Kota Kinabalu: A forensic document examiner emphasised that her professional opinions were limited to the documents submitted for examination, the methods that could be carried out, and the scientific limitations stated in her reports, the Coroner’s Court heard.
Forensic Document Examiner and Certified Handwriting Expert Dr Linthini Gannetion, 34, said her examination was subject to several constraints during the forensic process.
Reading out her written statement on Tuesday, Dr Linthini said not all laboratory examinations could be performed as the evidence could not be transported to the laboratory for more comprehensive analysis.
She said these limitations affected the scope of testing available in the case.
However, she maintained that all findings presented were based strictly on the evidence and materials made available to her throughout the examination.
She confirmed that insofar as the facts stated in her written statement were within her own knowledge, she believed them to be true.
For matters expressed as expert opinions, she said these represented her true, complete, independent, objective and impartial professional opinion.
During proceedings, Dr Linthini stressed the importance of neutrality and professional integrity in forensic examination.
She testified that her role as an expert deponent required her to provide independent findings without influence from any party involved in the case.
“I understand that as an expert witness, my overriding duty is to the court, and that this duty overrides any obligation to the party who appointed me or to the solicitors who instructed me,” she said.
Dr Linthini confirmed that she had complied fully with her duty as an expert witness and said her statement was prepared specifically to assist the court in the inquest proceedings.
The court was informed that all matters stated in the written statement were based on her examination, the reports she prepared and the materials made available during the investigation process.
She added that her findings were supported by her professional knowledge and expertise in forensic document and handwriting examination.
The inquest continues.
