The Multi-Individality of Handwriting

Highlights

• Individuals can use multiple distinct handwriting styles.
• These styles can be used both spontaneously and intentionally.
• Identifying the author of such handwriting can be challenging for forensic examiners.

Abstract

• Handwriting is generally unique to each person, but some develop multiple styles.
• Multi-handwriting can lead to mistaken authorship attribution.
• Forensic examiners could provide incorrect opinions if samples don't match the questioned entry.
• The study aims to explore this under-researched area.

Introduction

• Writing is a complex skill developed over years, resulting in unique styles.
• Handwriting generally remains stable but can undergo changes due to external and internal factors.
• Multi-individuality refers to one person using multiple distinct writing styles.
• Factors influencing writing styles include emotional states, health conditions, and context of writing.
• Correct identification of handwriting relies on comprehensive reference materials.

Materials and Methods

• Examined three entries written by the same person on printer paper in Polish.
• The writer was a law student who had not developed a stable handwriting style.

Results and Discussion

• Variations in text layout and spacing were observed across the entries.
• Different handwriting styles included distinct margins and text distribution.

Example of Casework

• A case involved a questioned last will document with different handwriting styles.
• Reference material showed two distinct handwriting types, complicating authorship identification.

Conclusions

• Multi-individual handwriting can lead to incorrect authorship conclusions.
• Experts can't easily determine if multiple handwriting styles exist without extensive reference material.

Author Contribution

• Jaroslaw Moszczynski is the sole author with a 100% contribution.

Funding

• No specific funding received for this research.

Conflicts of Interest

• None reported.

References

• Includes 16 references, with works on handwriting stability, individuality, and applications in forensic document examination.

Cited Works

• Includes studies on handwriting recognition and the challenges in forensic analysis.

View full text