Lesson 3 - Forensics Writing Analysis

Page 2

Introduction

Writing Style

Another way to individualize a piece of writing is to examine its overall style, the way the writing on the page is arranged.  The way a person organizes writing on a page is a personal habit and a distinctive part of personal writing style. A few examples of writing style characteristics that a forensic expert may look for include

  • size of margins
  • spacing between letters
  • spacing after punctuations
  • paragraph indentations
  • spacing between words
  • punctuation
  • grammar
  • spelling.


First page of the now-famous three page ransom letter found at JonBonet Ramsey’s home.
Permission pending, www.cnn.com

Some noticeable writing style features of the above document include

  • large margins on both the left and right side of the page
  • large paragraph indentations
  • consistent spacing at the start of each sentence

Collection of Writing Samples

To individualize a forensic document sample, a collection of known writings from a suspect or suspects is necessary.  These samples are then compared to the original criminal document.  Sound easy? Unfortunately, obtaining a useful and valid writing sample from a suspect is actually much more difficult than it sounds because a suspect can easily consciously alter his or her writing. 

Some steps taken by forensic experts to obtain useful comparative writing samples and to minimize the alteration of writing samples include

  • having the suspect write several pages
  • using the same or similar type of paper as the suspect document
  • using the same or similar writing instrument as used in the suspect document
  • having the suspect use many of the words and sentences found in the suspect document
  • not providing any assistance with spelling, punctuation, or with use of lower or upper case letters
  • telling the suspect what to write (verbal dictation)
  • having the suspect write the same verbal dictation three separate times

Did you know?

“Anything that's signed by me on EBay is a forgery and not authentic.”

- Brett Hull (NHL Hockey Player)

Continue to read a case study involving graphology...