Journal of Forensic Document Examination - Volume 20, 2010
Table of Contents and Abstracts
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ABSTRACT:
There are few areas in the work of forensic document examiners (FDEs)
that rely so heavily upon the use of the microscope as does printing process identification,
as many of the identifying characteristics are only observable at higher magnifications
than those available with the unaided eye or the hand magnifier. A microscopical atlas
consists of photomicrographs (photographs made with microscopes) accompanied by
descriptions highlighting the most distinguishing features. This atlas attempts to include
most of the printing processes an FDE is likely to encounter in case work, as well as
many historical and fine arts printing processes which constitute the foundation upon
which modern printing processes stand. While every attempt has been made to include
all important processes, it is, as are all atlases, inevitably incomplete. The FDE is
encouraged to methodically collect and study printing process specimens, especially
those relevant to office and personal use. A list of references is included for further study. Close Abstract
ABSTRACT:
The most important tool for the forensic document examiner has been, is, and probably always will be, the optical stereomicroscope. But in this age of digital technology, digital microscopes abound in the marketplace. Can they be useful to the document examiner? What place should they have in the document examiner’s toolbox? Are they a tool, or merely a toy? Can a digital microscope replace an optical microscope? These are some of the questions to be addressed in this review of the MiScope digital microscope. Close Abstract
ABSTRACT:
J.R. Calvert (1980) in a paper titled, "The Identifi cation of Hand-Printed
Music Scores," published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences states: "…It is my contention
that, like any written language, hand-produced musical scores, both the initial and the
notator's [sic] work can be examined and compared, and identifi cation made as to who
authored the score." Calvert presents material (i.e. examples of music notation written
by "a composer" and "a professional notator") to support his argument, and concludes:
"…if one has original questioned material and ample exemplars and compares the two,
as in any other document case, an identifi cation can be made." This paper applies
the principles outlined in Calvert's paper to the music-calligraphy (music-notation) in
various manuscripts from the 18th Century to test Calvert's hypothesis that identifi cation
can be made in the case of Johann Sebastian Bach and his wife Anna Magdalena. Close Abstract
ABSTRACT:
The National Academy of Science (NAS) was commissioned by Congress in 2005 to
investigate the forensic sciences. In 2009, the NAS published its report titled, "Strengthening
Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward." The report made thirteen
recommendations including establishing a National Institute of Forensic Sciences to oversee
the forensic science community. The NAS committee included handwriting examination as
part of an experience-based method of pattern recognition and recognized the need for
greater research in this area. The following Commentary focuses and comments on the NAS
recommendations that directly relate to the forensic document examination community. Close Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Advances in computers, software and digital equipment
has given rise to the development of new nondestructive methods for
testing inks. This case study validates one such method using Lab Color
Mode in Adobe Photoshop.® Close Abstract
ABSTRACT:
The Office Copying Revolution is the first comprehensive book on copying processes that is useful for the Forensic Document Examiner. An invaluable reference, the book covers the history, the characteristics of each process, the date of inception and how to preserve the copies. The book is well illustrated with examples of the copying processes. Close Abstract
