WEEK 5-6 HANDWRITING AND SIGNATURE IDENTIFICATION

Chapter II: Handwriting and Signature Identification

A. Handwriting

• Definition of Terms

  1. System of Writing: Combination of basic shapes, designs, and writing movements taught in schools.

  2. Copy Book Form: Illustration of basic letter designs foundational to the writing system.

  3. Writing Movement: Factors related to pen motion (pressure, rhythm, lifting).

  4. Writing: Visible result from a complex series of mental and muscular actions.

  5. Handwriting: Bodily movement expressing fixed muscular habits, linked to mental impressions.

  6. Writing Habits: Repeated elements in handwriting that characterize individual style.

  7. Significant Writing Habits: Unique characteristics serving as strong identifiers.

  8. Slant: Degree of letter inclination relative to the baseline.

  9. Baseline: An imaginary line where writing rests.

• Kinds of Writing

  • Cursive: Connected letters.

  • Script: Printed writing with separated letters.

  • Block: All capital letters.

• Types of Handwriting

  1. Cursive: Primarily joined letters.

  2. Handlettering: Disconnected style.

  3. Natural Writing: Normal execution without alteration.

  4. Disguised Writing: Intentional alteration to hide identity.

  5. Guided/Assisted Writing: Steadyed hand writing method used by beginners.

Basis of Handwriting Identification

• Handwriting is a physical expression influenced by environment, education, and occupation.

• Imitation of another's writing style is difficult due to unique muscular habits.

• Handwriting identification is not an exact science but can yield reliable results under proper conditions.

Physiological Basis of Handwriting

• Motor Cortex: Area responsible for final handwriting movement.

• Muscle Groups

  • Extensor Muscles: Form upward strokes.

  • Flexor Muscles: Form downward strokes.

  • Motor coordination among muscles produces written forms.

Development of Handwriting

1. Initial following of school model.

2. As proficiency develops, personal styles emerge.

3. Speed affects regularity and conscious design.

4. Modifications are made through trial and error.

History of Handwriting

• Cuneiform Script: Earliest writing with wedge-shaped characters on clay tablets (Mesopotamia).

• Paleography: Study of ancient handwriting.

• Calligraphy: Art of decorative writing.

• Iconography: Early forms of graphic communication.

• Graffiti: Artistic writing in public spaces.

Principles of Handwriting

1. No two writers write the same way.

2. Individuality established through comparative examination.

3. Variations exist and do not negate identity.

Variations in Handwriting

• Patterns exist but conditions (e.g., space, emotional state) influence them.

• Understanding the extent of variation is key to identifying genuineness.

Copybook Systems

• Old Systems: Include styles like the Old English round hand and Spencerian script.

• Modern Systems: Palmer and D’Nealian copybooks.

Importance of Letter Design

• Reflects nationality, learned systems, and influences on the writer.

Terminologies in Handwriting

• Alignment: Relation of letters to the baseline.

• Graphology: Study and analysis of handwriting for personality insights.

• Natural Variation: Normal deviations in handwriting forms.

Elements of Handwriting Movement

1. Pen Pressure: Force applied while writing.

2. Pen Emphasis: Variances in pressure that enhance strokes.

3. Rhythm: Regularity in stroke execution.

4. Factors include style, speed, and coordination.

Characteristics of Handwriting

• General characteristics have little identifying value compared to individual characteristics.

Standards in Handwriting

• Standards: Known writings of a person identifying their unique handwriting.

• Exemplars: Specimens collected for comparison with questioned writings.

Signature Terminology

• Signature: A name written to attest authorship.

• Fraudulent Signature: Forgeries made without the individual's consent.

Classes of Forged Signatures

1. Simulated Forgery: Imitation of a signature through freehand techniques.

2. Traced Forgery: Techniques that involve tracing over genuine signatures.

3. Spurious Signature: Fast, imprecise signatures resembling real ones.

Steps in Signature Examination

1. Compare questioned and standard signatures simultaneously.

2. Analyze handwriting movement and line quality.

3. Inspect beginning and ending lines for characteristics.

4. Review design and structure for uniqueness.

Common Signature Problems

• Distinguishing genuine signatures that are modified or refuse authenticity.

Miscellaneous Document Issues

1. Detection of Alteration: Changes to original texts.

2. Decipherment of Erased Writings: Removal processes and their effects.

3. Invisible Writing: Techniques for revealing hidden texts.