Introduction to Forensic Document Examination
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Forensic Document Examination course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
AASCC #
American Academy of Scientific Continuing Education and Certification, offers training and certification programs for forensic document examiners.
ABFDE #
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, certifies forensic document examiners in the United States.
Accelerant #
a substance used to start or spread a fire, often analyzed in arson investigations.
Acidic paper #
paper with a high acid content, which can lead to degradation and damage over time.
Additions #
alterations made to a document after it was originally written or printed.
Address #
the location where a document is sent or delivered.
Aging #
the process of determining the age of a document or ink.
Alternative light source #
a tool used to examine documents under different wavelengths of light.
Amendments #
changes made to a document after it was originally written or printed.
Analytical techniques #
methods used to examine and analyze documents, such as spectroscopy and chromatography.
Aniline dyes #
synthetic dyes used in the production of ink.
Anonymous letter #
a letter written by an unknown or unidentified person.
ANSI #
American National Standards Institute, develops standards for various industries, including forensic document examination.
Anti #
counterfeiting measures: features designed to prevent the counterfeiting of documents, such as watermarks and security threads.
Apparent age #
the age of a document based on its appearance and condition.
Archival paper #
paper designed to last for a long time without deteriorating.
Artificial aging #
the process of artificially aging a document to make it appear older.
ASCII #
American Standard Code for Information Interchange, used to represent text in digital form.
ASQDE #
American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, provides a forum for professionals in the field of forensic document examination.
ASTM #
American Society for Testing and Materials, develops standards for various industries, including forensic document examination.
Authentication #
the process of verifying the genuineness of a document.
Authorship #
the identity of the person who wrote a document.
Auto pen signature #
a signature made using an automatic pen or machine.
Ballpoint pen #
a type of pen that uses a small metal ball to dispense ink.
Bleed #
through: the phenomenon where ink or writing shows through to the other side of a page.
Blind test #
a test where the examiner does not know the origin or authenticity of a document.
Bloodstains #
stains caused by blood, often analyzed in forensic investigations.
Body fluid #
any fluid from the human body, such as blood, saliva, or semen.
Burn marks #
marks left on a document after it has been exposed to fire or heat.
Business card #
a card used to identify a person or business, often containing contact information.
Cancel #
to void or invalidate a document, often by marking it with a stamp or signature.
Carbonless paper #
paper coated with a layer that allows it to transfer images to other sheets.
Certification #
the process of verifying the qualifications and expertise of a forensic document examiner.
Chain of custody #
the record of the handling and storage of a document or other evidence.
Character spacing #
the distance between characters or words in a document.
Chemical analysis #
the process of analyzing the chemical composition of a substance, such as ink or paper.
Chemical eraser #
a tool used to remove ink or other marks from a document.
Chromatography #
a technique used to separate and analyze the components of a substance.
Cipher #
a code or system used to conceal the meaning of a message.
Civil law #
the branch of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations.
Collation #
the process of gathering and organizing multiple copies of a document.
Colorant #
a substance used to add color to a document or ink.
Colorimetry #
the science of measuring the color of a substance.
Comparison #
the process of examining two or more documents to determine their similarities or differences.
Composite signature #
a signature made up of multiple components, such as a combination of letters or symbols.
Computer #
generated document: a document created using a computer or other digital device.
Condensed font #
a font that is narrower than usual, often used to fit more text on a page.
Confidentiality #
the principle of keeping information or documents secret.
Concealment #
the act of hiding or disguising a document or information.
Conservation #
the process of preserving and protecting documents or other materials.
Contemporary document #
a document created at the same time as the event or activity it describes.
Contrast #
the difference in appearance between two or more elements, such as text and background.
Copy #
a reproduction of a document, often made using a photocopier or other device.
Counterfeiting #
the act of creating or altering a document to deceive or defraud others.
Court exhibit #
a document or other item presented as evidence in a court of law.
Crime scene #
the location where a crime has been committed, often containing physical evidence.
Cursive writing #
a style of writing that involves connected letters and flowing strokes.
Cutting #
the act of removing or altering a portion of a document, often using scissors or a knife.
Cyanobacteria #
microorganisms that can cause paper to deteriorate or become discolored.
Dactylography #
the study of fingerprints and their use in identification.
Dating #
the process of determining the age of a document or other material.
Deciphering #
the process of decoding or interpreting a coded message.
Defacement #
the act of intentionally damaging or disfiguring a document.
Degradation #
the process of deterioration or decay of a document or material.
Denied document #
a document that has been denied or disputed, often in a court of law.
Density #
the measure of the amount of ink or toner used in a document.
Deoxyribonucleic acid #
DNA, a molecule that contains genetic information.
Depth of field #
the range of distances within which a camera or other device can focus.
Desiccation #
the process of drying out or removing moisture from a document or material.
Detection #
the process of identifying or locating a document or other item.
Deterioration #
the process of decay or degradation of a document or material.
Developed document #
a document that has been processed or enhanced to reveal hidden or obscured information.
Digitization #
the process of converting a document or other material into digital form.
Digital document #
a document created or stored in digital form, such as a computer file.
Digital imaging #
the process of capturing or creating images using digital technology.
Digital signature #
a type of electronic signature that uses encryption or other methods to verify authenticity.
Direct evidence #
evidence that directly proves a fact or circumstance.
Discoloration #
the change in color of a document or material, often due to aging or exposure.
Disguise #
the act of altering or concealing one's identity or appearance.
Display font #
a font designed for use in headings or titles, often larger or more decorative than body text.
Distance #
the measure of the space between two or more points or objects.
Distortion #
the change in shape or appearance of a document or image, often due to scanning or printing.
Distribution #
the process of dispersing or delivering documents or other materials.
Document #
a record or written instrument, such as a letter, contract, or certificate.
Document analysis #
the process of examining and interpreting the content and characteristics of a document.
Documentation #
the process of creating and maintaining records or documents.
Dot matrix printer #
a type of printer that uses a grid of dots to form characters and images.
Double indentation #
the technique of indenting the first line of a paragraph and the following lines.
Draft #
a preliminary version of a document, often subject to revision or editing.
Duplicating #
the process of making multiple copies of a document or image.
Dust #
particles or debris that can accumulate on documents or other surfaces.
Dye #
a substance used to add color to a document or ink.
Earmark #
a distinctive feature or characteristic of a document or writer.
Echelon #
a level or rank in a hierarchy or organization.
Edge #
the border or boundary of a document or image.
Editing #
the process of revising or correcting a document or text.
Electrostatic detection #
a technique used to detect and visualize latent prints or other evidence.
Embossing #
the process of raising or creating a design on a document or material.
Emulation #
the act of imitating or mimicking the writing or signature of another person.
Encryption #
the process of converting plaintext into ciphertext to protect information.
Endorsement #
the act of signing or approving a document, often on the back or reverse side.
Enlargement #
the process of increasing the size of a document or image.
Enzyme #
a biological molecule that catalyzes chemical reactions, often used in forensic analysis.
Erasable ink #
a type of ink that can be removed or erased, often used in writing instruments.
Error #
a mistake or inaccuracy in a document or text.
Evidence #
information or objects presented in a court of law to support a claim or argument.
Exhibit #
a document or other item presented as evidence in a court of law.
Expedited examination #
a type of examination that is done quickly or urgently, often in emergency situations.
Expert witness #
a person with specialized knowledge or expertise, often called to testify in a court of law.
Expiration date #
the date after which a document or contract is no longer valid or effective.
Facsimile #
a copy or reproduction of a document, often made using a photocopier or other device.
Falsification #
the act of altering or creating a document to deceive or defraud others.
Fiber analysis #
the process of examining and analyzing the fibers used in paper or other materials.
Fingerprint #
a unique pattern of ridges and valleys on an individual's fingertips.
Fire damage #
damage caused by fire, often affecting documents or other materials.
Fluorescence #
the emission of light by a substance, often used in forensic analysis.
Font #
a set of characters or typefaces used in printing or writing.
Footnote #
a note or comment placed at the bottom of a page, often used to provide additional information.
Forgery #
the act of creating or altering a document to deceive or defraud others.
Form #
a document or template used to collect or record information.
Format #
the arrangement or layout of a document or text.
Fragment #
a portion or piece of a document or material, often used in forensic analysis.
Fraud #
the act of deceiving or cheating others, often through the use of false or altered documents.
Fringe #
the edge or border of a document or image, often used to describe the outer limits.
Gel pen #
a type of pen that uses a water-based ink suspended in a gel-like substance.
Gloss #
the shine or reflectivity of a document or surface, often used to describe the finish.
Graphology #
the study of handwriting and its relationship to personality or behavior.
Grid #
a pattern of lines or squares used to organize or structure a document.
Handwriting #
the style or characteristics of an individual's writing, often used in identification.
Handwriting analysis #
the process of examining and interpreting the characteristics of handwriting.
Hard copy #
a physical document or printout, often used to describe a tangible record.
Harmless error #
an error or mistake that does not affect the outcome or validity of a document.
Header #
the portion of a document or page that contains information such as the title or author.
Highlighting #
the process of emphasizing or drawing attention to certain text or information.
Historical document #
a document that is significant or important due to its age or historical context.
Holistic approach #
a method or approach that considers the whole or entire context, rather than just individual parts.
Homemade document #
a document created or produced by an individual, often using personal resources or equipment.
Horizontal analysis #
the process of examining or comparing data or information from a horizontal or side-by-side perspective.
Hyphenation #
the process of dividing words between lines or pages, often using a hyphen to indicate the break.
Hyperspectral imaging #
a technique used to capture and analyze images across a wide range of wavelengths.
Icon #
a symbol or image used to represent an object, concept, or idea.
Identification #
the process of determining or verifying the identity of a person, document, or object.
Image processing #
the technique used to enhance or manipulate digital images.
Impression #
a mark or indentation left on a surface, often used to describe the effect of pressure or force.
Inconsistency #
a discrepancy or lack of consistency in a document or text.
Indented #
the process of creating a space or gap at the beginning of a line or paragraph.
Index #
a list or table of contents used to locate or reference specific information.
Indicia #
a mark or symbol used to indicate or signify something, often used in postal or financial contexts.
Infrared imaging #
a technique used to capture and analyze images using infrared radiation.
Ink #
a liquid or substance used for writing or printing, often composed of dyes or pigments.
Inkjet printer #
a type of printer that uses ink to produce text or images on a page.
Inscription #
a mark or writing added to a document or object, often used to provide additional information.
Inspection #
the process of examining or reviewing a document or object to determine its condition or authenticity.
Integral #
a part or component that is essential or necessary to the whole, often used to describe a critical element.
Intentional alteration #
a change or modification made to a document with the intention of deceiving or defrauding others.
Interlineation #
the process of adding or inserting text between the lines of a document.
Internal consistency #
the degree to which a document or text is consistent or uniform in its content or style.
Interpolation #
the process of estimating or inferring missing data or information.
Interpretation #
the process of understanding or explaining the meaning or significance of a document or text.
Invisible ink #
a type of ink that is not visible to the naked eye, often used for covert or secret communication.
Invisible writing #
a technique used to conceal or disguise writing, often using invisible ink or other methods.
Iron gall ink #
a type of ink made from iron salts and tannins, often used in historical documents.
Iron #
on transfer: a technique used to transfer images or text onto a surface using heat and pressure.
Irregularity #
a deviation or departure from the norm or standard, often used to describe an unusual or unexpected feature.
ISO #
International Organization for Standardization, develops standards for various industries and fields.
Italic font #
a font that is slanted or sloping, often used to emphasize or distinguish text.
Kerning #
the process of adjusting the space between characters or letters, often used to improve readability.
Label #
a mark or tag used to identify or describe an object or document, often used in filing or organization systems.
Lacuna #
a gap or missing portion of a document or text, often used to describe a lack of information.
Lamination #
the process of applying a layer of material to a document or surface, often used to protect or preserve.
Language #
the system of words, phrases, and grammar used to communicate, often used to describe the text or content of a document.
Laser printer #
a type of printer that uses a laser to produce text or images on a page.
Latent print #
a hidden or invisible print or mark, often used to describe fingerprints or other evidence.
Layout #
the arrangement or organization of a document or text, often used to describe the structure or format.
Leaf #
a page or sheet of paper, often used to describe a single component of a document.
Legend #
a key or explanation used to interpret or understand a document or image, often used to describe a map or diagram.
Letter spacing #
the distance between letters or characters, often used to describe the spacing or kerning.
Letterhead #
the portion of a document or page that contains the name and address of a person or organization.
Level of confidence #
the degree of certainty or assurance in a conclusion or opinion, often used to describe the results of an examination or analysis.
Lexicon #
a collection or dictionary of words, often used to describe a language or vocabulary.
Lightfastness #
the degree to which a material or ink resists fading or degradation due to exposure to light.
Line spacing #
the distance between lines of text, often used to describe the formatting or layout of a document.
Linguistic analysis #
the process of examining and interpreting the language or text of a document.
Loan document #
a document related to a loan or financial transaction, often used to describe a contract or agreement.
Logical analysis #
the process of examining and interpreting the content or meaning of a document, often used to describe a systematic or methodical approach.
Longevity #
the length of time that a document or material will last or remain usable.
Magnetic ink #
a type of ink that is responsive to magnetic fields, often used in security or authentication applications.
Magnification #
the process of enlarging or increasing the size of a document or image.
Mail #
a system or method of sending or delivering documents or messages, often used to describe postal or courier services.
Mainframe #
a large or central computer system, often used to describe a network or database.
Manuscript #
a handwritten document or text, often used to describe a historical or literary work.
Margin #
the space or border around the edges of a document or page, often used to describe the layout or formatting.
Masking #
the process of concealing or covering a portion of a document or image, often used to describe a technique or method.
Material analysis #
the process of examining and interpreting the physical properties or composition of a document or material.
Matrix #
a grid or pattern of dots or characters used to form images or text, often used to describe a printer or display device.
Measure #
a unit or standard used to quantify or describe a physical property or characteristic, often used to describe a dimension or size.
Mechanical pencil #
a type of pencil that uses a mechanical mechanism to advance the lead, often used to describe a writing instrument.
Media #
a material or substance used to create or display documents or images, often used to describe a type of paper or ink.
Mediocre #
a quality or level of performance that is average or unremarkable, often used to describe a document or writing sample.
Mend #
to repair or fix a document or material, often used to describe a conservation or restoration technique.
Methodology #
a system or approach used to examine or analyze documents or evidence, often used to describe a scientific or systematic method.
Microfilm #
a type of film used to store or preserve documents or images, often used to describe a photographic or reproductive technique.
Microscope #
an instrument used to magnify or examine small objects or samples, often used to describe a scientific or laboratory tool.
Microscopy #
the process of using a microscope to examine or analyze samples or evidence, often used to describe a scientific or forensic technique.
Migration #
the process of moving or transferring documents or data from one location or system to another, often used to describe a digital or electronic process.
Mimicry #
the act of imitating or copying the writing or style of another person, often used to describe a technique or method.
Mixed media #
a combination of different materials or substances used to create a document or image, often used to describe a artistic or creative technique.
Model #
a representation or simulation of a system or process, often used to describe a theoretical or conceptual framework.
Modification #
a change or alteration made to a document or material, often used to describe a revision or update.
Moisture #
a substance or condition that can affect the quality or durability of a document or material, often used to describe a environmental or storage factor.
Monochrome #
a color scheme or system that uses only one color or shade, often used to describe a document or image.
Morphology #
the study of the shape or structure of objects or materials, often used to describe a scientific or analytical technique.
Motif #
a recurring or distinctive pattern or design element, often used to describe a artistic or decorative feature.
Multicolor #
a color scheme or system that uses multiple colors or shades, often used to describe a document or image.
Narrative #
a story or account of events or experiences, often used to describe a text or document.
Natural aging #
the process of aging or deterioration that occurs naturally over time, often used to describe a environmental or storage factor.
Natural language #
a language or system of communication that is used by humans, often used to describe a linguistic or cultural phenomenon.
Negative #
a photographic image or print that has the opposite tonal values of the original, often used to describe a photographic or reproductive technique.
Network #
a system or structure of interconnected devices or nodes, often used to describe a digital or electronic system.
Node #
a point or connection in a network or system, often used to describe a digital or electronic component.
Non #
destructive testing: a method or technique used to examine or analyze a document or material without damaging or altering it, often used to describe a scientific or forensic technique.
Non #
reproducible: a document or image that cannot be reproduced or copied, often used to describe a unique or original item.
Normalizing #
the process of adjusting or standardizing a document or image to a standard or norm, often used to describe a digital or electronic process.
Notarization #
the process of verifying or authenticating a document or signature, often used to describe a legal or official procedure.
Numbering #
the process of assigning or applying numbers to a document or pages, often used to describe a formatting or organizational technique.
Numerical analysis #
the process of examining or interpreting numerical data or information, often used to describe a scientific or mathematical technique.
Obfuscation #
the process of concealing or disguising the meaning or content of a document or text, often used to describe a technique or method.
Objectivity #
the quality or state of being impartial or unbiased, often used to describe a scientific or analytical approach.
Obsolescence #
the state of being outdated or no longer useful, often used to describe a document or material.
OCR #
Optical Character Recognition, a technology used to recognize and convert text into digital form, often used to describe a document scanning or processing technique.
Offset printing #
a technique used to print text or images using a plate or cylinder, often used to describe a commercial or industrial printing process.
Omission #
a failure or neglect to include or mention something, often used to describe a document or text.
On #
site examination: a type of examination or analysis that is conducted at the location where the document or evidence is stored, often used to describe a forensic or investigative technique.
Opacity #
the quality or state of being opaque or non-transparent, often used to describe a material or document.
Open #
source: a type of software or system that is freely available and modifiable, often used to describe a digital or electronic resource.
Operational #
a system or process that is functional or in use, often used to describe a digital or electronic system.
Optical #
a system or device that uses light or optics to examine or analyze documents or evidence, often used to describe a scientific or forensic technique.
Optimization #
the process of improving or enhancing the performance or quality of a document or system, often used to describe a digital or electronic process.
Organic #
a type of material or substance that is derived from living organisms, often used to describe a document or material.
Original #
a document or item that is the first or primary version, often used to describe a unique or authentic item.
Orthography #
the study of the spelling or writing system of a language, often used to describe a linguistic or cultural phenomenon.
Oversize #
a document or item that is larger than usual or standard, often used to describe a physical or material characteristic.
Ownership #
the state or right of possessing or controlling a document or material, often used to describe a legal or official concept.
Page #
a single sheet of paper or a unit of text or content, often used to describe a document or book.
Paging #
the process of assigning or applying page numbers to a document or book, often used to describe a formatting or organizational technique.
Paint #
a substance or material used to add color or decoration to a document or surface, often used to describe a artistic or creative technique.
Papyrus #
a type of paper or material made from plant fibers, often used to describe a historical or ancient document.
Paperclip #
a device or fastener used to hold or attach papers together, often used to describe a office or administrative supply.
Paperweight #
a object or device used to hold or keep papers in place, often used to describe a office or administrative supply.
Parallel #
a line or direction that is parallel or equal to another, often used to describe a geometric or spatial concept.
Parcel #
a package or container used to send or deliver documents or materials, often used to describe a shipping or postal concept.
Password #
a secret or confidential word or phrase used to authenticate or verify identity, often used to describe a digital or electronic security measure.
Paste #
a substance or material used to attach or adhere papers or documents together, often used to describe a office or administrative supply.
Patch #
a small or irregularly shaped piece of paper or material used to repair or reinforce a document, often used to describe a conservation or restoration technique.
Pattern #
a recurring or distinctive design or arrangement of elements, often used to describe a artistic or creative feature.
Pencil #
a writing instrument that uses a graphite or other material to mark or write on a surface, often used to describe a office or administrative supply.
Perception #
the process of perceiving or interpreting sensory information, often used to describe a psychological or cognitive concept.
Perforation #
the process of creating holes or tears in a document or material, often used to describe a physical or mechanical technique.
Permanence #
the quality or state of being lasting or durable, often used to describe a document or material.
Personalization #
the process of customizing or tailoring a document or system to an individual's needs or preferences, often used to describe a digital or electronic process.
Phenomenology #
the study of the structure or nature of conscious experience, often used to describe a philosophical or theoretical concept.
Photocopy #
a copy or reproduction of a document made using a photocopier or other device, often used to describe a office or administrative process.
Photography #
the process of capturing or creating images using a camera or other device, often used to describe a artistic or creative technique.
Physical analysis #
the process of examining or analyzing the physical properties or characteristics of a document or material, often used to describe a scientific or forensic technique.
Physical evidence #
objects or materials that are used to support or prove a fact or argument, often used to describe a forensic or investigative concept.
Physiology #
the study of the functions or processes of living organisms, often used to describe a biological or scientific concept.
Pigment #
a substance or material used to add color or decoration to a document or surface, often used to describe a artistic or creative technique.
Pixel #
a small or discrete unit of digital information or image, often used to describe a digital or electronic concept.
Plagiarism #
the act of copying or imitating the work or ideas of another person without credit or permission, often used to describe a academic or intellectual concept.
Platen #
a flat or flat surface used to support or hold a document or material, often used to describe a printing or scanning device.
Plotter #
a device or machine used to create or print large-format documents or images, often used to describe a commercial or industrial printing process.
Polarized light #
a type of light that is filtered or polarized to reduce glare or improve visibility, often used to describe a scientific or optical concept.
Polymer #
a type of material or substance composed of repeating units or molecules, often used to describe a chemical or scientific concept.
Polymerization #
the process of creating or forming polymers, often used to describe a chemical or scientific concept.
Porosity #
the quality or state of being porous or permeable, often used to describe a material or document.
Portion #
a part or section of a document or material, often used to describe a physical or spatial concept.
Position #
the location or placement of a document or object, often used to describe a physical or spatial concept.
Postage #
the cost or fee associated with sending or delivering a document or package, often used to describe a postal or shipping concept.
Postal #
a system or service used to send or deliver documents or packages, often used to describe a government or administrative concept.
Potassium #
a chemical element or substance, often used to describe a scientific or forensic concept.
Power of attorney #
a document or instrument that grants authority or power to act on behalf of another person, often used to describe a legal or official concept.
Precipitation #
the process of forming or depositing a solid or liquid substance, often used to describe a chemical or scientific concept.
Preparation #
the process of preparing or making ready a document or material, often used to describe a physical or administrative concept.
Preservation #
the process of protecting or conserving a document or material from damage or deterioration, often used to describe a conservation or archival concept.
Press #
a device or machine used to apply pressure or print documents or images, often used to describe a commercial or industrial printing process.
Pressure #
the force or weight applied to a document or surface, often used to describe a physical or mechanical concept.
Primary #
a document or source that is original or first-hand, often used to describe a historical or archival concept.
Print #
a copy or reproduction of a document or image made using a printer or other device, often used to describe a office or administrative process.
Printable #
a document or material that can be printed or reproduced, often used to describe a digital or electronic concept.
Printer #
a device or