This study critically examines the pivotal role and significant importance of forensic document examination in influencing court decisions within the judicial system of Kosovo. In an era where digital evidence is increasingly prevalent, the authenticity and veracity of physical documents (e.g., contracts, wills, identity papers, anonymous letters) remain crucial in various legal proceedings, including criminal, civil, and administrative cases. This research employs a qualitative, legal-analytical approach, drawing upon a review of relevant legal frameworks, judicial practices, and a conceptual understanding of forensic science's contribution to justice. The study investigates how expert opinions derived from forensic document examination—such as handwriting analysis, signature verification, examination of alterations, and analysis of paper and ink—are presented as evidence, weighed by judges, and ultimately contribute to the factual basis upon which court decisions are rendered. Findings indicate that forensic document examination serves as a vital tool for establishing truth, resolving disputes, and ensuring justice, particularly in cases involving fraud, forgery, and identity-related crimes. Despite its recognized importance, challenges such as the availability of specialized expertise, adequate resources, and the need for continuous training for legal professionals in interpreting forensic evidence are identified. This study underscores the indispensable nature of forensic document examination in strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of the judicial process in Kosovo.

Forensic Document Examination, Court Decision, Kosovo

1. (General statement on truth and facts in legal system, not specific to one provided reference).

2. (General statement on documents as evidence, not specific to one provided reference).

3. Aaker A, Kumar VD, George S. 2000. Marketing Research. New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc. (Note: This reference is for "Marketing Research" and seems misplaced for a forensic document examination article. It is included as provided but its direct relevance is minimal).

4. Jasarevic, N. Osman & Maloku, Sh. Ahmet. 2021. Kriminologija (etiologija i fenomenologija kriminaliteta). Univerzitet u Travniku, pravni fakultet. Travnik.

5. Maloku, A., Kastrati, S., Gabela, O., & Maloku, E. (2022). Prognostic scientific research in planning and successful management of organizations in the security sector. Corporate & Business Strategy Review, 3(2), 138–150. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbsrv3i2art12.

6. Creswell, J., & Plano Clark, V. (2007). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (Note: This reference is for research methodology, not specific to forensic documents).

7. (General description of forensic document examination scope, not specific to one provided reference).

8. (General statement on expert testimony importance, not specific to one provided reference).

9. (General statement on expert witness role, not specific to one provided reference).

10. (General statement on expert opinion influence, not specific to one provided reference).

11. Tomšik, Robert. 2019. Power Comparisons of Shapiro-Wilk, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Jarque-Bera Tests, Scholars Journal of Research in Mathematics and Computer Science, 237-243. (Note: This reference is about statistical tests and seems misplaced for a forensic document examination article. It is included as provided but its direct relevance is minimal).

12. Jasarević, N. Osman and Maloku, Sh. Ahmet (2021b). Krivično procesno pravo I i II, (opšti i posebni dio), Univerzitet u travniku, Pravni fakultet. Travnik.

13. Fejzi Beqiri, Elda Maloku and Ahmet Maloku, ‘Human Organs Trafficking: Perspective from Criminal Matters, Business and Human Rights’ (2023) 4(21) Access to Justice in Eastern Europe. https://doi.org/10.33327/AJEE-18-6.4-a000489.

14. Bartlett, JE, Kotrlik, IJW and Higgins, CC (2001). "Organizational Research: Determining the Appropriate Sample Size in Survey Research". Information Technology, Learning and Performance Journal 19 (1) 43-50. (Note: This reference is about sample size determination and seems misplaced for a forensic document examination article. It is included as provided but its direct relevance is minimal).

15. Maloku, A., Kastrati, S., Gabela, O., & Maloku, E. (2022). Prognostic scientific research in planning and successful management of organizations in the security sector. Corporate & Business Strategy Review, 3(2), 138–150. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbsrv3i2art12. (Note: This reference is cited twice as it covers scientific research in security sector).

16. (General statement on legal professionals' understanding, not specific to one provided reference).

17. Karović, S., Maloku, A., & Shala, S. (2020). Juvenile Criminal Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina With Reference to the Criminal Legal Position and Responsibility of Juveniles. Kriminalističke Teme, (1-2), 107-122. https://krimteme.fkn.unsa.ba/index.php/kt/article/view/205.

18. Maloku, A., Maloku, E. (2020). Protection of Human Trafficking Victims and Functionalization of Institutional Mechanisms in Kosovo. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Juridica, 16 (1), 21–44.

19. Maloku, A., Maloku, E. (2021). Fjalor i terminologjisë juridiko-penale për gazetarë. Kolegji Iliria, Prishtinë.

20. Schobar, Patrick, Christa Boer& Lothar A. Schwarte. 2018. Correlation Coefficients: Appropriate Use and Interpretation, Anesthesia&Analgesia, 126 (5):1, pp: 1762-1768. (Note: This reference is about correlation coefficients and seems misplaced for a forensic document examination article. It is included as provided but its direct relevance is minimal).

21. TELL Delaware Survey. 2013. Validity and Reliability Report. Santa Cruz. (Note: This reference is about survey validity and reliability and seems misplaced for a forensic document examination article. It is included as provided but its direct relevance is minimal).

22. Yamane, T. (1967). Statistics: An Introductory Analysis (2nd ed.). New York: Harper and Row]. (Note: This reference is about statistics and seems misplaced for a forensic document examination article. It is included as provided but its direct relevance is minimal).

23. Cohen, L., Lawrence, M. & Marrison K. 2007. Research Methods in Education, sixth edition, London and New York: Routledge/Falmer. (Note: This reference is cited twice as it covers research methods).

24. Fraenkel, JK, & Wallen, NE (Eds.). (2003). How to design and evaluate research in education. The McGraw-Hill Company, Inc. New York. (Note: This reference is about research design and evaluation).

25. Wellington, J. 2000. Educational Research: contemporary issues and practical approaches, London: Continuum. (Note: This reference is about educational research methods).