Purpose
To determine authenticity and authorship.
Method
The specifics of an investigation will depend on the nature of the document being studied (e.g., historical or personal) and the goals of the inquiry. Generally speaking, a document will be examined from three different aspects: historical, scientific, and stylistic.
Video:
Authentication
Tips on how to authenticate a document by comparing handwriting.
Historical Analysis
It is virtually impossible to pinpoint the age of an undated document, but there may be clues to the era. If it is a printed piece - say a greeting card - the method of printing, address, and even the stamp may be important.
At the very least, materials and techniques must be consistent with place and time. Many forgeries are identified by the presence of materials that didn’t exist at the time alleged.
Scientific Analysis
A detailed paper analysis will detect every shred of physical evidence concealed in a document.
Stylistic Analysis
Comparisons of style are essential for authentication. Penmanship, cultural phrasing, and form of address can help to identify both the era and author. Handwriting comparisons can authenticate a signature or manuscript.
In some cases, all of it taken together can’t solve a historical puzzle. For example, there are five known manuscript copies of the Gettysburg Address. Testing has proved that all are authentic Lincoln documents. But it will never prove, definitively, which of the five Lincoln actually read from at Gettysburg.
FAQs
When the authorship, authenticity or origin of a document becomes the subject of a dispute or an investigation, the document becomes known as the “questioned document”. Usually, known specimens must be provided for comparison with the questioned documents.
How to tell if a historical document is real? ›
Comparisons of style are essential for authentication. Penmanship, cultural phrasing, and form of address can help to identify both the era and author. Handwriting comparisons can authenticate a signature or manuscript.
Where to authenticate old documents? ›
US Authentication Services provides expert document authentication services every day to individuals and corporations.
How did the history detectives resolve the conflict between their two hypotheses? ›
4. How did the History Detectives resolve the conflict between their two hypotheses? The History Detectives ended up basing their conclusions on descriptions of the physical evidence of the crash.
What types of documents are most often questioned? ›
Common Types of Questioned Documents
Some of the more common types of documents to be analyzed include signatures and handwriting on Wills, real estate documents, loan documents, company agreements, military records, family custody documents, and suicide notes.
Does a questioned document have to be on paper? ›
A questioned document can be any material substance bearing marks or symbols (not always visible to the naked eye) whose authenticity or origin is under scrutiny. Questioned documents are not always paper products.
How do you prove the authenticity of a document? ›
Q: How can I check if a document is authentic? A: The methods for checking document authenticity depend on the type of document. Physical security features, such as holograms or watermarks, can be visually inspected. Digital documents may require verification through digital signatures or scanning QR codes or barcodes.
What qualifies as historical evidence? ›
Historical evidence is anything directly related to some event, person, or period of the past. It reveals information that might help us better understand what happened previous to our examination.
How do I check if a document is real? ›
How can you tell if a document is real or fake?
- Missing or altered numbers.
- Errors in the data (e.g., misspelled names)
- Altered text or images.
- Unusual formatting.
- Mismatched logos and addresses.
Rule 901. Authenticating or Identifying Evidence. (a) In General. To satisfy the requirement of authenticating or identifying an item of evidence, the proponent must produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what the proponent claims it is.
Every ID document has unique security features, such as watermarks, logos, holograms, and microprint. Checking that these security features are where they are supposed to be is a solid first step in verifying the document is real.
What evidence has to be authenticated? ›
Authentication refers to the requirement that before a writing, a tangible object or other non-testimonial evidence is admitted, the offering party must establish that such evidence is what the party claims it to be.
What is a detective of the past that pieces clues together to find out what happened? ›
Being an historian is very much like being a detective. Detectives look for clues to solve crimes and mysteries. The clues they use are called evidence. Historians use clues in the same way to solve mysteries of the past.
In what ways is historical science like detective work? ›
Being a historian or archaeologist is a lot like being a detective. You start out with clues, which are pieces of evidence that people leave behind. Those clues can be written evidence like letters, receipts, and other documents.
What type of document is questioned? ›
Handwritings & Signatures – To examine/compare with standard (admitted & specimen) writings. Latent Writing on Documents – To detect and decipher. Fake Indian Currency Notes of Different Denomination – To examine presence of security/essential features prescribed by RBI.
How do you handle questioned documents? ›
Use covers or envelopes that are large to hold the document without folding. Wear gloves when handling questioned documents. Do not feed questioned documents through an auto-document feeder on a copier. Keep documents away from excessive heat, light or dampness.
How do you analyze a questioned document? ›
The methods of questioned document analysis involve handwriting examination, and analysis of ink, paper, printing, typewriters etc. to determine if the questioned document is authentic or not. Forensic Document Examiners need to precisely record every step of the forensic document examination.
What is the standard document in forensic 4? ›
STANDARD DOCUMENT – Document in which the origin is known can be proven and can. legally be used as sample to compare with other things is questioned.
