Methodical Support for Conducting an Expert Research to Establish the Statute of Limitations for the Execution of Documents’ Requisites: Problems of Expert and Judicial Practice

The article addresses the problems of methodical support for establishing the statute of limitations when conducting a forensic document examination, directly affecting the admissibility of an expert’s opinion as evidence in legal proceedings. Establishing the statute of limitations for the execution of documents’ requisites is one of the most demanded tasks when considering all categories of cases – administrative, arbitration, civil, criminal. Analysis of the forensic practice of this type of examination in legal proceedings shows the application of various methods and approaches. Such variety raises questions among both the judicial and legal communities. For example, what existing methods are scientifically substantiated, tested, certified, lead to reliable results, and can be used to solve expert tasks? Which are unsuitable for the use in expert practice, and for what reasons?To confirm the suitability of their author’s developments for forensic examination, individual non-state experts provide various patents and certificates. How legal and permissible is this practice?The article offers a competent analysis of the current situation on the example of the widely used method of “wet copying”

Investigating the Possibility of Determining the Sequence Intersecting Lines between LaserJet Printing and Handwriting in Document Examination using Color Measurement Technique

In Questioned Documents Examination, the sequence of crossing lines in the intersection of handwriting and printed area can be important clues for detecting tampered documents. Recognition of such documents is a arduous task and requires people with experience and expertise. In the present work, we investigated the possibility of determining the sequence of intersecting lines between LaserJet printing and handwriting for a series of simulated laboratory specimens in the document examination using color measurement technique. The spectral reflectance curves and color coordinates of some points on and out of the cross lines were compared. Four different commercial ballpoint pens and a black toner LaserJet were used to prepare the specimens. The color change of the intersecting lines was subjectively considered through the captured images and a visual assessment process. It was also objectively determined by determining the color difference values from the colorimetric data in CIELAB and CIELCH color spaces in the visible range. The color change evaluation showed that the order in which printing or handwriting is applied alters colorimetric results. Moreover, the investigations showed small color difference values of less than 2 units between a point of printed area individually, and intersection could be applied as a tolerance limit for pass/fail judgments.

Document examination in criminalistics and forensic sciences: New approaches and modern technologies

Document examination in criminalistics and forensic sciences is an activity required during the investigation and/or judicial proceedings. Using the full potential of investigative actions in document examination is an important source of evidence, which makes it possible to put the crime investigation on the right path. It is extremely important to resolve issues related with the expert examination of documents. Since the technical study of documents is the most common type of forensic studies, the article notes its transformation both towards expanding and restricting its volume. Moreover, the authors give indication of the new paradigm emerging in the examination of documents and their new forms, which highlights the need for developing new approaches and using different techniques and legal frameworks. Another important aspect is the protection of the judicial proceedings from false and erroneous forensic expert reports. To this end, forensic experts are warned of possible criminal liability and are sworn in. It is worth noting that these mechanisms are not always effective and the use of additional legal and managerial

Questioned document examination with the use of alternative and complementary non-destructive methods

Questioned document examination occupies an important position in forensic science. Its purpose is to provide the authority conducting legal proceedings with reliable knowledge confirming or excluding authenticity of a document, therefore every effort should be made to use relevant and legally admissible examination methods. For many years reliable non-destructive methods have been developed, whose use in expert examination will enable subsequent control both by the authority conducting legal proceedings and other parties in the proceedings. This article proposes the use of alternative non-destructive methods in examination of documents.

Prospects of International Harmonisation in the Sphere of Forensic Document Examination in Penal Proceedings

The paper concerns the problem of international harmonisation in the sphere of forensic document examination in penal proceedings. Progressive “internationalisation” of penal cases demands that some unified standards be found in terms of the instruments being used in penal proceedings. It also affects research performed by forensic document examiners. Various techniques of forensic document examination exist, as well as various views on the value of opinion of an expert witness, and differentiated legal regulations in respective countries. Also, methods concerning verification of the skills of experts in the field of forensic document examination are different in particular countries. Such a state of affairs provokes reflections on whether opinions formulated by expert witnesses from various countries might be considered as really equivalent. It seems that it is not exactly so, and it should be ascertained that such a situation is definitely negative. Thus, there arises the necessity of at least partial harmonisation of rules in this scope, at the international level. This paper is an attempt to answer the question of if opportunities for such harmonisation exist, and if so, in which fields of matters concerning forensic document examination it is possible.

HANDWRITING YONDER RELIGION: A STUDY OF HANDWRITING ANALYSIS AMONG HINDUS AND MUSLIMS OF LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH

The world is moving towards digitalisation and technology is advancing, but handwriting remains persistent and is still maintaining its place when it comes to recording information, noting down points, mode of communication in day to day life. Writing is a complex act and is a highly developed skill. Variation in handwriting is foremost principle of handwriting. This paper investigated English handwriting characteristics of Hindus and Muslims in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Since English is not a primary language of the nation all of them have learned English as a second language. 174 exemplars were collected from the students of different colleges and Universities across Lucknow city of age group 18 to 24 years. It is an approach to identify the writer and assists in Forensic document examination.