Questioned Document analysis is a branch of forensic science that refers to the scientific examination, comparison and analysis of documents in question to establish authenticity or forgery, to uncover alterations or deletions and to determine authorship based on handwriting, text, marks and other relative impression. This analysis uses a variety of scientific techniques and methods such as graphology, word usage analysis, statement analysis and linguistics. Graphology is a process of handwriting analysis that examines the slants, size and manner of writing which determines the person’s mental and emotional state while word usage analysis refers to speech patterns used by the author that determines the psychological and social aspect of the person. On the other hand, statement analysis is the examination of statements used such as irrelevant information and lack of conviction or balance which can determine truthful or fabricated statements while Linguistics refers to systematic analysis of language used associated with human behavior and which could provide clues in determining the author’s gender, age, ethnicity, profession, religion, educational level and political affiliation. Although these examinations have one common factor which involves the study of handwriting, they should not be confused with questioned document examination. Questioned document examination is related to the legal system for purposes of law enforcement investigations, prosecutions and civil litigations while graphology, word usage analysis, statement analysis and linguistics are specialized fields of handwriting analysis which are more focused in determining the social and psychological aspects of a person through handwriting.
The issues on the ransom note in the unsolved murder case of Jon Benet Ramsey falls under the forensic science category of questioned document examination which requires comparative handwriting analysis. This prompted the document examiners to invite hundreds of experts from everywhere who are trained in various specialized fields of handwriting analysis. These experts are the only individuals who are equipped and competent to conduct the assessments and express their opinions. Although their expertise is not generally accepted in the standards of forensic science, conclusions and testimonies of their assessments can play a vital role in determining the issues associated with the questioned document.
Works Cited:
Adams, S., “ Statement Analysis: What Do Suspects’ Words Really Reveal”? Crime & Clues. October, 1996. Web. July 29, 2013.
Claridge, J., “ Forensic Graphology”. Explore Forensics. January 28, 2013. Web. July 29, 2013.
Mehl, M., Niederhoffer, K., Pennebaker, J., “ Psychological Aspects of Natural Language Use: Our World, Our Selves”. Annual Review. 2003. Web. July 29, 2013
Turell, T., “ The role and task of the forensic linguist in giving evidence”. Forensic Lab. November 13, 2008. Web. July 29, 2013.
