All rights Reserved Cengage/NGL/South-Western 2016 Chapter 10
Handwriting Analysis, Forgery, and Counterfeiting By the end of
this chapter you will be able to: 10.1 Explain how a sample of
handwriting evidence is compared with an exemplar using both
qualitative and quantitative characteristics Describe some of the
limitations of handwriting analysis Identify a historical case of
document fraud and explain how the fraudulent document(s) was/were
created Describe recent developments in technology for use in
handwriting analysis. Chapter 10 Handwriting Analysis, Forgery, and
Counterfeiting By the end of this chapter you will be able to: 10.5
List and describe several ways in which businesses prevent check
forgery Describe features of new paper currency that protect
against counterfeiting Compare and contrast older paper currencies
with new currencies, including those on plastic stock. Chapter 10
Vocabulary counterfeiting currency document analysis
document expert exemplar forgery fraudulence questioned document
Introduction A questioned document is any document that has
handwriting, a written mark, type, or any paper and ink with
uncertain authenticity. checks wills passports drivers licenses
currency letters and contracts suicide notes receipts Early
Forensic Handwriting Analysis
Every person's handwriting is unique. An exemplar of a person's
handwriting can be used to determine authenticity. In 1999, the
U.S. Court of Appeals determined that handwriting analysis
qualified as a form of expert testimony. Early Forensic Handwriting
Analysis (continued)
Handwriting analysis of ransom notes pertaining to the kidnapping
of Charles Lindbergh's son led to the conviction and execution of
Richard "Bruno" Hauptmann. Handwriting Characteristics
There are 12 characteristics that handwriting experts examine.
These characteristics include: Letter form Line form Formatting
Handwriting Analysis Handwriting experts have ways of determining
whether a person has tried to disguise his or her handwriting or to
copy someone else's handwriting. Technology of Handwriting
Analysis
Infrared Spectroscope Biometric Signature Pads Computerized
Analysis Shortcomings of Handwriting Analysis
Handwriting analysis is ultimately subjective, relying on the
expertise of the examiner. The Board of Forensic Document Examiners
(BFDE) offers a training program in handwriting analysis. Forgery
Although banks hope to eventually eliminate checks, the below
methods are currently in use by banks to prevent check forgery:
Print checks on chemically sensitive paper. Use a large font size.
Use high-resolution borders on the checks. Print checks in multiple
color patterns. Embed fibers in checks that glow under different
types of lights. Use chemical-wash detection systems that change
color when a check is altered. Literary Forgery Literary Forgery
(continued) Counterfeiting Currency Fake name-brand products Coins
Postage stamps Counterfeit Currency Counterfeiting is a federal
felony punishable with up to 15 years in prison. Methods in place
to try to prevent counterfeiting include: Design features that make
printing difficult Special paper Ongoing changes to the design of
paper money Detecting Counterfeit Currency
Counterfeit currency can often be detected because of the starch
found in regular paper. Some counterfeiters actually bleach small
bills to provide the correct paper for use. Some countries have
begun producing plastic money to replace paper bills. Summary
Fraudulence, or fraud, is attempting to get financial or other gain
from forgery. Handwriting analysis by document experts is the
examination of questioned documents compared with exemplars to
establish the authenticity and/or authorship of the documents.
Summary (continued) Document experts use their expertise along with
scientific methods and technology to compare handwriting
characteristics of a questioned document to those of an exemplar to
help identify authors and detect any alterations, erasures, and
obliterations. Handwriting analysis has always been an important
tool, especially for forensic scientists. Handwriting experts help
financial, legal, and governmental institutions, as well as the
general public, detect and prevent forgery, counterfeiting, and
other fraudulent crimes. Summary (continued) Technological
advances, such as biometric signature pads and the infrared
spectroscope, have improved objectivity, increased quantitative
analysis, and enhanced the detection of forged documents.
Countries, including the United States, continue to refine methods
to protect their currency from counterfeiters, changing designs and
experimenting with different stocks.