Sources of Error in Forensic Handwriting Evaluation

Abstract Failure to follow certain basic principles underlying forensic handwriting evaluations is very likely to result in erroneous conclusions. While there are many potential sources of error, including methodological and psychological ones, this paper addresses just three specific ones that appear to have become more frequent in recent experience: (1) failure to give proper weight to differences; (2) failure to consider crucial writing movement characteristics; and (3) using self-serving exemplars. Illustrations show actual case examples.