Ace V
Ace V
Forensic Handwriting
Identification
What is ACE-V Methodology?
The first thing to examine is the questioned handwriting since it ay arrive first in
the hand of the examiner.
The analysis will give the examiner an idea of what type of handwriting will give
the best standard to compare with the questioned handwriting.
Analysis
Relation to baseline
Line quality
---these are the general descriptive aspect to analyze the handwriting of a person.
Descriptive Analysis
After having studied the general descriptive aspect, next to consider is the
specific description of the standard handwriting.
These are very strong points to have excellent agreement for identification.
Descriptive Analysis
All possible characteristics and elements found in the handwriting must be taken
and put into consideration.
Comparison
It refers to the properties of the unknown items determined thru analysis are now
compared with the familiar or recorded properties of known items.
The questioned handwriting is the unknown which needs to establish its identity
by comparing it to the known item which is the standards.
Comparison
Procedures:
Take note visually and mentally points of similarities and points of dissimilarities.
Never touch with a pencil, ball point pen, or any pointed objects the documents.
Principles in Choosing Standards of
Comparison
The best standards are of the same general class as those of the QD; as nearly as possible
of the same date before and after the date of the writing of the document in dispute
(contemporaneous)
The selection should comprise those writings known to be genuine and made under
favorable conditions and in a natural manner. (proof of genuineness)
Standards of comparison should be the handwritings available and best suited, regardless
of the time they were written, whether near the date of the disputed handwriting or many
years after.
Example of comparative examination made
on different handwriting of a person.
Evaluation
Where excellent agreement may exist however there exist significant reminder on
the result, the analysis and comparative examination may be reviewed to establish
whether that reminder is only an accidental or temporary or additional standard
can be asked for.
The conclusion must be purely derived from the evaluation of the handwriting.
The QD examiner shall give sound conclusion or opinion deduced solely from the
examination performed.
Most of the document examiners apply “qualified opinion” where there is a
probability of a mistake on the result of the matter being investigated.
Qualified opinion is based on the facts shown on the document and not on the
original.
When the document presented is a photocopy, and it shows individuality in
characteristics both in questioned document and the standard, therefore it is
probably the handwriting of another person.
However, there is a strong probability that it is not, the moment that the original
document will be presented and examined.
Verification
Where numerous handwriting problems may occur most especially when the
identity is somewhat difficult to prove, the expert should seek another expert’s
opinion.
Guidelines in the Examination of Handwritings
Document examiner determines first whether all standards were written by one
person, if the date of execution is contemporaneous with the date of the QD and
the number of the standards are sufficient.
The examiner examines the standards, differentiating the common and individual
characteristics and the extent and range of his natural variations.
Guidelines in the Examination of Handwritings
The examiner also examines the standards specimen and compare the common
and individual characteristics with that of the QD and determines if both agree.
The examiner has to weigh the points of similarities and points of dissimilarities
according to his reasonable judgment and experience.
Guidelines in the Examination of Handwritings