Forensic Handwriting Identification : Fundamental Concepts and Principles

This guide teaches the major principles involved in handwriting & handprinting analysis. Model specimen handwriting forms are provided along with many other practical features to ensure that evidence is identified, collected and understood properly.Handwriting and hand-printing analysis is applied to many types of investigation: fraud, homicide, suicide, drug trafficking and clandestine labs, sexual offences, threats and extortion, brlackmail, arson, bombings, and theft. This text covers the major principles involved in handwriting and hand-printing analysis. Lawyers and investigators will learn about interpreting an examiner's report; the significance of various handwriting opinions; and the influencing factors which must be considered. Naturally, students of document examination can gain much from such a practical, yet rigorously scientific, treatment of the subject."... a worthwhile addition to any document examiner's library and of particular value to anyone entering the field of handwriting examination." --Louise Floate, Science and Justice"The first chapters deal comprehensively with the physiology of handwriting, handwriting systems and the differences between class and individual characteristics. The following chapters then fully explain the definitions of the main features of handwriting including line quality, speed of writing and ratios. The main principles of handwriting and handwriting identification are then clearly and concisely explained followed by the actual process of carrying out a handwriting comparison. The final chapters are aimed more at the investigating officer in that they deal with the collection of handwriting samples... The book succeeds in its aim of providing a review of the main concepts and principles of handwriting identification. It is well illustrated with good clear diagrams and photographs. It also contains up to date references ... a worthwhile addition to any forensic document examiner's library and of particular value to anyone entering the field of handwriting identification." --Louise Floate, SCIENCE & JUSTICEHandwriting and hand-printing analysis is applied to many types of investigation: fraud, homicide, suicide, drug trafficking and clandestine labs, sexual offences, threats and extortion, brlackmail, arson, bombings, and theft. BRThis text covers the major principles involved in handwriting and hand-printing analysis. Lawyers and investigators will learn about interpreting an examiner's report; the significance of various handwriting opinions; and the influencing factors which must be considered. Naturally, students of document examination can gain much from such a practical, yet rigorously scientific, treatment of the subject. BR* Shows investigators how to obtain handwriting specimens and evidenceBR* Provides model specimen handwriting formsBR* Covers best practices for properly identifying, collecting, understanding, and examining evidenceA specialist in questioned documents, Morris reviews he basic concepts of what affect people's writing, such as how they hold the pen; position the paper; move their fingers, hand, wrist; and so on. The examiner, he explains, should be able to visual the movements of the writer, evaluate pen direction, and determine the significance of such factors as relative relationships between the various parts of writing and the influence of writing on paper with or without a pre-drawn base. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)