EXPERIENCE: 1994 through 2007
Qualified under the Daubert/duPont guideline/Opinions Judicially accepted and admitted
2007: Texas Workforce Commission2002: Allen County in Fort Wayne, Indiana
2007: 160th Dallas County District Court, Texas2002: Dallas County Probate Court No. 3, Texas
2007: 121st Judicial District Court, Brownfield, Texas2002: 68th District Court, Dallas County, Texas
2007: 7th Smith County District Court, Texas, D.A.2002: Dallas County Probate Court Number 2, Texas
2007: U.S.Bankruptcy Court, Beaumont Division, TX2001: 68th District Court, Dallas County, Texas
2007: 114th Smith County District Court, Texas, D.A. 2001: 27th St. Landry Parish, Louisiana (DA)
2007: 160th Dallas County District Court, Texas2001: Dallas County Probate Court No. 2, Texas
2007: 116th Dallas County District Court, Texas2001: U.S.Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District, Texas
2007: 297th Tarrant County Judicial District Court, TX2001: Dallas County Probate Court No. 2, Texas
2006: U.S. Navy General Court-Martial, Pensacola, FL2001: PUC Hearing Austin, Texas
2006: 18th Judicial District Court, Johnson County, TX 2001: 193rd Dallas County District Court, Texas
2006 Dallas County Probate Court Number 2, Texas 2001: Hopkins County Court, Texas
2006:297th Tarrant County Judicial District Court, TX2001: 116th Dallas County District Court, Texas
2006: 8th Judicial District Court/Colfax - Raton, NM2001: 19th East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
2005: 422nd District of Kaufman County, TX2000: State Bar of Texas
2005: 366th Judicial District Court, Collin County, TX2000: Singapore Subordinate Criminal Court
2005: Workers’ Compensation CCH, Mt. Pleasant, TX2000: 67th Tarrant County District Court, Texas
2005: 86th Judicial District Court, Kaufman County,TX2000: Denton County District Court, Texas
2005: 297th Tarrant County Judicial District Court, TX2000: Brazos County District Court, Texas
2005: 116th Dallas County District Court, Texas1999: Walworth County, Wisconsin
2004: Dallas County Probate Court Number 2, Texas1999: Tarrant County JP Court, Texas
2004: NASD Arbitration, Dallas, Texas1999: Dallas County District Court, Texas
2004: U.S. District Court, District of Alaska1998: Dallas County District Court, Texas
2004: U.S. District Court, Northern District, Texas1997: Tarrant County Court Number 2, Texas
2004: 44th District Court, Dallas County, Texas1997: Dallas County Probate Court No. 2, Texas
2004: U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Texas1997: 236th Tarrant County District Court, Texas
2004: Albuquerque, N.M. 2nd Judicial District Court1997: Denton County Probate Court, Texas
2004: Dallas 134th District Court, Texas1997: McLennan County Court, Texas
2004: Texas Workforce Commission1996: NASD Arbitration Hearing, Dallas, Texas
2003: 59thJudicial District of Grayson County, Texas 1995: Dallas County Probate Court, Texas
2003: Tarrant County Probate Court #2, Texas1995: Hunt County District Court, Texas
2003: State Bar of Texas Disciplinary Counsel
2003: Dallas County Probate Court Number 2, Texas
2003: Morris County 76-276 District, Texas
2003: Dallas County Probate Court Number 2, Texas
1994: Bell County District Court, Texas2003: Dallas 195th Judicial District Court, Texas
1994: U.S.Bankruptcy Court, Dallas Division, Texas
1994: Dallas County District Court, Texas
1994: U. S. District Court, Dallas Division, Texas
Advanced Document & Handwriting
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OBJECTIVES
1. Handwriting Examination vs. Right to Privacy
2. Legal Status of Handwriting Evaluation
3. Handwriting is Brain Writing
4. The types of Non-Destructive Testing of Documents
5. Empirically testing the hypothesis
6. Four things that contribute to a reliable conclusion
7. Specialized training
Advanced Document & Handwriting
Examination Services, LLC
1. Handwriting Examination vs. Right to Privacy
The legality of handwriting analysis has been established in court
decisions within the past ten years, relating to the national labor
relations act, the equal employment opportunity commission and
the Privacy Act of 1974.
“Handwriting is behavior in public and therefore (handwriting analysis) is not
an intrusion into privacy.” This was ruled in the cases of U.S. vs. Rosinsky,
547 F2ND 249 (CA 4TH 1977) and U.S. vs. Hazelwood School District, 534
F2ND 805 (CA 8TH MO 1976
The university of California researched precedents where
handwriting analysis has been used in courts throughout the
nation as far back as 1881. some of this research can be found in
American Law Reports Annotated (103 A.L.R. Pages 900-901)
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2. Legal Status of Handwriting Evaluation
Handwriting examination has overcome challenges under 2 U.S. Constitutional
Amendments (4th and 5th Amendments)
4th Amendment Rulings:
U.S. vs. DOE (Handwriting is considered under property relationships re public
view
U.S. vs. Katz (Handwriting has no protection for what a person knowingly
exposes to the public)
U.S. vs. Mara -1973 (Handwriting is considered under property relationships re
public view)
U.S. vs. Sydney W. Rosinsky -1977 (Handwriting considered under property
relationships re public view)
5th Amendment Rulings:
California vs. Gilbert -1967 (Production of handwriting exemplars)
U.S. vs. Dianisio -1973 (Production of handwriting exemplars)
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3. Handwriting is Brain Writing
“The preconscious nature of writing. A term formulated
by Wilhelm Preyer, a professor of physiology at Jena,
Germany, in 1895 after experiments that led him to the
conclusion that handwriting is a centrally organized
function. He demonstrated that similar writing patterns
occurred when writing was executed by holding the
writing instrument in the right hand, the left hand, the
mouth, and the toes.”
Fundamentals of Document Examination, Edna W. Robertson
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4. The types of Non-Destructive Testing of Documents
Combination of low magnification, examination
through colored filters to enhance contrast
High contrast photography
Infra-red and infra-red luminescence
examination using a video spectral comparator
device to enhance the image
An examination of the indentations caused by
the writing instrument using low angle, or
oblique light techniques, or ESDA
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4. The types of Non-Destructive Testing of Documents cont.
The employment of appropriate instruments in order to make a
proper application so that the physical observations are accurate
and objective. I have all the equipment necessary for the
examination of documents. This consists primarily of various
measuring devices and typewriter grids for measuring
handwriting and typewriting and magnifiers of varying powers;
4-power, 8-power, and 10-power magnification is used most
often. If stronger magnification is necessary, a stereoscopic
microscope that can go up to 40-power can be used. In addition,
I have a light box (similar to what a doctor uses to view x-rays), a
35mm camera for taking photographs of original documents that
cannot be removed from certain facilities, and the ESDA
machine.
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5. Empirically testing the hypothesis
Webster defines scientific method as the following:
“Principles and procedures for the systematic
pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition
and formulation of a problem, the collection of
data through observation and experiment, and
the formulation and testing of hypotheses.”
Webster’s New Encyclopedia Dictionary (New York: B.D. & L. 1994)
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5. Empirically testing the hypothesis cont.
1. Pose a question
2. Collect evidence
3. Hypothesize
4. Deduce its implications
5. Test them experimentally
6. Accept, reject, or modify the hypothesis
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5. Empirically testing the hypothesis cont.
It has been written that what distinguishes scientific knowledge from other
knowledge is:
1. the method by which it is created or collected;
2. a systematic extension of common sense; and
3. sound skepticism, that when combined, is referred to as scientific method.
District judge D. I. McKenna, in his recent decision in U.S. vs. Roberta and
Eileen Starzecpyzel, 880 Fed. Sup. 1027, April 4, 1995, quotes the words of
Green in Expert Witness and Sufficiency of Evidence in Toxic Substances
Litigation, 86 N. WU. L. Rev. 643, 645 (1992), who states:
“Scientific methodology today is based on generating hypotheses and
testing them to see if they can be falsified; indeed, this methodology is
what distinguished science from other fields of human inquiry.”
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5. Empirically testing the hypothesis cont.
A. Sample case: 1st examination:
REQUEST:
The question posed was whether or not the original document dated in July of 1992 was produced in
1992.
The document was made available for examination.
Hypothesize: the alleged document was produced in 1992.
EXAMINATION CONDUCTED:
Copies were made on yellow paper of the subject document and the 1992 known documents in order
to take contemporary notes.
Examinations were made by employing the stereoscopic microscope, light box, transparencies,
ESDA, MiScope, and microphotography.
CONTEMPORARY NOTES:
The typewriting that was printed on the subject document was by a laser printer.
The typewriting that was printed on the contemporary 1992 known documents was by a laser printer.
Consistent stray dots were present on the document indicating a nick in the drum.
The same pattern of stray dots were not found on other known original July of 1992 documents to
the subject document.
CONCLUSION:
The document may not have been produced in 1992. Proceed to the next examination.
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5. Empirically testing the hypothesis cont.
A. Sample case: 2nd examination:
REQUEST:
The question posed was whether or not the original document dated in July of 1992 was produced in
1993.
The document was made available for examination.
Hypothesize: the alleged document was produced in 1993.
EXAMINATION CONDUCTED:
Copies were made on pastel green paper of the subject document and the 1993 known documents in
order to take contemporary notes.
Examinations were made by employing the stereoscopic microscope, light box, transparencies,
ESDA, MiScope, and microphotography.
CONTEMPORARY NOTES:
The typewriting that was printed on the subject document was by a laser printer.
The typewriting that was printed on the contemporary 1993 known documents was by a laser printer.
The consistent stray dots that were present on the 1992 document, indicating a nick in the drum,
were not found on the 1993 known original documents.
CONCLUSION:
The document may not have been produced in 1993. Proceed to the next examination.
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5. Empirically testing the hypothesis cont.
A. Sample case: 3rd examination:
REQUEST:
The question posed was whether or not the original document dated in July of 1992 was produced in
1994.
The document was made available for examination.
Hypothesize: the alleged document was produced in 1994.
EXAMINATION CONDUCTED:
Copies were made on pastel blue paper of the subject document and the 1994 known documents in
order to take contemporary notes.
Examinations were made by employing the stereoscopic microscope, light box, transparencies,
ESDA, MiScope, and microphotography.
CONTEMPORARY NOTES:
The typewriting that was printed on the subject document was by a laser printer.
The typewriting that was printed on the contemporary 1994 known documents was by a laser printer.
The consistent stray dots that were present on the 1992 document, indicating a nick in the drum,
were found on the 1994 known original documents.
CONCLUSION:
The document was produced in 1994.
Question answered.
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6. Four things that contribute to a reliable conclusion
The following four things contribute to a reliable
conclusion for an expert’s opinion in forensic
document examination:
1. Physical observations are accurately and
objectively demonstrated.
2. The explanation of scientific theories is
reasonable and based on proper theory and
objective sources.
3. Crisp and impeccable logic is applied.
4. Precise definitions of terminology are used.
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7. Specialized training
No college degree available at this time
Only a certification for this field
State approved curriculum
Continuing education
Misleading information about schools
Certifying Bodies
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Best Evidence
We are allowed to use “best evidence” when the original is not available.
Best Evidence:
Primary evidence, as distinguished from secondary; original, as distinguished from substitution;
the best and highest evidence of which the nature of the case is susceptible, not the highest or
strongest evidence which the nature of the thing to be proved admits of. The original of a written
instrument is itself always regarded as the primary or best possible evidence of its existence and
contents; a copy, or the recollection of a witness, would be secondary evidence. “Best evidence”
or “primary evidence” includes the best evidence which is available to a party and procurable
under the existing situation, and which in its nature suggests there is better evidence of the same
fact, is “secondary evidence”. Black's Law Dictionary, 6th Edition
Best Evidence Rule:
A rule which requires that best evidence available be presented in lieu of less satisfactory evidence.
People v. Banks, Colo. App., 655 P. 2d 1384, 1387. This rule prohibits the introduction into
evidence of secondary evidence unless it is shown that original document has been lost or
destroyed or is beyond jurisdiction of court without fault of the offering party; if original
document is lost, then secondary evidence is properly admissible. State v. Stephen, Mo. App., 556
S.W. 2d 722, 723. Fed.R.Evid. 1002 states the basic rule as follows: “To prove the content of a
writing, recording, or photograph, the original writing, recording, or photograph, is required,
except as otherwise provided in these rules or by Act of Congress.” ibid
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Best Evidence
Primary Evidence
Primary evidence means original or first hand evidence; the best evidence that the
nature of the case admits of; the evidence which is required in the first instance, and
which must fail before secondary evidence can be admitted. That evidence which the
nature of the case or question suggests as the proper means of ascertaining the truth. It
is the particular means of proof which is the most natural and satisfactory of which the
case admits, and includes the best evidence which is available to a party and procurable
under the existing situation, and all evidence falling short of such standard, and which
in its nature suggest there is better evidence of the same fact, is “secondary evidence”.
ibid
Secondary Evidence
That which is inferior to primary or best evidence. Thus, a copy of an instrument, or
oral evidence of its contents, is secondary evidence of the instrument and contents. It
is that species of evidence which becomes admissible, when the primary or best
evidence of the fact in question is lost or inaccessible; as when a witness details orally
the contents of an instrument which is lost or destroyed. ibid
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HANDWRITING OPINION TERMINOLOGY
identification (definite conclusion of identity)-This is the highest degree of confidence expressed by document examiners
in handwriting comparisons.
strong probability (highly probable, very probable)-The evidence is very persuasive, yet some critical feature or quality is
missing so that an identification is not in order; however, the examiner is virtually certain that the questioned
and known writings were written by the same individual.
probable-The evidence contained in the handwriting points rather strongly toward the questioned and known
writings having been written by the same individual; however, it falls short of the "virtually certain" degree of
confidence.
indications (evidence to suggest)-A body of writing has few features which are of significance for handwriting
comparison purposes, but those features are in agreement with another body of writing.
no conclusion (totally inconclusive, indeterminable)-This is the zero point of the confidence scale. It is used when there
are significantly limiting factors, such as disguise in the questioned and/or known writing or a lack of
comparable writing, and the examiner - does not have even a leaning one way or another.
indications did not-This carries the same weight as the indications term above; that is, it is a very weak opinion.
probably did not-The evidence points rather strongly against the questioned and known writings having been
written by the same individual, but, as in the probable range above, the evidence is not quite up to the
“virtually certain” range quite.
strong probability did not (highly probable did not, very probable did not) -This carries the same weight as strong
probability on the identification side of the scale; that is, there is a virtual certainty that the questioned and
known writings were not written by the same individual.
elimination-This, like the definite conclusion of identity, is the highest degree of confidence expressed by the
document examiner in handwriting comparison . By using this expression, the examiner denotes no doubt in
his opinion that the questioned and known writings were not written by the same individual.
Journal of Forensic Sciences, Letters to the Editor, March 1991
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What Can A Document Examiner Do?
In addition to determining the authenticity of What is earliest age that the document could have been
handwriting and signatures on questioned written?
documents, Document Examiners can identify the When was the watermark first manufactured?
author of: Has the paper been artificially aged by heat or by
chemicals?
* forged writing * anonymous disguised writing
* graffiti. What type of pen was used to create the document?
Was it in existence when the document was purportedly
Document Examiners can determine: written?
If the document has been altered in any way. What typewriter or printer was used to create a document?
Has information been removed from a document? Was the same typewriter used to create certain documents?
What has been removed? Was the document created by a printer connected to a
computer?
Have parts of the document been obliterated? What type of printer? Daisy wheel? Dot Matrix? Ink Jet? or
What was written under cross-outs, black-outs or Laser?
white-outs? Is a photocopy cut and paste?
Has additional information been put on the Has a genuine signature been affixed by taking it from a
document? genuine document?
Have pages been substituted: Has material been substituted on a page after it was signed?
Is the document counterfeit?
The sequence of information written or printed on Is a document a desktop forgery?
a document.
Was the document scanned into a computer, altered and
Which writing is on top when two signatures are printed?
intermingled? Other types of cases:
How many different writers signed the document? Embezzlement Medical Malpractice
Industrial Espionage Bigamy
Indented Writing Cases
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ADVANCED DOCUMENT & HANDWRITING
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Linda James
would like to
THANK YOU
for attending her presentation for the
2007 Tarrant County Medical Examiners Seminar
Please contact Linda at lcj@document-examiner.com
for any questions you may have.
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