Observe: Handwriting Characteristics

Every person's handwriting is different.  There may be some similarities between various people's handwriting such as the way they form their letters and the spacing between words, but over time, everyone develops characteristics that make their own handwriting unique.

Handwriting analysis requires careful observation of the shapes, styles, alignment, and spacing of the letters.

Investigators can use handwriting evidence to exclude possible suspects by comparing handwriting evidence with samples of suspect handwriting. By finding a handwriting match, investigators can find the source of the handwritten evidence.

  Simulation

Match the handwriting samples in this simulation. Kidsahead

  Notebook: How can handwriting be traced to its source? 

  1. Click here to download this activity. 
  2. Save to your Investigation Notebook. 

  Check Your Answers

  1. Although the names may look very similar, it is impossible to re-create the exact signature every time.  Slight variations occur although they will all have certain characteristics.
  2. Again, it would be nearly impossible to produce an exact replica.
  3. Someone else may be able to re-create the similar way you form your letters, but you are most likely to notice differences in
    • size of letters
    • spacing between letters or words
    • slant of letters or words