Handwriting analysis

Because handwriting is difficult to disguise and forge, handwriting analysis is a good tool for including or excluding persons when determining a match between known material, and a questioned document. 

• true
• false

Formatting includes the spacing between letters, the spacing between words and lines, the placement of words on a line, and the margins a writer leaves empty on a page. 

• true
• false

Initial comparisons of documents are done with:

• the naked eye
• microscopes
• a hand-held lens
• all of these choices

Which of the following statements is not true? 

• An individual's handwriting may show variation as a result of stress or illness.
• The handwriting of an individual is unaffected by advancing years.
• The handwriting of an individual shows natural variation.
• The influence of alcohol or drugs may cause variation in an individual's handwriting.

Evidence handwriting may be compared to pre-existing exemplars of someone’s handwriting or requested exemplars of their writing.

• True
• False

The writing characteristics of a person may be altered by whether

• a significant amount of time has passed between writing of exemplar and the questioned document.
• the posture or stance of the author varies between writings
• paper is ruled or unruled.
• all of the above

When dictating to a person in order to obtain samples of handwriting, one should not:

• allow the suspect to view the questioned document before dictating it.
• use a pen similar to that of the questioned document.
• use similar or the same letter and word grouping as used in the questioned document
• dictate the contents of the text at least three times.

What term is used for the standard used for comparison?

• comparative evidence
• signatory evidence
• exemplar evidence
• official evidence

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of writing?

• Line smoothness

• Spacing of words

• Pen lifts

• Print vs. cursive

A person who scientifically analyzes handwriting

• medical examiner

• handwriting examiner

• forensic scientist

• document expert