What best describes the purpose of comparing questioned documents to exemplars?

The purpose of comparing questioned documents to exemplars primarily revolves around the authentication of signatures and the determination of the authenticity of the documents themselves. In forensic document examination, experts analyze characteristics such as handwriting, ink, and any unique features present in the signatures of the questioned documents in comparison to known samples (exemplars) from the suspected author. This process enables the examiner to ascertain whether the signatures in question are genuine or forged, which is critical in cases involving fraud, disputes over wills, or contracts, among others.

While other options touch on elements of document analysis, such as determining the age of the documents, identifying the paper type, or assessing overall design, these are not the primary focus when comparing questioned documents to exemplars. The pivotal aspect of this comparison is the authentication or rejection of signatures, making it the correct choice in this context.