Forensic Statement Analysis to determine Personality Traits-A Case Study

Abstract

Written statement contains a wealth of information far beyond what the suspect or victim intends to communicate. The technique of Forensic Statement Analysis is an effective strategy in trait-based approaches for personality assessment utilized by various Forensic Investigators or Experts. Investigators examine and analyse the words within the written statement to get information about the writer. This technique is also useful to detect deception or truthfulness in the written statements, sometimes provided unintentionally by the writer, which are independent of case facts. Statement analysis provides investigators with vital background data or details about writer in terms of personality, relationships with others, motives or goals, attitude, behaviour. It can also determine whether the intent of the statement is to convey or convince. The present study describes a case consisting of several diaries of a deceased lady which were submitted in the Laboratory by investigating agency with a request to expedite opinion on multiple queries with respect to her mindset, past life, relationships, conflicts, any future plans, job, and religious belief. After thorough scientific examination and analysis of the contents or statements executed in the diaries, a conclusive opinion was expressed by Forensic Experts regarding her personality traits.