What is a Document?

A document is any material upon which a permanent or semi-permanent message can be imprinted. Forensic Document Examiners work with any substance which can impart a written message. While documents most frequently consist of paper written with pen or pencil, document examiners have studied typewritten materials, carbon copies, graffiti on walls or locker doors, blackboards, mirrors marked with lipstick, cardboard boxes, and blotting paper. Types of documents include wills, checks, bank signature cards, contracts, credit cards, deeds, anonymous letters and other business forms.

 What is a Questioned Document?

A questioned document is one whose origin or content is in dispute. The provenance or circumstances regarding its discovery may also be questioned. The document may contain additions, deletions, or alterations. It may contain fraudulent information, handwriting and signatures or rubber stamp impressions. It may also be a counterfeit document.

 What is an Exemplar?

An exemplar is a known genuine handwriting sample that is compared with questioned writing in order to determine authenticity or spuriousness of the questioned material. The authenticity of the exemplar must be verifiable. Genuineness of the exemplars can be proven by the admission of the person who wrote it, by witnesses who saw the person writing or who heard the person acknowledge his handwriting or by acceptance of the documents in the normal course of business. An exemplar is also called a standard.

 What can a Document Tell us?