Forensic Document Examination: Uncover the Secrets of Questioned Documents

Question 1

Which technique is not commonly used in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

Answer

Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)

Answer

High-Intensity Directed Infrared (HIDI)

Answer

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a common type of ink used in document examination?

Accepted Answer

Chemiluminescent ink

Answer

Ballpoint ink

Answer

Gel ink

Answer

Fountain pen ink

Question 3

What is the term used to describe the process of determining the authenticity of a document?

Accepted Answer

Document authentication

Answer

Document verification

Answer

Document examination

Answer

Document analysis

Question 4

What type of microscopy is primarily used to examine the surface characteristics of documents?

Accepted Answer

Stereo microscopy

Answer

Electron microscopy

Answer

Optical microscopy

Answer

Confocal microscopy

Question 5

Which technique is commonly used to detect alterations in documents by analyzing light absorption and reflection patterns?

Accepted Answer

Spectral imaging

Answer

Electron microscopy

Answer

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Answer

Radiocarbon dating

Question 6

What is the main purpose of forensic handwriting examination?

Accepted Answer

Determining the author of a document

Answer

Establishing the date of a document's creation

Answer

Identifying the type of paper used

Answer

Detecting forgeries

Question 7

Why is a comparison document vital in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

To provide a known sample for comparison

Answer

To establish the age of the document

Answer

To identify the printing process used

Answer

To detect alterations

Question 8

Which type of forgery involves creating a completely new document?

Accepted Answer

Counterfeiting

Answer

Simulation

Answer

Tracing

Answer

Alteration

Question 9

What is the primary objective of forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

Determining the authenticity of documents

Answer

Identifying suspects

Answer

Analyzing handwriting patterns

Answer

Proving if a crime has been committed

Question 10

Explain the distinction between direct and indirect forgery.

Accepted Answer

Direct forgery involves altering an existing document, while indirect forgery involves creating a new one.

Answer

Indirect forgery involves altering an existing document, while direct forgery involves creating a new one.

Answer

Direct forgery involves changing the content of a document, while indirect forgery involves changing the appearance.

Answer

Indirect forgery involves changing the content of a document, while direct forgery involves changing the appearance.

Question 11

Which of the following methods is used to compare questioned and known handwriting samples by overlaying them?

Accepted Answer

Superimposition

Answer

Freehand comparison

Answer

Magnification

Answer

Transmitted light examination

Question 12

What type of paper is commonly used for fraudulent documents because it is easily altered?

Accepted Answer

Bond paper

Answer

Rag paper

Answer

Ledger paper

Answer

Parchment

Question 13

Which of the following is a non-destructive technique for detecting alterations in documents?

Accepted Answer

Infrared reflectography

Answer

Electron microscopy

Answer

Ultraviolet light examination

Answer

X-ray diffraction

Question 14

What type of tool is used to accurately measure the spacing between lines of text?

Accepted Answer

Line gauge

Answer

Magnifying glass

Answer

Micrometer

Answer

Spectrophotometer

Question 15

What is the main purpose of using a reagent test in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

To detect the presence of specific chemical compounds or elements

Answer

To enhance the visibility of faded or erased writing

Answer

To determine the age of a document

Answer

To identify the type of paper used

Question 16

In qualifying an expert in forensic document examination, courts consider:

Accepted Answer

Formal education in the field

Accepted Answer

Relevant work experience

Answer

Personal opinion of the individual

Question 17

In a courtroom, what are the main legal duties of a forensic document examiner, and how do ethical principles guide their behavior?

Accepted Answer

Present unbiased opinions and findings, upholding objectivity and integrity.

Answer

Act as advocates for either the prosecution or defense, suppressing evidence that could harm their case.

Answer

Ignore ethical guidelines and prioritize personal opinions when analyzing documents.

Answer

Testify in court only when certain that their findings will support the desired outcome of the case.

Question 18

What is the term for the scientific study of handwriting characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Graphology

Answer

Odontology

Answer

Ballistics

Answer

Forensic Anthropology

Question 19

Which type of document alteration involves removing original text or graphics and replacing them with new ones?

Accepted Answer

Eradication

Answer

Erasure

Answer

Forging

Answer

Overwriting

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of using electrostatic detection devices in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

To reveal indented writing or erasures

Answer

To identify paper fibers

Answer

To determine the age of a document

Answer

To analyze ink composition

Question 21

What is the typical first step in a forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

Non-destructive examination

Answer

Chemical analysis

Answer

Dating the document

Answer

Handwriting comparison

Question 22

What is the term for the scientific analysis of paper fibers?

Accepted Answer

Paperography

Answer

Ballistics

Answer

Odontology

Answer

Graphology

Question 23

What is the ethical obligation of a forensic document examiner?

Accepted Answer

To provide unbiased and impartial analysis

Answer

To disregard evidence that contradicts their findings

Answer

To favor the prosecution's case

Question 24

What is the main purpose of using ultraviolet light in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

To detect alterations and erasures

Answer

To identify ink composition

Answer

To determine the age of a document

Answer

To enhance faded ink

Question 25

In a legal case, what is the primary role of a forensic document examiner?

Accepted Answer

To provide expert testimony and assist in investigation

Answer

To determine the guilt or innocence of the accused

Answer

To conduct the criminal investigation

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a type of forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

Ballistics analysis

Answer

Handwriting analysis

Answer

Ink analysis

Answer

Paper analysis

Question 27

What is the term for the unique characteristics found in a person's handwriting that can be used for identification?

Accepted Answer

Graphodynamics

Answer

Penmanship

Answer

Calligraphy

Answer

Signature

Question 28

What is the primary goal of handwriting analysis in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

To determine the writer of a document

Answer

To identify the type of ink used

Answer

To determine the method of writing

Answer

To establish the age of a document

Question 29

What is the significance of ink analysis in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

It can reveal the age of an ink stroke

Answer

It can only identify the color of an ink stroke

Answer

It can prove the authenticity of a signature

Answer

It is not a useful technique in forensic document examination

Question 30

What is the name of the specialized instrument used to examine the surface of documents in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

Stereoscopic microscope

Answer

Digital camera

Answer

Electron microscope

Answer

Atomic force microscope

Question 31

Which of the following is a common ethical consideration in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining confidentiality

Answer

Accepting payment from all parties involved

Answer

Meeting deadlines

Answer

Using the latest technology

Question 32

What is the term for a document that has been altered or forged?

Accepted Answer

Counterfeit

Answer

Facsimile

Answer

Duplication

Answer

Reprint

Question 33

Which of the following is a characteristic of indented writing?

Accepted Answer

It can be read on the reverse side of a page

Answer

It is always visible to the naked eye

Answer

It is always more legible than regular handwriting

Question 34

What is the importance of establishing the chain of custody in forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the integrity and authenticity of the evidence

Answer

It is only required for criminal cases

Answer

It speeds up the examination process

Question 35

A document examiner is analyzing a questioned signature and notices a consistent tremor in the line quality. What might this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The writer was under stress or duress.

Answer

The writer was using a different pen.

Answer

The document is a forgery.

Answer

The writer was trying to disguise their handwriting.

Question 36

A document examiner is analyzing a document with suspected indented writing. Which tool would they likely use to enhance the indented impressions?

Accepted Answer

An electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA)

Answer

A UV light source

Answer

A magnifying glass

Answer

A microscope

Question 37

What is the primary difference between a questioned document and an exemplar?

Accepted Answer

A questioned document is the subject of an investigation, while an exemplar is a known sample of handwriting.

Answer

A questioned document is always handwritten, while an exemplar can be typed.

Question 38

A document examiner is comparing the handwriting on a ransom note to a known sample. Which characteristic would be LEAST likely to be helpful in making a comparison?

Accepted Answer

The writer's preferred pen color.

Answer

The presence of any unique letter formations.

Answer

The size and shape of individual letters.

Answer

The slant and spacing of the writing.

Question 39

A document is presented with a suspected erasure. Which technique would be most effective in revealing any underlying writing?

Accepted Answer

Infrared photography

Answer

Ultraviolet light examination

Answer

ESDA analysis

Answer

Microscopic analysis

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a common characteristic of forged documents?

Accepted Answer

Use of a high-quality printer

Answer

Lack of natural variations in writing pressure.

Answer

Inconsistent handwriting style

Answer

Unusual letter formations

Question 41

A document examiner is examining a document with a suspected ink alteration. What technique could they use to identify the chemical composition of the ink?

Accepted Answer

Chromatographic analysis

Answer

Microscopic analysis

Answer

ESDA analysis

Answer

Ultraviolet light examination

Question 42

In a court of law, who is typically responsible for presenting the findings of a forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

The document examiner

Answer

The defense attorney

Answer

The judge

Answer

The prosecutor

Question 43

A document examiner is asked to examine a document with suspected alterations. Which of the following is NOT a common type of alteration that they might encounter?

Accepted Answer

Use of a different typeface

Answer

Erasure

Answer

Obliteration

Answer

Addition of text

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a primary aspect of forensic document examination?

Accepted Answer

Determining the age of the document

Answer

Analyzing handwriting

Answer

Detecting alterations

Answer

Determining document authenticity

Question 45

The comparison of questioned and known handwriting samples to determine authorship is known as:

Accepted Answer

Graphology

Answer

Script analysis

Answer

Document overlay

Answer

Forensic calligraphy

Question 46

The process of determining whether a document is genuine or forged is known as:

Accepted Answer

Document authentication

Answer

Document examination

Answer

Document analysis

Answer

Document verification

Question 47

The use of instrumental techniques to analyze document materials is known as:

Accepted Answer

Forensic chemistry

Answer

Forensic photography

Answer

Forensic physics

Answer

Forensic biology

Question 48

Which of the following is a key consideration when comparing questioned and known handwriting samples?

Accepted Answer

Habitual writing style

Answer

Writing speed

Answer

Writing posture

Answer

Age of the writer

Question 49

The use of electromagnetic radiation to detect alterations in documents is known as:

Accepted Answer

Document imaging

Answer

Document microscopy

Answer

Ultraviolet imaging

Answer

Infrared imaging

Question 50

The ethics and regulations governing the practice of forensic document examination are outlined in:

Accepted Answer

The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) guidelines

Answer

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards