HANDLING OF DOCUMENTS AND QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS

A. THE CARE OF DISPUTED DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE:

1. It is a basic requirement, that when a document becomes disputed and deposited in court
or  with  the  attorney, in order to  maintain  its original condition,  it  should be kept
UNFOLDED AND  IN  A  SEPARATE, PROPER SIZE ENVELOPE OR FOLDER.
This is true not only for the disputed documents, but for many other important
documentary evidence.
2. It is also advisable that right  after  the document becomes disputed, or questioned, it is
important to make not only the usual photo static copy (Xerox),  but also a proper
photograph or photo-enlargement, done if possible  by the document expert or under the
supervision  of  the document expert.
3. When working in the preparation of case, it is often necessary  for the lawyer or
court to handle repeatedly  the disputed  document.  Should this be necessary, instead of
handling and working with the original document, the photograph should be used.
4. Every touching, folding, refolding or pointing to certain parts of a document, can change
the physical condition of the case.  For example, touching with wet hands or fingers can
create smearing in the ink, pointing with a pencil can leave marks that create a suspicion
of previous pencil marks, or experiments as proof of attempted forgery.
5. Pointing a document with any other instruments, such as sharp stick, can cause slight
damage which although it can not be seen by the naked eye, can show definite marks
under the microscope or on the enlarged photograph.
6. No test should be made to alter the conditions of the document; for example, the old-
fashioned ink test, which was used to determine the age of the ink-writing.
7. Should any test be necessary, insist that it should be done in the presence of a chemist, or
in court, or in front of both parties involved the case.

B. DO's and DON'T's in the CARE, HANDLING AND PRESERVATION OF

DOCUMENTS
1. “DO’S”
a. Take disputed papers to Document Examiner's Laboratory at the First Opportunity.
b. If storage is necessary, keep in dry place away from excessive heat strong light.
c. Maintain in consequential document, unfolded and in transparent plastic envelope or
evidence preserver.
2. “DONT’S”
a. Do not underscore, make careless markings, fold, erase, impress rubber stamps,
sticker, write on, or otherwise alter any handwriting.
b. Do not smear with fingerprints powder or chemicals.
c. Do not carry handwriting document carelessly in wallet, notebook or brief case on
grounds of interviews.
d. Do not handle disputed papers excessively or carry then in pocket for a long time.
e. Do not  marked  disputed  documents  (either  by   consciously writing instruments or
dividers)
f. Do not mutilate or damage by repeated refolding, creasing, cutting, tearing or
punching for filing purposes.
g. Do not allow anyone except qualified specialist to make chemical or other tests; do no
treat or dust for latent finger prints before consulting a document examiner.
C. HANDLING CHARRED DOCUMENTS:
1. Those extremely fragile must be handled as little as possible and transporting them to the
laboratory requires extra-ordinary care. With forethought and caution they can be
brought from the distant fire scene to the laboratory.
2. They should be moved in the container in which they are found whenever possible.
When the fragments are not packed tightly, they should be padded with lightweight
absorbent cotton. If jarring can not be entirely eliminated jarring the box must be kept to
a minimum.
3. Thus every precaution must be taken in handling and transporting the charred residue in
order to prevent the large pieces from becoming unnecessarily and badly broken. The
fragment must be held firmly without crushing and prevent movement or shifting when
finally packed in a sturdy container.