Signature

How to detect an original ink signature

Wet-ink signatures are generally produced on documents of importance: rental agreements, contracts, financial documents, wills, real estate documents at the time they are signed. Copies are frequently made of these important documents and produced for examination.  Being able to distinguish between an original “wet ink” signature and a copied signature involves some expertise. However, there…

Indented Writing

How to reveal Indented Writing

Indented writing impressions are created from the pressure of the writing instrument as it’s transferred from the primary paper to the sheets underneath. These impressions may not be visible to the naked eye; however, specialized electrostatic equipment can help a Forensic Document Examiner (FDE) visualize indented impressions. Typical indentation examinations can resolve sequencing issues, determine…

Rubber stamp

Is a rubber stamp signature legally binding

History of Rubber Stamps Charles Goodyear is credited with the idea of vulcanizing rubber for commercial uses. The vulcanization process includes heating rubber with sulphur to expand the flexibility and strength of the rubber product. These products, in turn, came into modern day uses with tires, rubber soles of shoes, and rubber stamps. Modern Day…

How to tell an Original Signature from a Copy

How to tell an Original Signature from a Copy

Natural Signature Questions often arise regarding handwriting and signatures in particular referring to whether the questioned signature is genuine or non-genuine. One of the first things to observe is to determine if the signature is naturally written. A signature that is naturally written will display tapered beginning and ending strokes, a variation in writing pressure…

Mastering attorney/expert relationships

Mastering attorney/expert relationships are difficult! Attorneys are often faced with finding a suitable expert to provide relevant expertise efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.  A document expert is frequently engaged when a suspect document requires determination of authorship or authenticity.  Nothing kills the love faster between the attorney/expert relationship until one or more of these…

Feigning Hand Preference?

An interesting case study in the May Journal of Forensic Science discusses individuals who feign handedness in crimes (i.e. the assailant is known to be left-handed whereas the defendant claims to be right-handed or vice versa). Usually a physician or forensic psychologists would be asked to test hand preference, but it’s known this can be…

What is it like being a forensic scientist?

It’s not like the TV shows…but better. Once training is completed and you are working your own cases, it’s like being the CEO of your own forensic agency. It’s a good career for those interested in science, technology, and law enforcement. With management support, you should be provided appropriate supervision, mentoring, on-the-job training and refresher…