This document discusses the scope and handling of questioned documents in forensic examination. It describes the nature of disputed documents such as determining the authenticity of signatures, identifying forgeries, analyzing alterations, and recovering shredded materials. The document emphasizes the importance of proper preservation techniques for evidentiary documents. Investigators should avoid marking documents, excessive handling, moisture, heat and light exposure to protect physical clues. Chemical testing should only be done by qualified experts.

1. SCOPE, NATURE AND
HANDLING OF QUESTIONED
DOCUMENTS
PALLAVI KUMARI

2. Nature of Disputed Document
 Is the signature genuine?
 Is the document forged, and if so is it forged by a particular
person?
 Is the same person the author of several documents?
 Did someone guide a person's hand as a will was signed?
 Did the doctor come back later and alter the medical
records?
 Did the signer of the document also initial the changes?
 What is written under the crossed out portion of the
writing?

3. Nature of Disputed Document

Are there erasures on the document?
 Are there alterations or obliterations on the document?
 What was originally written before the alteration or under
the obliteration?
 Are there perforations, folds, staple holes, or other physical
clues on the document ?
 Was the entire document rewritten, or was it prepared
sequentially, over a period of time?

4. Scope of questioned document
examination

5. Charred documents

6. Shredded Material Recovery
 To turn bags of shredded documents into
complete documents.
 Involved separation of individual shreds from the
pile and re-assembling them piece by piece.

7. Handling of documents
 The proper care and preservation of
documentary evidence, such as forged
checks, anonymous letters, and comparison
specimens ("standards") of a suspect's writing,
is as much the responsibility of investigating
officers as is the original investigation
conducted for the purpose of obtaining or
discovering these documents.

8. Precautions be strictly observed
 Do not mark or write upon documents.
 Do not use pencils, pens, dividers, or erasers
as pointers.
 Do not mutilate by creasing, repeated
refolding, cutting, or tearing.
 Do not carry in pocket.
 Complete instructions in the care of
documents, not only during investigation but
also longed period of time or handle
excessively

9. Precautions be strictly observed
 . 4. Keep documents in envelopes or
protective folders.
 5. Keep dry and away from excessive heat and
strong light.
 6. Do not allow anyone except a qualified
expert to make chemical or other types of
tests.
 7. Take documents to laboratory or expert at
the earliest convenience.

10. FAQ’s
 How burnt documents are treated?
 Which chemical is used to harden burnt
paper?

11. References
 O. Hilton, Scientific Examination of Questioned
Documents, CRC Press, Boca Raton (1982).
 R.N. Morris, Forensic Handwriting
Identification: Fundamental Concepts and
Principles, Academic Press, London (2000).
 E. David, The Scientific Examination of
Documents – Methods and Techniques, 2nd
Edition, Taylor & Francis, Hants (1997).