Measuring Decisions: A Proposal for Quantitative Study in Forensic Handwriting Examination

Reports related to Forensic handwriting examination often face harsh criticism in courtroom. At times it is claimed that the similarities or dissimilarities cited by the expert is not present. In many cases it may be claimed that there is a similarity or dissimilarity which is not noticed by expert. It is not uncommon to find two opposite reports filed before court in the same case by two different experts. Such a situation often adds to confusion and chaos and leads to doubtful situation in court regarding credibility of expert opinion. Pictorial similarities and differences are a matter of perception thus allows wide scope for debate and personal opinion. Though pictorial appearance does not present a complete scenario of forensic handwriting examination, the reasoning by experts presents a simplified explanation of decision making by experts so that a layman can understand. In the process many omissions happen. These omissions often include facts which are soul of handwriting examination which in turn causes failure of forensic community to sensitize courtroom about meticulous task of handwriting examination. The popular belief that simple explanations can make advocates and judiciary understand scientific work has built perception of handwriting examination as only comparison of like to like as this is only part get presented in courts case after case. In pursuit of acceptance by layman, document examiners prefer not to highlight more intricate parts of this comparison which can help the court in differentiating between cursory and scientific examination. This paper will discuss current system of expressing reasons and suggest changes which can be done in current format of reasoning to illustrate science involved in examination of handwriting.