Thursday, September 04, 2008

Newsflash! Handwriting Experts Differ.


found by troym;by blogger jgl

I don't mean to be too hard on handwriting experts, i just think it is too tough of an art to qualify as "scientific evidence". This is a somewhat lame example, but it sounds like the author of this news story hired 3 experts to look at a cold case. They disagreed.

The experts contacted for this story examined a letter and a receipt known to have been written by Linda Sohus prior to her disappearance... ...They also scrutinized a postcard mailed from France after the couple vanished from their Lorain Road home in February 1985.

Two of the examiners said the postcard was not written by Linda Sohus. But a third said she is nearly certain it was written by Linda.

In defense of 2 of the analysts, the one with the differing opinion also practices graphology.

"Many of the letters butt up against each other, showing a lack of clear social boundaries," Lowe wrote. "The bowed t-bars suggest that she could easily be talked into or out of doing something."

Cripes.

73 comments:

Anonymous said...

Handwriting analysis should not be used in trial for forensic evidence. The same person can write two or three different ways depending on the mood. Two different people can write the same way. Evidence is not solid when handwriting is used. It can only be substantial.

-EAF

Anonymous said...

I wonder if the "experts" took into consideration that the type of pen used could cause a slight deviation in the writing pattern? I know that my handwriting varies and depends a great deal on the type of pen that I use.

LSR

Anonymous said...

I think it's great that Lowe practices graphology and is also the author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Handwriting Analysis.” It kills me that some people confuse graphology with forensic document examination.

-CTB

Anonymous said...

I don't think that handwriting should ever be used as evidence for the simple fact that with time and concentration anyone can mimick someone's penmanship. It's absurb how someone could try and portray this type of art as cold hard evidence.

Anonymous said...

I don't think that handwriting should ever be used as evidence for the simple fact that with time and concentration anyone can mimick someone's penmanship. It's absurb how someone could try and portray this type of art as cold hard evidence.

-KNS

Anonymous said...

I have always thought it was ridiculours for handwriting to be considered forensic evidence. My handwriting is different every time I pick up a pencil. It depends on if I am rushed or if I can take my time. I once had a teacher who compared my handwriting for two different tests. It was completely different. If she could not have trusted me, she would have made a big mistake. Handwriting analysis should never be used in evidence.

SAV

UAB MSFS Program said...

well, i'd like to bring up an opposing viewpoint to everyone's opinion, but i am pretty much on the same page.

one good thing that can be said about these less reliable forms of forensic evidence is that they can still be useful in an investigation, as long as investigators don't overcommit to what the analysis suggests. but no good in court, i agree.

HA! she did write the complete idiot's guide. classic! good find.

Anonymous said...

It is unfortunate that true forensic document examiners are often painted with the same brush as graphologists. Graphology is a pseudo-science that claims to analyze personality through handwriting. Forensic document examination involves identifying a particular writer to a source through analysis and comparison of similarities and differences in the features of the handwriting specimens. While it is true that some people have varying styles of writing, and that small amounts of writing, such as signatures, can sometimes be sucessfully imitated, it is very difficult to "forge" larger bodies of writing. True forensic document examiners will request sufficient quantities of known handwriting samples from a writer, in order to allow the entire range of a writer's variation to be accounted for. This allows a meaningful comparison to be made. Document examiners will request sample comparison dictated material be obtained on a similar writing surface and paper, and using a writing instrument similar to that used in the questioned document. They will also request writing that was written in the "normal course of business", that is, usual writing from a person's life that was prepared naturally, before the person's writing came under investigation. A person's handwriting is unique and identifiable to a particular person as long as there is enough of it to compare, as long as it is of sufficient quality, and as long as it possesses sufficient "complexity", that is, enough features and letter forms to permit identificaton. The content of the sample writing must also comparable to the questioned material. It must contain the same letters and words, and must be written in a similar style. In other words, hand printing cannot be compared to cursive handwritten material. Handwriting has been accepted in the U.S. courts for over 100 years. Much research has been done to prove that individuality of handwriting exists, and these results have been published. I think the fact that a graphologist was involved in this case account for the "dispute." Sorry to go on for so long about this, I just hate to see forensic document examination get a bad rap.

Anonymous said...

ttp://www.radiumforums.com/showthread.php?t=29090 Buy VIAGRA only $0.84. CIALIS only $1.45

Anonymous said...

[b]getting off asacol
[/b]
atacand adverse effects
trial activation pack download link
inderal xl
nexium side affect
amoxil 875 mg
strattera medline
free levitra
asacol and kidney failure
what doses does seroquel come in
cheap viagra canada
side effects of flomax
soma and viagra prescriptions free viagra
apri chihuahua breeders in springfield il
artane pronounced
actonel blood in urine
merk's arcoxia
plavix and varicies
buy altocor 60 mg
anafranil breast
soma 350mg
can diflucan be taken with zovirax
adverse reactions effexor
pictures of accupril
bactrim and breastfeeding
amoxil 500 mg dosage
albendazole albenza
albuterol sulfate refills for a nebulizer
ultram coupons
flagyl what is it used for
cymbalta side affects

[url=http://paxil-26.pirinka.osa.pl/leezt.html] take paxil with relora [/url]
[url=http://imuran-weight.metlama.bee.pl/pllearendast.html] keflex without prescription [/url]
[url=http://how-long.pirinka.osa.pl/cthan.html] accutane before and after [/url]
[url=http://elavil-side.faramirik.net/jedexithars.html] buy evista where [/url]
[url=http://cymbalta-kid.andanterra.orge.pl/nonechoncezd.html] premarin weight gain [/url]
[url=http://cialis-tadalafil.bueaga.bij.pl/xcusngrlteri.html] cialis tooth pain [/url]
[url=http://buy-generic.faramirik.net/endelyth.html] xenical scam [/url]
[url=http://interaction-paxi.metlama.bee.pl/quptokher.html] does paxil cure anxiety symptoms [/url]
[url=http://adding-prozac.pirinka.osa.pl/knopli.html] pyridium for vaginal atrophy [/url]
[url=http://levaquin-once.frodiog.info/xiconumndir.html] libido proscar peronies [/url]
[url=http://actos-15.frodiog.info/mathoromai.html] actos sold for 2005 [/url]
[url=http://purchase-celecox.kaliziare.name/ofiredlein.html] generic cialis tadalafil [/url]
[url=http://buy-generic.faramirik.net/kinthise.html] delivery generic overnight viagra [/url]
[url=http://how-many.kaliziare.name/mewasutowndi.html] clomid clomiphene progesterone [/url]
[url=http://adding-prozac.pirinka.osa.pl/wagendintr.html] pyridium dark urine [/url]

allergies singulair
orly arava
antabuse information
effexor drug side effects
adverse effects of abilify
how to take nexium
pack llama trial association
accutane lawyer columbus
tamiflu en espana
actoplus met voucher coupon
actigall
adalat interaction with toprol
ulcerative colitis and singulair
generic aciphex prescription winnipeg
anti impotence levitra
celexa withdrawal
nexium alternatives
singulair for fibromyalgia
artane cane
pharmacist role in flu tamiflu

pdr pepcid
http://neurontin-insomn.metlama.bee.pl/map.html |neurontin ms
http://phenelzine-kemad.kaliziare.name/map.html |prozac lithium clozapine levodopa kemadrin cogentin
[url=http://how-many.kaliziare.name/index.html]md clomid[/url]
http://prograf-blindnes.kaliziare.name/index.html prograf by
[url=http://risperdal-how.pirinka.osa.pl/index.html]robaxin[/url]
[url=http://how-is.metlama.bee.pl/index.html]how is avolox different from omnicef[/url]
paxil online pharmacy
[url=http://acne-accutane.frodiog.info/index.html]isotretinoin accutane[/url]
amaryl drug interactions

toprol and alcohol
alesse birth control side effects
abilify gambling
aggrenox capsule tube feeding
desyrel use
fungal infection leg ringworm diflucan
trial pack tp312
wellbutrin and anafranil
rachel perry trial pack
ibuprofen unsafe with amiloride

Anonymous said...

[url=http://q0ik6mxq.100webspace.net/pregnanc21/sathinoundex.html] premarin for mens breasts [/url] [url=http://917w3cia.100webspace.net/lipitor-88/nterangharon.html] loestrin and lexapro [/url] [url=http://j1rx333t.100webspace.net/lamictalf5/ndibarentwnd.html] lamictal itch rash [/url] [url=http://f3uc3pra.100webspace.net/viagra-aad/essite.html] viagra cheap mexico [/url] [url=http://j1rx333t.100webspace.net/fosamax-ba/xhitinghathe.html] fosamax side effects [/url] [url=http://lqug5m4u.100webspace.net/over-dos08/medlllk.html] overdose celexa and zoloft [/url] [url=http://lqug5m4u.100webspace.net/viagra-t76/urmandn.html] viagra vs speedo [/url] [url=http://tbjmyqp6.100webspace.net/soma-andc8/yerexitedme.html] soma district san francisco [/url] [url=http://7j4ry3tk.100webspace.net/maoi-and3f/benaco.html] med md zocor 80 mg [/url] [url=http://724krm7o.100webspace.net/what-is-e2/angustorfr.html] what is the drug grifulvin [/url] [url=http://f3uc3pra.100webspace.net/zantac-f3c/veyshmenvena.html] zantac prilosec interactions [/url] [url=http://j1rx333t.100webspace.net/informat0f/gowathozdal.html] information on requip [/url] [url=http://dxlisf2i.100webspace.net/lipitor-3a/athitiondo.html] lipitor and muscle weakness pain [/url] [url=http://5l7s930d.100webspace.net/missed-d9c/vitrieangh.html] mixing zoloft with alcohol [/url] [url=http://5l7s930d.100webspace.net/irritabie2/tiothe.html] is 5htp an alternative to zoloft [/url]

Anonymous said...

Note: Updated Link to original article that has since expired: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/mystery/ci_10288540

I don’t know that I am a firm believer in the use of handwriting analysis as “evidence” in a crime. I have to agree with the two analysts who said the postcard (http://a11news.com/454/jonathan-and-linda-sohus/) was written by someone other than Linda Sohus. Differences I noted were:

1. The “a” is similar to the letter only in one spot on the postcard
2. all “Ys” on the postcard have loops at the bottom… no open tails
3. the “g” in the postcard, like the “y” has a closed tail … letter sample is open

One analyst, Shelia Lowe, stated, “By themselves each item would not have a great deal of significance…But all together in the same known writing, they provide strong evidence of being the same writer. If this were my court case, that's how I would testify."

What strong evidence??? I don’t think we’re looking at the same writing samples.

The article then says that Lowe did note some differences in the writing. “There are certainly differences in the samples, but they are explainable - and that's the test," she wrote in an e-mail.”
Explainable HOW?? What’s the scientific explanation??

Handwriting is tricky. Some would argue that it does not change overtime, I beg to differ. After using a keyboard for more than 20 yrs, I can honestly say that my handwriting is much different… horrible even. Also, it could be possible that in the time that lapsed from the letter sample and the postcard sample that maybe Linda’s fingers were broken and as a result her handwriting changed… or Linda acquired a rapid developing case of rheumatoid arthritis (no offense to those who have this horrible disease) and the handwriting on the postcard is a result of her disfigured hand… There are too many outstanding questions to use this as solid evidence. (AAC)

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.indirdegel.com/down.asp?id=3060]türk tv[/url]

Anonymous said...

"Staropolskim obyczajem,
gdy w Wigilię gwiazda wstaje,
Nowy Rok zaś cyfrę zmienia,
wszyscy wszystkim ślą życzenia.
Przy tej pięknej sposobności
i ja życzę Wam radości,
aby wszystkim się darzyło,
z roku na rok lepiej było."

[url=http://www.karty-swiateczne.com]kartki świąteczne[/url] - kartki świąteczne
NIECH MIKOŁAJ PRZYNIESIE CI PEŁEN WOREK SZCZĘŚCIA I POCIECHY DLA SERCA!

- Żyj z rodziną i przyjaciółmi w zgodzie i pogódź się z nimi nawet jeśli to niemożliwe!

CZAS ŚWIĄT TO OKRES WIARY, NADZIEI, POJEDNANIA I WYBACZANIA!

Niech nadchodzące święta, pełne rodzinnego ciepła i odpoczynku, napełnią Was prawdziwą radością i pokojem. Niech będzie to dla Was chwila wytchnienia od codzienności, chwila refleksji i dobrej nowiny, która wyzwoli to, co najlepsze i da siły do podejmowania nowych zadań na cały zbliżający się nowy rok

Forgery expert said...

Well I was looking some legal procedure for my case testimonial about Handwriting expert in Google so my search stopped me at your blog I enjoyed reading it. I'm supposed to be somewhere else in a minute but I stuck to reading the story. I love Your Blog……..

Unknown said...

Wonderful posts. i like it much...
But i want to share something special about kids parties...
Kids fairy land provide your kids birthday party games and birthday party characters and also provide clowns Miami for your kids birthday and you get kids birthday party ideas so enjoy the parties. it's so amazing kids parties Miami and childrens party Browardand also kids birthday party west palm beach kids Fairy land gives
you all Facilities.

Anonymous said...

unlock iphone 4
unlock iphone 4
iphone 4 unlock

http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_16a1f630-1d3d-5efa-bb19-182b6ab81170.html http://www.bfi.org/?q=node/129
I am using bsnl 500c home-plan.Im using FF,Chrome browsers but i cant access isohunt.com site.Then i tried Opera still its not opening how can i access this site plz help me.Im using zonealarm Pro &AVG free antivirus.I also have a problem with my IE i tried to install New IE8 b4 its version 6 now its not working when i open it it says "Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."what can i do plz help
how to unlock iphone 4 how to unlock iphone 4

how to unlock iphone 4 [url=http://unlockiphone44.com]unlock iphone 4[/url] unlock iphone 4 how to unlock iphone 4

Kartki Świąteczne Łódź said...

Analysing handwriting its not really like you said shold be a yera of work, analyzing difrent style, but you still can be sure.

Anonymous said...

ttc on clomid | order clomid no prescription - how to get clomid prescription, clomid lengthen luteal phase

Anonymous said...

[url=http://dcxvssh.com]ARJwNofrabjLTPcpg[/url] , uULRaeKJFINJDoXq - http://hhmgziigpu.com

Anonymous said...

does clomid work the first time | buy clomid without prescription uk - clomid pills online, pregnant on clomid

Anonymous said...

ovulation days on clomid | http://buy-clomid-in-usa.webs.com/#29700 - clomid 100 mg, does clomid make your cycle longer

Anonymous said...

severity of alcohol dependence questionnaire http://alcoholboutique.com/jack-daniels-black-7-yo-with-exclusive-messenger-bag.html alcohol and women in the 1960 [url=http://alcoholboutique.com/campari.html]kidney failure due to alcohol consumption[/url] urine lots when drinking alcohol

Anonymous said...

buy soma online generic soma markings - generic soma brands

Anonymous said...

buy somas online soma triathlon discount code - soma quill adapter

Anonymous said...

freak dating http://loveepicentre.com/ speed dating 9 26 2009

Anonymous said...

soma online cheap soma without rx - drug enforcement agency soma

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol hcl get prescription online tramadol - tramadol hcl 50 mg dogs

Anonymous said...

buy cialis online cialis daily not working - best cialis online pharmacy

Anonymous said...

on clomid when can i test for pregnancy | http://clomiddiscount.webs.com/#53587 - buy clomid uk no prescription, how to take clomid after a cycle

Anonymous said...

clomid after cycle | clomid price cvs - clomid prices, what happens if you take clomid while pregnant

Anonymous said...

directions for clomid | [url=http://ordergenericclomid.webs.com/#21978]100mg clomid[/url] - clomid tablets 50mg, wigf how to tell if clomid is working

Anonymous said...

copy adobe ebook http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/Wireless-Systems-and-Mobility-in-Next-Generation-Internet-4th-International-Workshop-of-the-EuroNGI-EuroFGI-Network-of-Excellence-Barcelona-Spain-Networks-and-Telecommunications/p209931/ airborne radar ebook [url=http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/fr/OpenGL-Super-Bible/p132597/]gaiman ebook torrent[/url] ebook texbook replacement

Free Antivirus Download said...

please share more and useable information to your blog. free antivirus download

Anonymous said...

cobit ebook http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/Digital-Photography-and-Video/c1155/ whats the best ebook readers [url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/Larry-R-Nyhoff/m74659/]ebook download deutsch[/url] standard ebook size

Anonymous said...

xanax online xanax and alcohol withdrawal symptoms - xanax side effects go away

Anonymous said...

dvd convert software free download http://buyoem.co.uk/es/news-23/Office-2008-for-Mac-feels-need-for-speed-with-new-service-pack gps laptop software and receiver [url=http://buyoem.co.uk/product-36958/Ashampoo-Core-Tuner-2-2-0]medical palm pilot software[/url] math and physics software for pcs
[url=http://buyoem.co.uk/featured-products]Featured Products - Software Store[/url] melvaig software engineering limited scotland
[url=http://buyoem.co.uk/product-35298/4Media-AVI-to-DVD-Converter-6-2-MacOSX][img]http://buyoem.co.uk/image/1.gif[/img][/url]

Anonymous said...

carisoprodol 350 mg carisoprodol erowid experience - carisoprodol hydrocodone abuse

Anonymous said...

tramadol generic buy tramadol online mastercard - really cheap tramadol

Anonymous said...

carisoprodol 350 mg order carisoprodol online no prescription - carisoprodol soma overdose

Anonymous said...

generic xanax blue football xanax effects - xanax generic brand name

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol no prescription buy tramadol us pharmacy - buy tramadol online no prescription needed

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol online no prescription mastercard - tramadol shot

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol hcl muscle relaxer - tramadol 50 mg during pregnancy

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol make u high - tramadol withdrawal restless legs

Anonymous said...

purchase xanax xanax street price australia - xanax drug fact sheet

Anonymous said...

cialis online no prescription overnight cialis online consultation - safe buy cialis online usa

Anonymous said...

cialis online cialis 36 hour reviews - buy brand cialis usa

Anonymous said...

cialis online buy cialis safely online - reliable place buy cialis

Anonymous said...

cialis price 36 hour cialis online - lowest price cialis 20mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol to buy online - can you buy tramadol over the counter in usa

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol 50mg zydol - tramadol for sale online no prescription

Anonymous said...

can you buy tramadol online tramadol hcl buy - tramadol for dogs an 627

Anonymous said...

http://landvoicelearning.com/#74967 buy tramadol cod overnight delivery - buy tramadol hydrochloride online usa

Anonymous said...

tramadol online tramadol dosage weight - tramadol hcl taken with tylenol

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cheap no prescription tramadol 50mg hcl tablets - buy tramadol health solutions

Anonymous said...

http://buytramadolonlinecool.com/#28875 tramadol 50 mg iv - tramadol-ratiopharm 50 mg kapszula

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol in florida cheap tramadol online usa - tramadol addiction recovery

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol withdrawal not that bad - tramadol 50 mg bijsluiter

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online order tramadol cod saturday delivery - buy tramadol london

Anonymous said...

buy ativan online ativan online - ativan 2 side effects

Anonymous said...

learn how to buy tramdadol tramadol buy online usa - best website buy tramadol

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online without a prescription order tramadol rx - tramadol 50 mg over counter

Anonymous said...

http://ranchodelastortugas.com/#64581 xanax for anxiety yahoo - non generic xanax

Anonymous said...

carisoprodol 350 mg carisoprodol soma uses - carisoprodol side effects alcohol

Anonymous said...

cheap carisoprodol carisoprodol zyrtec - drug side effects carisoprodol

Anonymous said...

order tramadol no prescription tramadol dose vet - buy tramadol usa pharmacy

Anonymous said...

Get the facts tramadol dosage restless leg syndrome - buy tramadol online no prescription overnight

Anonymous said...

The best way to get better from here, but there
is a total of 50 square fleshlight meters
of beef Mi Fendian investment also in less than 50, 000 yuan.
The bad thing is that there are multiple factors to consider when it comes to getting your
ex boyfriend back.

Anonymous said...

dating site for australian http://loveepicentre.com christian dating service research
good and powerful online dating sites [url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice/]girls dating older men[/url] acne dating
dating with dignity [url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice/]teen girls dating expectations[/url] lesbian dating powered by phpbb [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/bonnell/]bonnell[/url] dating crossdressers

SIFS INDIA said...

Thanks for this!!!
SIFS INDIA Experts Opinions and Reports are acceptable in every court in India and abroad (In India- U/S 45 of Indian Evidence Act) and Our Educational Courses Certificates are valid and legal.
SIFS-Investigation Department
2443, Basement, Hudson Lane,Kingsway Camp,Behind GTB Metro Station, Delhi - 110009
Phone : 09953 546 546, 09871 502 343
Email : contact@sifsindia.com, forensicdocument@gmail.com
Website : www.sifsindia.com, www.sifs.in , www.sifs.org.in

Anonymous said...

I all the time used to read paragraph in news papers but now as I am a user of web so
from now I am using net for articles, thanks to web.


Also visit my webpage; shock collar gang

Unknown said...

true religion outlet
kobe shoes 11
lebron james shoes 13
coach outlet online
ralph lauren outlet
louis vuitton outlet stores
michael kors outlet
christian louboutin shoes
michael kors outlet
coach factory outlet
fitflops
coach outlet
cheap jordans
louis vuitton handbags
ed hardy clothing
jordan 4 toro
adidas shoes
nike huarache shoes
ray ban sunglasses
louis vuitton outlet
michael kors handbags
oakley vault
asics running shoes
fitflops sale clearance
michael kors
ralph lauren sale
oakley sunglasses
michael kors handbags
adidas originals
cheap toms shoes
hollister clothing
jordan 11s
jordans
coach outlet store online clearances
cheap oakley sunglasses
giuseppe zanotti
michael kors outlet
louis vuitton outlet
fake watches
kobe 9
20167.1wengdongdong