Outlines the methods and techniques of obtaining information of forensic value from the examination of handwritten, typed, printed, or photocopied documents. Addressed to those who use the services of document examiners, such as lawyers, police officers, and other investigators, though it might serve as a basic introduction to someone just entering the field. Describes handwriting comparison and the detection of altered or counterfeit documents by the established techniques of chemists, physicists, and biologists, and reviews such new techniques as scanning electron microscopy. Also comments on the presentation of forensic evidence.
A resource for lawyers involved in trials concerning questioned document evidence, explaining the basics of document examination, putting lawyers in a better position to present document evidence and interrogate witnesses in court.
Handwriting and hand-printing analysis is a tool used in many types of investigations. This authoritative and practical text is designed to be a working handbook for professionals in and related to this field of expertise. It provides the basic guidelines to assist you in the successful evidence gathering and to afford a better understanding of the relevance and importance of such scientific evidence. Forensic Handwriting Identification covers the major principles involved in handwriting and hand-printing analysis, and is filled with numerous illustrations and samples. Lawyers and investigators will learn about interpreting an examiner's report, the significance of various handwriting opinions, and the influencing factors which must be considered. Students of document examination can gain much from such a practical, yet rigorously scientific treatment of the subject. Forensic Handwriting Identification guides you through obtaining and interpreting handwriting specimens and evidence. It also provides model specimen handwriting forms--to ensure that evidence is identified, collected, understood, and passed to the examiner properly.
Nickell, a former investigator for a detective agency, details the methods forensic experts use to detect forged handwriting and alterations in documents and identify the authorship of disputed writings. He looks at famous cases such as Clifford Irving's "autobiography" of Howard Hughes and the Mormon papers of document dealer Mark Hoffman, as well as cases involving works of art. Of interest to collectors and dealers, archivists, historians, and general readers.
Everything put down on paper creates a unique image that can be traced, analyzed and reconstructed, revealing evidence unseen by the naked eye. FBI labs specialize in the study of handwriting, typewriting, rubber stamps, seals, printing methods, obliterations, alterations and charred paper. This manual reveals the methods used to follow the elusive paper trail, drawing on FBI case files.
A definitive review of handwriting identification, this book presents, in a general manner, how to approach document examination and then, in particular, how to apply handwriting identification to the document. Types of handwriting are discussed in detail. For the first time in the field of questioned document examination, Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals consolidates the pertinent information from published and unpublished sources respecting writing, that is essential to the expansion of a practitioner's general knowledge of handwriting identification and to the proper education of novices. Written in a question and answer format, the book suggests some of the questions that one might ask of an examiner and provides the answers that knowledgeable and competent examiners should be expected to give. This book is a valuable addition to law libraries and to every practicing document examiner, as well as every lawyer handling cases in which the authenticity of handwriting might be disputed.
