ABSTRACT
The analysis of trace evidence focuses on microscopy and microscopy coupled to instrumentation that we first discussed in Section 5, Forensic Chemistry. Questioned document analysis also relies on chemical instrumentation and physical measurements as well as pattern matching. Trace analysts use pattern matching as well, and by now you should recognize that pattern matching is fundamental to forensic science. Questioned documents and trace evidence are among the most diverse disciplines within forensic science because, depending on the type of evidence, any number of techniques, procedures, or instrumentation may be needed and used. Both are excellent examples of cross-cutting forensic disciplines.
