Forensic Science Midterm Exam: Document Analysis

Michael found a document in the library, and its authenticity is in dispute. This document is an example of a _______ document.

• printed material

• written mark

• typewriting

• all of the above

Answer explanation

The document can be classified as printed material, written mark, or typewriting, making 'all of the above' the correct choice. Each category reflects a different aspect of how the document may have been produced.

In a classroom activity, students were asked to analyze different characteristics unique to individuals. Balguisa pointed out that handwriting is considered unique to each individual, similar to:

• fingerprints

• DNA

• voice patterns

• facial features

Answer explanation

Handwriting is unique to each individual, just like fingerprints. Both are distinct identifiers that can be used to differentiate one person from another, making fingerprints the most similar comparison.

During a school project, Cory and Michael were discussing famous court cases. Cory asked Michael, "In which court case was handwriting analysis deemed admissible in court?"

• Miranda v. Arizona

• Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals

• U.S. Court of Appeals decision

• Frye v. United States

Answer explanation

The court case Frye v. United States established the standard for admissibility of scientific evidence, including handwriting analysis, in court. This case set the precedent that such evidence must be generally accepted in the relevant scientific community.

Brenazja and Cory are participating in a forensic science competition. They are tasked with analyzing handwriting samples. Experts analyze how many major characteristics of handwriting?

• 5

• 8

• 12

• 15

Answer explanation

Experts analyze 12 major characteristics of handwriting, which include elements like slant, size, and spacing. This comprehensive analysis helps in identifying and comparing handwriting samples effectively.

During a handwriting analysis workshop, Yashanae and Cory were asked to identify characteristics of handwriting. Which of the following is NOT a handwriting characteristic?

• Letter slant

• Pressure consistency

• Use of capital letters

• Spelling accuracy

Answer explanation

Spelling accuracy is not a handwriting characteristic; it relates to the correctness of words rather than the physical traits of handwriting, such as letter slant, pressure consistency, and use of capital letters.

During a school project, Balguisa and Yashanae were asked to identify which of the following documents would most likely be considered a questioned document?

• A birth certificate

• A movie ticket stub

• A handwritten note with a disputed signature

• A printed flyer for a community event

Answer explanation

A handwritten note with a disputed signature is considered a questioned document because its authenticity can be challenged, unlike the other options which are typically accepted as valid documents.

Michael and Brenazja are comparing their handwriting styles. They notice that the ratio of height to width in their handwriting is an example of which characteristic?

• Line quality

• Spacing

• Size consistency

• Letter formation

Answer explanation

The ratio of height to width in handwriting reflects size consistency, which indicates how uniform the dimensions of letters are across different characters. This characteristic is crucial for legibility and style.

During a school project, Balguisa and Michael were tasked with verifying the authenticity of historical letters. What type of analysis should they use to compare the questioned documents with known material?

• Document comparison

• Handwriting analysis

• Graphology

• Signature verification

Answer explanation

Document comparison is the most appropriate method for verifying the authenticity of historical letters, as it involves analyzing the questioned documents against known materials for discrepancies in content, format, and other features.

Which tool is commonly used to examine initial handwriting characteristics?

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Answer explanation

The tool commonly used to examine initial handwriting characteristics is a handwriting analysis tool, which helps assess traits such as slant, pressure, and size, providing insights into the writer's personality.

Cory and Yashanae are learning about handwriting analysis in their forensic science class. They are particularly interested in how experts can identify forgery through the pressure of strokes. What feature in handwriting analysis helps them with this?

• Pen pressure

• Letter formation

• Line quality

• Spacing consistency

Answer explanation

Pen pressure is a key feature in handwriting analysis that helps experts identify forgery. Variations in pressure can indicate different writing styles, making it crucial for distinguishing authentic signatures from forgeries.