Document, Voice and Handwiting Analysis

HOnors Forensic Science Document, Voice and Handwiting Analysis

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 9pen, 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?

Document, Voice and Handwiting Analysis