Problems of Forensic Sciences 2019 Vol. 117 (CXVII) 19-36
WHAT FORENSIC INFORMATION DOES A PHOTOCOPIER REPRODUCTION CONVEY – IS IT SUITABLE AND SUFFICIENT TO LEAD AN EXPERT TO A DEFINITE CONCLUSION?
S. K. MISHRA1, Priya SHARMA2, Mohinder SINGH3, O. P. JASUJA2
1Forensic Science Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Haryana, India
2Department of Forensic Science, Sanskriti University, Mathura, India
3Former GEQD, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, India
Streszczenie
This paper deals with the universal problem being faced by the document experts as to when, why and how to express an opinion on various aspects of questioned document examination, when their originals are not forthcoming and only photocopier reproductions are submitted for examination and analysis. In this paper, the authors endeavor to present a detailed review and evaluation of the problem and the solutions in the light of views expressed by various authorities on the subject and their own experience. An actual case study has also been presented with a view to emphasize on the forensic document examiners the need to express whatsoever opinion is possible on the photocopies submitted for examination, in case the originals are not forthcoming; so that such opinion evidence of the expert, howsoever insignificant it may appear to be, can be considered and acted upon by the courts of law in corroboration with evidence of other witnesses and overall facts and circumstances of the case.
Słowa kluczowe
Forensics; Questioned document examination; Photocopied documents; Photocopier; Opinion.