Mirror Writing: Trait of an Unaccustomed Hand

Abstract

To conceal their identity, writers may try to change the way they write. This will change the way the writing looks and may help the writer to conceal their handwriting. One technique involves switching to the opposite hand; for instance, someone who typically writes with their right hand might switch to writing with their left hand. A very odd type of inconsistency, mirror image writing, has been noticed in this kind of disguised handwriting, which may help identify the use of the unaccustomed hand to carry out the disguise. A thorough examination of the mirror image form of writing was done in the current work. It can be difficult for handwriting experts to determine the authorship of questioned handwriting (in English) written by an unfamiliar hand compared to handwriting samples written by a familiar hand during the Questioned Document Examination. Criminals prefer mirror handwriting for criminal activities such as extortion, defamation, and other such activities through letters or anonymous letters. Samples of both accustomed and unaccustomed hand-writings must be available if unaccustomed handwriting of a suspect(s) is being questioned to form an opinion. If only one hand (the accustomed handwriting) is present, it can be challenging to form an opinion. Handwriting samples from 50 right-handed people with both accustomed and unaccustomed hands were gathered and analyzed to assess the possibilities and limitations for identification of unaccustomed handwriting of the English language. This report focuses on the similarities between the writing styles of the authors, written in English with both an unfamiliar and familiar hand.