Document, Voice and Handwriting Analysis

Forensic Science

I. Document Examiners A. Involves examination of

handwriting and typewriting to ascertain the source or authenticity of a questioned document

B. Not restricted to visual examination

II. Questioned Document A. Any document that contains

handwritten or typewritten markings whose source or authenticity is in doubt

B. Covers all common types of written and printed materials as well as markings and writing in unconventional places

III. Handwriting Comparisons A. Document experts continually

testify that no 2 individuals write exactly alike

B. People take on unique personal characteristics

C. To compare 2 handwriting samples a significant number of these personal characteristics should match

D. Problems arise when document contains few words, all deliberately written in crude, unnatural form or written as to disguise the writer’s natural style

IV. Collection of Exemplars A. Exemplar = an authentic

sample used for comparison purposes, such as handwriting

B. Is critical for determining the outcome of a comparison

C. Known writings of the suspect furnished to the examiner should be as alike as possible to questioned document

D. Especially true or writing implement (pen, pencil) and paper (ruled, unruled, etc.)

E. Should also contain some of the words and combinations of letters in questioned document

V. Exemplars A. Known writings should be

adequate in number to show range of natural variations = normal deviations found between repeated specimens of an individual’s handwriting or any printing device

B. Examiners also have to consider age of document

C. Can be obtained voluntarily or though court order

D. Gilbert v. California upheld taking of handwriting exemplars before appointment of counsel

E. Also ruled it lies outside 5th and 4th Amendments

F. Requested exemplars may be altered by suspect

G. Steps can be taken to minimize attempts at deception; ex., having them write for several pages

VI. Conditions for Exemplars A. Comfortable setting, no

distractions B. Suspect should not be shown

questioned document or given instructions

C. Keep paper and writing implement same

D. Should contain contents (letters, words, phrases) in questioned document

E. Dictation of text should take place 3 times

F. Signature exemplars can best be obtained when suspect is required to combine other writings with signature

G. Document examiner should be consulted

VII. Handwriting Characteristics A. Line quality – do letters flow or

written with intent strokes? B. Spacing of words and letters –

what is the average space between words and letters?

C. Ratio of height, width, and size of letters – are they consistent

D. Lifting pen – does the author lift his or her pen to stop writing a word and start a new word?

E. Connecting strokes – how are Capital letters connected to lower-case letters?

F. Strokes to begin and end – where does the letter begin and end on page?

G. Unusual letter formation – are any letters written with unusual slants or angles? Are some printed and other cursive?

H. Pen Pressure – how much pressure is applied on upward and downward strokes?

I. Slant – do letters slant to left or right? Degree?

J. Baseline habits – does author write on the line or does the writing go above or below the line

K. Fancy writing habits – are there any unusual curls or loops?

L. Placement of diacritics – how does the author cross the t’s or dot i’s?