Handwriting Analysis Like Fingerprints, every person’s handwriting is unique and personalized Handwriting is difficult to disguise or forge Questioned documents are compared to exemplars to determine matches Exemplars- prewritten handwriting samples from a suspect(s) We look for 12 characteristics in handwriting

Handwriting Examination Obtain a known sample of the suspect’s writing (an exemplar) Examine the questionable document for detectable traits and record them Compare and draw conclusions: Two writings came from one person if: Multiple unique similarities (“same quirks”) No unexplainable differences

1. Line Quality Do the letters flow or are they erratic and shaky?

2. Spacing Are letters equally spaced or crowded? Are margins evenly spaced?

3. Consistency Is the ratio of height to width consistent?

4.Continuous Is the writing continuous or does the writer lift the pen/pencil?

5. Connecting Letters Are the capital and lowercase letters connected and continuous?

6. Letters Complete Are letters completely formed? Or, is part of a letter missing?

7. Cursive and Printed Letters Are there printed letters, cursive letters, or both?

8. Pen Pressure Is pressure equal when applied to upward and downward strokes?

9. Slant Left, right, or variable?

10. Line Habits Is the text on the line, above the line, or below the line?

11. Fancy Curls or Loops Are there fancy loops? Any other distinguishing features?

12. Diacritic Marks: Crosses on t’s & Dots on i’s Are t’s crossed? t’s crossed in middle, toward top, or toward bottom Are i’s dotted? Dotted toward left, toward right, or centered

Handwriting Analysis Technology Biometric Signature Pads “Learns” how a person signs Evaluates speed, pressure, and rhythm Recognizes even slight differences Computerized Analysis Compares handwriting samples objectively Can detect smaller similarities/differences