Forensic Document Examination

file:///C|/WEBDEVFILES09/AAUBU082309/fde.htm[08/23/09 11:36:05 PM] At AAU we use scientific principles in our field. Submitted signatures and or items are examined with regard to its writing surface, writing instrument, ink comparisons and area measurements. Our examinations are conducted using ultraviolet and infrared lighting as well as using a stereoscopic microscope. We consider cases on contracts, wills, deeds, bank checks, leases, applications, anonymous letters, etc., for signatures, handwriting, handprinting, numerals, writing instruments, typewriter typefaces etc. It is true that in certain cases, not all of the above scientific procedures are required. A significant difference between legal questioned document work and autograph-historical documents are how exemplars are obtained. In Q.D. cases, forensic document examiners obtain samples from the attorney-client or adversary. The written evidence can be either requested (taken personally by the examiner) or collected (documents previously written). It is imperative that the examiner ascertain the integrity of these samples to conclude like or different authors.