Introduction

Document examiners look at more than just handwriting to determine the authenticity of a document. See the many tasks performed by analysts at the FBI, including a case involving fraudulent sports memorabilia.

In this lesson you will learn more about tools and techniques used to examine questioned documents.

Inside the Questioned Documents Unit (FBI) text version | Open Inside the Questioned Documents Unit (FBI) in a new tab

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Describe important forensic information that can be obtained from documents.
  • Share how document evidence was used in a historic case.
  • Use chromatography to analyze ink marks.

Essential Questions

  • How have scientific advancements contributed to the evolution of forensic science and changes in the criminal justice system?
  • What evidence can be obtained from physical documents?
  • How does chromatography reveal differences in inks from different manufacturers?

Enduring Understandings

  • Forensic results are open to the interpretation and subject to the limitation of the pathologist's knowledge and methods.
  • Forensics requires a team of practitioners representing all areas of science.
  • The principles of scientific inquiry are required in all crime scene and forensic science analysis.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation standards: 1, 6, 24.