An Introduction to the Modular Forensic Handwriting Method

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe forensic examination of handwriting utilizes complex human perceptual and cognitive processes that can be difficult to accurately and validly describe since, for the most part, these processes are unseen. The series of articles published in this WIREs special issue present the agreed general approach that government practitioners in Australia use in the majority of the handwriting comparisons that they carry out. The systematic modular approach is informed by research and developments in the fields of motor control of handwriting, human factors, validation of handwriting examination, and evidence evaluation and reporting. The method is based around a process outline which structures the comparison process and provides the reader with a guide to the tasks to undertake and issues to consider at the different stages commonly worked through in practical handwriting examinations. Where decision or assessment points occur within the course of the method, a series of modules have been developed which describe the nature of the matter under consideration and address relevant theoretical and practical issues. Each module (published as an article in this special issue) is, as far as is practical, independent of other modules in the method. This will facilitate changes in the process over time that may result from theoretical, practical or technological advances in the field. The document as a whole can be used by practitioners actively involved in casework, or individuals such as researchers, academics, and legal professionals with an interest in understanding or exploring aspects of the practice of forensic handwriting examination.