Legal Aspects of Forensic Document Examination

This program is approved by the State Bar of California for 1 hour MCLE credit. The program “Legal Aspects of Forensic Document Examination” presents a description of how document examiners approach cases using a methodology that will satisfy legal requirements for an expert witness. Industry standards are presented along with court cases that impact the ability of document examiners to present evidence. There have been challenges to the ability of document examiners to exceed lay people at authenticating handwriting. These challenges are discussed and put to rest based on scientific research. Cases from the United States Supreme Court and the influence on federal and state court rules and codes are examined.

An Introduction to Forensic Document Examination

This 5-hour program offers a detailed introduction to forensic document examination. Topics covered are 1) An overview of forensic document examination, 2) Handwriting identification, 3) The effects of bias on forensic examiners’ opinions, and 4) The future of forensic document examination including examining signatures written on digital pads. Hands-on workshops offer the attendees an opportunity to solve cases. Computer demonstrations show the importance of software tools to examine documents and handwriting. Mr. Wakshull is the author of the book book Line by Line – Forensic Document Examination For Legal Professionals.

An overview of forensic document examination

This program is approved by the State Bar of California for 1 hour of MCLE credit. This engaging, interactive presentation provides knowledge to legal professional about the topic of forensic document examination applied to legal situations requiring authentication of documents. Topics included are handwriting identification, discovery of altered documents, how to hire a document examiner and legal requirements for experts.

The Effects of Motivational and Cognitive Bias in Forensic Science

Cognitive and motivational bias influences the decisions made by forensic examiners, juries and judges. Cognitive biases can affect the perceived credibility of the examiner’s report, court testimony or ability as an expert witness. The 2009 NAS report described cognitive biases as, “common features of decision making, and they cannot be willed away.” A model of motivational bias and cognitive bias is presented. Methods of overcoming bias and perception of bias are offered. This presentation explores methods that can be implemented to recognize these biases. Once the biases are known, people can take steps to mitigate the influences of the biases. Methods that can be used to mitigate the effects of these biases on decisions are presented.

Potential introduction of bias into forensic science by the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Reform Act of 2011 sponsored by Senator Patrick Lehey and the Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2012 sponsored by Senator Jay Rockefeller are discussed.