Forensic Handwriting Analysis – How is Handwriting Analysis Used in a Crime?
Criminal investigators have been using handwriting analysis since the beginning of FBI times. In 1932, when the FBI first opened its doors, document and handwriting analysis went hand in hand. Since then, analyzing handwriting has been used in a variety of criminal investigations for crimes in which documents were used. This type of analysis works to pinpoint a perpetrator when little other evidence of “who did it” exists. However, when used in conjunction with other evidence handwriting analysis can create a much stronger case against the accused. Handwriting analysis is a very complex area of study in the criminal law area. The analysis is used to determine if a person has committed a crime in which documents were used, such as ransom notes, letters of intent to harm another, suicide notes, or even in cases of forgery on documents such as letters or a check signature. Analyzing the handwriting on a document for the purposes of a criminal investigation requires a sample of the person’
