NCJ Number
174925
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 1997 Pages: 49-51
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the use of the ESDA process as a simple method for determining the sequence in which impressions and highlighter ink were placed on a sheet of paper, with emphasis on its use in a case in Birmingham, England.
Abstract
A forensic laboratory examined a document consisting of some sequentially written sheets. Some of the sheets had details highlighted using highlighting pens. In addition, all the sheets had impressions of writing derived from the writing on the preceding page in the bundle. The issue was whether the impressions were present on the sheets before or after the highlighter was used on the different sheets. The analysis focused on the type of paper; the type and manufacturer of the highlighter; and the time lapse between the creation of the impressions and the application of the highlighter, or vice-versa. Attention focused particularly on the areas in which the highlighter ink and impressions overlapped. The 32 tests used four paper types, three highlighters, and different sequences of highlighting and impressions made either soon after one another or after a few days. ESDA tests were conducted using the cascade method. Results were clear and unambiguous. The effect of highlighter ink was to nearly prevent the visualization of existing impressions by ESDA, whereas impressions created in areas already bearing highlighter ink were at least as clear as adjacent impressions in areas without highlighter ink. Findings indicated that it is possible to determine the sequence of impressions and highlighter on a sheet of paper with considerable confidence. Figures and 22 reference notes