1. 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

2. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 9. Slant
Left, right, or variable?

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

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

14. 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

15. 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