FAQs
Q - Can the right or left handedness of a writer be determined by the examination of handwriting?
A Contrary to common belief, the handedness of a writer can not be determined. On rare occasions, some people write with their feet or their mouths.
Q Can a forensic document examiner determine the personality of a person from their handwriting?
A While forensic document examination is a science dealing with the identification of handwriting and the technical aspects of document preparation, Graphology, which deals with personality and handwriting, is a separate and distinct field and is mutually exclusive from forensic document examination.
Q Can printed writing be compared with cursive writing?
A Not always. If the writers printing is distinctively different from their cursive writing, without any identifiable traits being carried over, it is difficult to compare the two with any degree of certainty.
Q Can a forensic document examiner compare photocopies of questioned writing?
A In most cases, the degree of certainty is governed by the quantity and quality of the documents being submitted for examination. It is always best to work with original documents. As a second choice photocopies, depending on their quality, may be sufficient for an examination.
Q Can a forensic document examiner compare fax copies for comparison?
A The same answer to the previous question applies here, with the added distortion of the fax process, which further diminishes the degree of certainty in making a determination.
Q Can the gender of the writer be determined from their handwriting?
A Contrary to common belief the gender can not be determined. Some people may remark that a questioned writing appears to be feminine or masculine.
Q Can the age of the writer be determined from their handwriting?
A Again, contrary to common belief, the age of a writer cannot be determined. The skill of a writer is determined by the maturity of the writers ability to write.