forensics

Chapter review

Challenges

• can’t determine when there’s not enough samples

• Questioned writing, a few words, written in unatural form

• Drugs and alcohol can change the writing form

Exemplars

A collection of an adequate number or known writings

• critical for determining the outcome of a comparison

• Must be adequate in number to show the examiner the range of natural variations

• No two are ever identical

Gilbert vs California case

Upheld the taking of handwriting examplars before the appointment of counsel.

Argued it was against the fifth amendment, Supreme Court ruled it did not constitute unreasonable search and seizure and did not violate the fourth amendment

Class characteristics

Photocopy- the gradual change, shift, or duplication of marks may help the examiner. Transitory defects from random debris produce images

Fax- transmitting terminal identifier- the header will have different type styles- American society of questioned document examiners

Computer printers - impact and non impact printers - transitory patterns arising from debris and other extraneous materials

Seven steps

1. Writer should be allowed to write sitting comfortably

2. Under no conditions should the suspect be shown the question document or be told how to spell or punctuate

3. They should be furnished with a pen and paper similar to the document

4. The dictated texts should be the same as the questioned document. Text may be no shorter than a page

5. Dictation should take place at least three times to avoid disguising

6. Signature exemplars can be obtained when the suspect is required to combine other writings with a signature, 20-30 checks or receipts

7. Document examiner should be consulted before requested examplars are taken

Intended writings

Partially visible depressions on a sheet of paper underneath the on on whichever the visible writing was done

Questioned document

A questioned document is any document whose authenticity, origin, or authorship is in dispute or uncertain.

Children’s handwriting

Children's handwriting is still developing, making it more variable and less individualized. As a result, it can be challenging to use for definitive comparisons in forensic examinations.

Infrared luminescence

Infrared luminescence is a technique used in document examination to detect alterations, obliterations, or additions that are not visible under normal lighting. Certain inks fluoresce under infrared light, revealing hidden or modified text.

How handwriting can be altered

• Erasure: Physically removing writing, often leaving traces.

• Obliteration: Covering original writing with another substance, like ink or correction fluid.

• Additions: Inserting new writing to alter the original content.

Drugs and alcohol effect

Substance use can impair motor skills, leading to noticeable changes in handwriting, such as tremors, inconsistent pressure, or irregular letter formation.

Characteristics of handwriting

Handwriting reveals a lot about a person’s personality and mood through characteristics like slant, size, pressure, and spacing. A right slant often shows expressiveness, while a left slant suggests introversion. Large letters can indicate confidence, while small ones suggest focus and introversion. Heavy pressure may reflect emotional intensity, while light pressure points to sensitivity. Spacing between words reveals social tendencies—wide for independence, narrow for closeness. Rounded letters suggest creativity, while pointed ones hint at intensity. The baseline, whether rising, falling, or wavy, can reflect emotional state, and writing speed shows how quickly a person thinks or acts.

Natural variations

Handwriting analysis focuses on characteristics such as slant, spacing, pressure, and letter formation. Natural variations occur due to factors like writing speed, mood, or writing instrument, and are considered normal deviations within an individual's handwriting.

Khoi dung by case

• Fact 1: Khoi Dang Vu is listed as a missing person on the FBl's website.

• Fact 2: He was last seen in the Seattle area, and the FBl is seeking information regarding his disappearance.

• Opinion: It's crucial for communities to stay vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating missing persons like
  Khoi Dang Vu.

Psalm 20:4

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."