Preparing a brief for a document examiner

Worked examples

Instead of asking “Who forged this document?”, pose a question that can be examined: “Is the signature beside clause 4 suitable for comparison with these three signatures?” For each item, say whether it is an original, a copy or a digital file, where it came from and why it was selected.

Ask what material suits the task, what falls outside the proposed examination and whether the examiner needs the original. Seek directions before marking, disassembling or transferring a sensitive document. Distinguish facts needed for the examination from assumptions about the parties’ intentions.

Professional source · nvlpubs.nist.gov