Forensic Handwriting & Document Examination
Questioned document examination involves the systematic comparison and evaluation of handwriting, signatures, and document features to determine what the evidence supports.
The quality of the material submitted for examination is important. Appropriate questioned documents, known comparison material, and clear reproductions or original documents can significantly affect what conclusions may be reached.
Questioned Material & Known Material
A handwriting or signature examination generally requires two categories of material: the item being questioned and genuine comparison material from the person whose writing is at issue.
The writing or document in dispute
Questioned material is the signature, handwriting, entry, or document feature that requires examination. These items are commonly designated with the letter Q during an examination.
Genuine writing used for comparison
Known material consists of genuine handwriting or signatures from the person whose writing is being evaluated. These items are commonly designated with the letter K during an examination.
What Makes Good Known Writing?
The usefulness of known handwriting depends on more than simply having a genuine signature or writing sample. Good comparison material should provide a meaningful range of the writer's natural habits.
Quantity Matters
Several genuine examples are generally more useful than a single signature or writing sample because natural variation can only be evaluated when enough material is available.
Similar Time Period
Known writing produced reasonably close in time to the questioned material is usually preferable, particularly when age, health, writing habits, or circumstances may have changed over time.
Comparable Writing
Known material should contain writing that is reasonably comparable to the questioned material. Signature questions are best compared with genuine signatures, while extended handwriting requires suitable handwriting exemplars.
Naturally Written Documents
Writing produced during the normal course of business or everyday activity can be especially useful because it was generally created without the writer attempting to control or alter normal writing habits.
Originals vs. Copies
Some examinations can be conducted from high-quality copies, while others may require inspection of the original document. The type of question being asked determines how important the original document may be.
Copies May Be Sufficient
Clear, high-resolution scans or photographs may permit handwriting or signature comparison when the relevant writing features are reproduced with sufficient detail.
Originals Provide More Information
Original documents may preserve features that copies cannot, including pressure, ink characteristics, writing sequence, indentations, erasures, alterations, and other physical evidence.
Some Examinations Require Originals
Questions involving document alteration, indented writing, obliterations, writing sequence, or other physical document features may not be fully answerable from a reproduction.
How a Handwriting Examination Is Conducted
When possible and practical, the known writing is examined before the questioned material. This allows the examiner to become familiar with the writer's normal habits and natural range of variation before evaluating the writing in dispute.
Study the Known Writing
Genuine writing is examined to identify recurring habits, natural variation, and individual characteristics that normally appear in the writer's handwriting or signatures.
Examine the Questioned Material
After becoming familiar with the known writer's habits, the questioned writing is examined for the characteristics available for comparison.
Compare Significant Features
The writings are compared for features such as line quality, construction, proportions, slant, spacing, connections, rhythm, and other individual writing characteristics.
Evaluate Similarities & Differences
Observed similarities and differences are evaluated for significance, including whether differences fall within the writer's natural variation or can be explained by writing conditions.
Form an Opinion
The findings are evaluated as a whole and an opinion is reached based on the quality, quantity, and significance of the available evidence.
Start with a free initial consultation.
If you have a questioned signature, handwriting, or document issue, contact Meyer Questioned Document Examination to discuss the available material and whether a forensic examination may be appropriate.