FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS: DETECTION, ANALYSIS, AND LEGAL ADMISSIBILITY

AUTHOR – BELSY J* & SUGITH KUMAR R G**

* STUDENT AT THE TAMILNADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TARAMANI, CHENNAI

** PROFESSOR AT THE TAMILNADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TARAMANI, CHENNAI

BEST CITATION – BELSY J & SUGITH KUMAR R G, FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS: DETECTION, ANALYSIS, AND LEGAL ADMISSIBILITY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (1) OF 2026, PG.1088-1098, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT:

Questioned document examination, commonly referred to as forensic document examination, is regarded as a highly intricate and vital branch of forensic science. It plays a crucial role in supporting the legal system through the application of sophisticated analytical methods and scientific principles required for verifying the authenticity, origin, and integrity of both physical and digital documents. This discipline is extensively utilized in various contexts, including criminal investigations, civil litigation, financial fraud detection, and historical research.

Documents such as wills, checks, passports, and contracts are essential not only for everyday transactions but also within the legal arena. Many criminal activities frequently involve disputed or questionable documentation. With technological advancements, instances of forgery and crimes such as counterfeit currency and falsified documents have risen significantly. Therefore, forensic expertise is essential for identifying, evaluating, and determining the legal admissibility of these documents.

When there are doubts regarding the authenticity or legitimacy of a document, it is classified as a questioned document; however, it is important to note that not all questioned documents are fraudulent. The analysis process includes comparing handwriting samples, assessing paper and ink quality, examining printing techniques, identifying inconsistencies such as erasures or variations in stroke patterns among others.

Albert S. Osborn established fundamental standards that have been adopted by courts, forming the basis for the scientific investigation of disputed documents. This paper discusses the importance of examining questioned documents along with their classifications; outlines collection and handling procedures; examines tools and techniques used in analysis; describes methods for age determination; addresses issues related to legal admissibility; highlights associated challenges; and emphasizes the need for reforms aimed at enhancing the field of questioned document examination.

Keywords: Questioned Documents, Handwriting, Handwriting Identification, Forgery, Ink Examination.