Handwriting Analysis Web Quest “How Stuff Works” https://science.howstuffworks.com/handwritinganalysis.htm 1. What is a questioned document? This a document scanned,analyzed for signs of alteration, messed up writing and, when samples of the documents are available, handwriting or typing comparisons are used to determine or rule out authorship 2. What does a questioned document examiner do? Determining the authenticity of a document involves four key steps: identifying whether it is genuine or fake to establish its validity. Detecting any alterations, additions, or deletions made to the document is equally important. Additionally, identifying the person responsible for the handwriting can prove useful in determining the document's authenticity. When the document was created using a machine, tracing its source can aid in verifying its legitimacy. Ultimately, these steps can help determine the veracity of the document and its importance in a given context. 3. Is handwriting identified or individualized evidence? It is individualized evidence. 4. A comparison sample is known as an ____elimination sample___________________. 5. Explain the following terms: a. Letter form Letter form refers to the structure and style of individual letters within a written document. This includes elements such as the size, shape, and proportion of the letters, as well as any specific characteristics of a particular font or handwriting style. b. Line form Line form refers to the overall shape and structure of the lines of text in a document. This can include aspects such as the spacing between lines, the length of each line, and the alignment of the text within the page margins. c. Formatting Formatting refers to the various visual elements used to organize and present information within a document. Examples of formatting include the use of headings, bullet points, tables, and other visual elements that help the reader to navigate the content of the document. Good formatting can make a document easier to read, understand, and remember, while poor formatting can make it more difficult and confusing. 6. List 1 shortcoming (or limitation) of handwriting analysis. One limitation of handwriting analysis is that it is not always accurate or reliable, as results can be affected by factors such as the quality of the handwriting sample, the experience and expertise of the analyst, and the variability of handwriting over time. The interpretation of handwriting can also be subjective, and there is a risk of bias or error in the analysis. Additionally, there is a lack of scientific research to support the claims made by some proponents of handwriting analysis, and the technique is not widely accepted by the scientific community. “12 Traits of Handwriting Analysis” https://www.thepencompany.com/blog/handwriting/what-are-the-12-characteristics-ofhandwriting/ List and explain the 12 traits used in handwriting analysis. 1. Size: Refers to the overall size of the handwriting. Small size may indicate introversion, while larger size may indicate extroversion. 2. Slant: Refers to the angle at which the handwriting is slanted. A right slant may indicate a forward-thinking, ambitious person, while a left slant may indicate a reserved, introverted person. 3. Pressure: Refers to the amount of force used while writing. Heavy pressure may indicate strong emotions, while light pressure may indicate a more relaxed, easy-going nature. 4. Speed: Refers to the speed at which the handwriting is written. Fast and fluid handwriting may indicate a quick thinker, while slow, deliberate handwriting may indicate a more cautious personality. 5. Baseline: Refers to the base line on which the handwriting is written. A straight baseline may indicate a focused personality, while an uneven baseline may indicate a more chaotic nature. 6. Margins: Refers to the margins of the handwriting on the page. Even margins may indicate a well-organized person, while uneven margins may indicate a more scattered personality. 7. Letter shapes: Refers to the shapes of the letters. Rounded letters may indicate a more emotional nature, while sharp letters may indicate a more decisive personality. 8. Connectedness: Refers to how closely the letters of the handwriting are connected. Tight connections may indicate a detail-oriented personality, while loose connections may indicate a more relaxed nature 9. Legibility: Refers to how easy the handwriting is to read. Clear, legible handwriting may indicate clear thinking, while messy, illegible handwriting may indicate a more disorganized personality. 10. Tension: Refers to any hesitations or pauses in the writing. Tension may indicate a lack of confidence or uncertainty. 11.Loops and curlicues: Refers to any flourishes or decorative additions to the handwriting. Large, sweeping loops and curlicues may indicate creativity, while small, tight loops may indicate a more rigid personality. 12. Dots and crosses: Refers to how dots and crosses are added to letters. Careful, evenly placed dots and crosses may indicate attention to detail, while haphazard placement may indicate a more careless nature. “FBI’s Questioned Documents” https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/april/qdu_040909 8. What is the QDU and what is its function in the FBI? The QDU (Questioned Documents Unit) is a department of the FBI specializing in handwriting analysis and document examination. Its main function is to analyze and authenticate evidence in cases such as fraud, terrorism, and other criminal investigations. The QDU provides expert testimony in court and works closely with other law enforcement agencies to solve cases. 9. Explain one case that the QDU has worked on. One case that the QDU has worked on is the Unabomber case, in which Ted Kaczynski mailed a series of bombs to various targets over a period of 17 years. The QDU analyzed the typewritten manifesto that Kaczynski had written, linking it to the typewriter found in his cabin. The handwriting on the package labels was also analyzed, helping to identify on what type of machine they were typed. The QDU was able to provide strong expert testimony in court, helping to secure Kaczynski's conviction. The case highlighted the importance of forensic document examination and the role of the QDU in solving complex cases.
