NCJ Number
171939
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (April/June 1997) Pages: 105-113
Date Published
1997
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper surveys some of the reported court cases which explicitly held forensic handwriting identification and analysis is scientific.
Abstract
Many of the court cases address specific aspects of expert handwriting evidence which are elements of the scientific process. The courts have used expressions representing the equivalent of scientific certitude, such as saying the expert handwriting evidence amounted to a demonstration. In addition, the courts have cited previous cases as supporting the determination that expert handwriting evidence is scientific. While handwriting experts should appreciate the recognition some courts have given to their profession, they should realize testifying experts who fail to clearly demonstrate factual reasons for their opinions are not presenting scientific evidence. Forensic examiners should do two things to prevail in a challenge to their expertise: (1) become competently reliable by mastering the long-established science of handwriting analysis; and (2) obtain copies of relevant court cases and study them carefully. 17 footnotes