Forensic Handwriting Analysis

How many major categories are there for handwriting characteristics?

• 5

• 8

• 10

• 12

True or false: Questioned documents are compared to forged documents to identify a match in handwriting samples.

• True

• False

The examination of questioned documents with known material using a variety of criteria such as authenticity, alterations, erasures, and obliterations is known as ____.

• Exemplars

• QD Examiner

• Document Analysis

• Fraudulence

_________ works by separating the chemicals out of a mixture and studying how the molecules behave during the separation process.

• Spectroscopy

• Chromatography

• Handwriting Analysis

• Anthropology

Handwriting analysis played an important forensic role during the 1935 trial of Richard Hauptmann, who was accused of kidnapping and murdering the son of world-famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh.  After collecting many ransom notes, investigators were able to secure Hauptmann’s printed signature from his automobile registration (pictured below) and compare the handwriting between the two. These comparisons led to the conviction and execution of Hauptmann.

The image above shows the automobile registration that investigators used as a known handwriting sample from Hauptmann. Which of the following terms would BEST describe this sample?

• Questioned Document

• Evidence

• Complementary Sample

• Exemplar

Observe the handwriting sample below. Which of the following characteristics are NOT applicable to this particular sample?

• Loops and Curls

• Line Habits

• Spacing

• Slant

True or False: Historical documents are often targets for forgers.

• True

• False

Any signature, handwriting, typewriting, or other written mark whose source or authenticity is in dispute or uncertain.

• Questioned Document

• Exemplar

• Document Analysis

• Forgery

True or False: Handwriting experts examine 10 major categories of exemplars, including letter form, line form, and formatting.

• True

• False

Handwriting analysis can be used in forensic science to establish whether or not ________ has been committed.

• Plagiarism

• Replication

• Falsification

• Forgery