WEEK 5-6 HANDWRITING AND SIGNATURE IDENTIFICATION

System of Writing

The combination of the basic shape and designs of letters and the writing movement taught in school.

Copy book form

An illustration of the basic designs of letters fundamental to the writing system.

Writing movement

Factors relative to the motion of the pen such as pressure, rhythm, and pen lifting.

Handwriting

A visible effect of bodily movement, an almost unconscious expression of fixed muscular habits.

Writing Habits

Any repeated elements of handwriting that serve as identifying characteristics.

Significant Writing Habits

Elements of writing that are unique and well-fixed to serve as a basis of individuality.

Cursive Writing

Connected writing where one letter is joined to the next.

Natural Writing

Writing executed normally without any attempt to alter usual writing habits.

Disguised Writing

Writing executed deliberately with an attempt to change usual writing habits to hide identity.

Guided Writing

Writing executed while the hand is steadied, typically used by beginners.

Graphology

The art of determining character disposition from the study of handwriting.

Pen Pressure

The average force with which the pen contacts the paper.

Alignment

The relation of parts of writing or lines of individual letters in words to the baseline.

Line Quality

The overall character of the link lines from the beginning to the ending stroke.

Hesitation in Writing

Irregular thickening of ink found when writing slows down or stops.

Freehand Forgery

A fraudulent signature executed purely by simulation rather than by tracing.

Evidential Signature

A signature recorded under specific conditions that can serve as evidence of authenticity.

Tremor

Weakening of strokes characterized by wavering or shaky writing.

Altering Documents

Changes made to the original content of a document, not part of its original preparation.

Erasure

Removal of a writing or part of a document by mechanical or chemical processes.

Invisible Writing

Writing that has no readily visible ink strokes, often made with sympathetic inks.