NCJ Number
159685
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1995) Pages: 18-31
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The basic morphological features of strokes produced by the ballpoint pen are described to inform document examiners, because the ballpoint pen is one of the most popular writing instruments.
Abstract
Although handwriting identification depends on the verification that the writing habit of the author of the questioned script corresponds to that of the writer of the control specimens, writing movements with respect to the direction of a stroke and the chronological sequence of two strokes are important aspects of writing habit. These two characteristics can be deciphered by making use of certain special observable attributes of ballpoint pen strokes. The document examiner must understand the interaction of the ball pen writing tip, the ink, and the writing movement. Important morphological characteristics of ballpoint pen strokes include inkless start, burr striation, and the memory effect. Other evidence includes stroke connections, flying starts and tapering ends. Photographs, diagrams, and 11 references (Author abstract modified)