Attorney's Guide to Document Examination [Hardcover]

Katherine M. Koppenhaver (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1567204708 | ISBN-13: 978-1567204704 | Publication Date: December 30, 2001

When the authenticity of a document is in question in the courtroom, forensic document examiners are brought in to determine such things as whether a signature has been forged, whether the document has been altered, and whether it is all things it purports to be. The examination of suspect documents generally involves comparison with examples of known genuine writing. Attorneys need to know how to select appropriate comparison documents for forensic document examiners. This is but one of the many skills that attorneys must develop in order to benefit fully from their collaborations with forensic document examiners, and it is explained here in detail. So, too, are the basic principles of handwriting identification, the knowledge of which enables lawyers to challenge incorrect statements. This comprehensive and thorough guide for attorneys also explains what document examiners can and cannot determine based on the evidence, and it provides a thorough grounding in how to prepare for court and deposition testimony. Among the many unique features of this attorney's guide is an extensive list of questions for lawyers to ask their own, and their opponent's, expert witnesses before going to trial. The deposition of a forensic document examiner includes questions relating to the examiner's experience, working methodology, background and education, knowledge base, certifications, achievements, and many other items relating to the examiner's abilities. Next, an extensive set of questions helps lawyers ask for the right information pertaining to the examiner's specific methods of preparation for the case at hand. After the deposition is taken, the expert must be qualified in court; this book includes 60 qualifying questions. After qualification, it is time to move on to questions about document examination and the case being litigated. Finally, new questions pertaining specifically to the cross-examination of document examiners are presented, once again relating to credentials and a given case. This valuable resource concludes with a chapter describing the relevance of various court citations involving handwriting. Appendices are devoted to suggested reading; a resource list of experts related to the field, including photographers, librarians, and appraisers; organizations; and a glossary of technical terms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“What is an expert witness? What do they do? Ms. Kathy Koppenhaver has answered those questions in a readable, concise, and educational book on the subject...a must read for the legal community.”–Rita M. Lord, BCFE

“There are good teachers and even great teachers, but once in a while there are a few remarkable individuals who become legends in their own times leaving legacies of their written and spoken materials for those who follow in their footsteps. Kathy Koppenhaver is a living legend with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and vast experiences that she generously shares with everyone she meets. She is a treasure to the field of document examination.”–Ruth Holmes, CDE Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

“Katherine Koppenhaver is one of the premiere document examiners in the United States. Not only has she made numerous important contribitions through her tireless efforts to promote professional standards in the field, but she has also shared generously her expertise and advice when it was needed. The Attorney's Guide to Document Examiniation is the next logical step.”–Sheila Lowe, Document Examiner author of Handwriting of the Famous & Infamous

“A must read....comprehensive, precise, well-formatted, and a great source of information for attorneys or anyone who actively participates in document examination or works with forgeries.”–J. Lucas, Forensic Document Examiner

“All trial attorneys who may be confronted with procuring the services of a forensic document examiner or who may be cross-examining a forensic document examiner should have this text in their library. It is a comprehensive yet concise guide for the attorney who wants to be well-prepared and armed with the knowledge of the services and limitations of the field of forensic document examination.”–Larry S. Miller Professor & Forensic Document Examiner, State of Tennessee

“When attorneys contact me about a case, most often they will mention that this is their first time working with a document examiner or handwriting expert. I have long wished for a book that could acquaint attorneys with my work, and here it is. This book is a 'must read' for attorneys and paralegals. They will understand how to approach cases involving suspect documents, and the concepts discussed here may have broader application for them in working with experts in other fields.”–Emily J. Will, Certified Document Examiner

“In reviewing this book as an attorney, one will obtain a strong 'nut shell' approach to pursuing and/or defending cases involving handwriting. A logical step by step approach is provided and will arm the practitioner with a means of acquiring sufficient information to understand the intricacies of the 'written' word.”–David J. Preller, Jr. Preller & Preller

From the Author

Forensic document examiners study questioned documents in order to identify forgeries and to authenticate genuine handwriting. Their work includes detecting alterations, deciphering indented writing, and determining the sequence of writing. They also draw conclusions about typed and printed documents.

The process of examination involves a thorough and detailed study of the questioned documents and generally involves a comparison with genuine specimens. Attorneys need to know how to collect appropriate documents for comparison. They need to know what a document examiner can and cannot determine about the evidence. They should become familiar with the basic principles of document examination.

There is a chapter devoted to Federal court cases concern-ing decisions about handwriting. Attorneys will learn how to take request writing, the proper care and handling of sensitive documents, factors that influence handwriting and materials from which documents are made. This is the only book on the market written exclusively to assist attorneys in handling cases involving questioned documents.

Many attorneys have asked for basic information about document examination. This book has been written for all the attorneys who find themselves dealing with questioned document cases.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Quorum Books (December 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567204708
• ISBN-13: 978-1567204704
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #698,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for Attorneys and Document Examiners, December 31, 2003

By 

R. Joseph Jalbert (Rome, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Attorney's Guide to Document Examination (Hardcover)

This book, as the title depicts, is primarily for attorneys who believe they have a forged document but do not know exactly how to proceed. It answers all the questiones to ask in depositons and on cross examination, gives an understanding of how genuiness is determined and what you need to proceed with a case. Not only is it an excellent book for attorneys but a great reference for document examiners as well. Document examiners can review the chapters to assure they do a commendable job representing their client. It also gives an excellent chapter on court citations in reference to handwriting analysis. Attorneys need no longer guess if they are approaching a case in the best way possible.