Questioned Document Examination & Handwriting Analysis

A document whose authenticity, origin, authorship, alteration, or other characteristic is disputed or requires forensic examination.

To scientifically evaluate relevant document characteristics and determine what conclusions the evidence supports.

A handwriting sample whose writer is reliably established and which can be compared with questioned writing.

A known or requested sample of handwriting obtained for comparison with questioned writing.

A naturally produced writing sample created independently of the investigation and used for comparison.

A writing sample produced at an examiner's or investigator's request under documented conditions.

Writing characteristics can change over time, so samples produced near the questioned document's date may provide more relevant comparisons.

Normal differences occurring among genuine writing samples produced by the same individual.

Writing habits and features that may help distinguish one writer's patterns from those of others.

Features shared by groups of writers because of common instruction, writing systems, or other influences.

The appearance of strokes, including their continuity, smoothness, rhythm, and other characteristics relevant to writing execution.

The force applied during writing, which may influence stroke appearance and impressions depending on the instrument and surface.

The inclination of writing strokes or letters relative to a reference direction.

The manner in which written characters follow, rise above, or fall below an actual or imaginary writing line.

The relative distances between letters, words, or other written elements.

The examination of how handwritten characters are joined and how the writer transitions between strokes.

A signature produced by attempting to imitate another person's genuine signature.

A signature created by following the outline or design of another signature through a tracing method.

An imitation of another person's writing or signature produced without mechanically tracing its exact outline.

No. Examiners must consider natural variation, line quality, possible simulation, and other relevant evidence.

Common writing features may occur among different writers, so conclusions require evaluation of the overall pattern and significance of characteristics.

A depression transferred to underlying sheets or surfaces by pressure from writing on an upper sheet.

To visualize certain latent indented writing impressions on suitable document surfaces.

Additional writing, pressure, or inappropriate handling may introduce new impressions or damage existing evidence.

The removal or attempted removal of writing or printing by mechanical, chemical, or other means.

The covering or obscuring of original writing or printing so that it becomes difficult to read.

A change to the document's original content or characteristics, such as an addition, deletion, substitution, or modification.

Writing inserted between existing lines of text.

Material inserted into a document after its original preparation, potentially affecting its meaning or authenticity.

To reveal differences in fluorescence or absorption that may help identify alterations, materials, or security features.

To evaluate differences in ink or material responses that may reveal obscured writing, alterations, or other characteristics.

No. Such examinations may reveal material differences but generally cannot establish an exact ink application date by themselves.

The examination of inks to determine whether their measurable properties differ or are consistent under the methods used.

No. Different pens or ink batches may produce analytically similar results.

An examination seeking to determine the relative order in which intersecting writing, printing, or other marks were applied.

Ink properties, paper characteristics, writing pressure, and examination limitations may prevent a reliable conclusion.

The forensic examination of typed text for characteristics potentially relevant to its production, alteration, or source.

The evaluation of printed material for features that may help associate it with a printing process or particular device.

Paper composition, thickness, texture, watermarks, and other properties may assist comparison and document authenticity assessment.

A design or pattern incorporated into paper during manufacture that becomes visible under suitable viewing conditions.

Very small printed text or patterns used as security features that may be difficult to reproduce accurately.

A strip or filament incorporated into a document as an anti-counterfeiting feature.

The Revised Penal Code, including Articles 163 to 168, subject to amendments and other applicable laws.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Separate preservation supports identification, examination, and protection of potential fingerprints, impressions, or other evidence.

It defines specified forms of falsification of documents committed by public officers, employees, notaries, or ecclesiastical ministers under the statutory circumstances.

It addresses specified falsification offenses involving private individuals and the use of falsified documents under applicable conditions.

No. Natural variation and the full set of writing characteristics must be evaluated.

The difference may indicate distinct ink materials or an alteration requiring further examination; it does not alone establish fraudulent intent.

Preserve the original and request appropriate forensic examination to document and evaluate the suspected alteration.

No. Investigators should verify the note's series and genuine security specifications and obtain appropriate expert examination.