Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and Principles

Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and Principles teaches the law enforcement and legal communities the major principles involved in handwriting and hand-printing analysis as applied to many types of investigations, including fraud, homicide, suicide, drug trafficking/clandestine labs, sexual offenses, threats and extortion, blackmail, arson, bombings, and theft. Lawyers and investigators will learn how to interpret an examiner’s report, the significance of various handwriting opinions and the influencing factors which must be considered.

Reviews basic concepts that affect a person’s writing, demonstrates how to obtain handwriting specimens and evidence, and provides the appropriate ASTM and SWIGDOC standards and proceduresIdeally suited for forensic science and legal professionals, investigators working with document examiners, and law enforcement students and professionalsIncludes model specimen handwriting forms

1. Physiology of Writing 2. Handwriting Systems 3. Class Characteristics 4. Individuality and Individual Characteristics 5. Characteristics, Qualities, and Features of Writing 6. Relative Speed of Writing and Writing Skill 7. Ratios or Relative Relationships 8. Beginning, Connecting and Ending Strokes 9. Writing Instruments 10. General Observations 11. The Process of Comparison 12. Abnormal/Disguised Writing 13. Obtaining Handwriting Samples 14. Submitting a case to the lab 15. Examiner’s Final Report