Is There Proof That Handwriting Is Individual?

Sargur N. Srihari is a computer scientist and educator who has made progress with pattern recognition and developed software known as Cedar-Fox (granted a U.S. Patent in 2009) used by the US Postal Office primarily for handwritten address systems.  Srihari’s work on the individuality of handwriting has been cited in Daubert and Frye standard hearings in the United States and cleared the way for admitting handwriting evidence into the court system. 


Handwriting experts through looking and examining hundreds and thousands of samples of handwriting and through training know that there are defined differences in individual's handwriting.  Some differences are not noticed by untrained eyes but trained eyes notice things that others would by-pass.  Also it is known that there are individuals who have 'form blindness' and cannot observe differences in writing.  In training to be a handwriting expert, one of the first 'tests' given is to discover if that person has 'form blindness'.  Unfortunately, 'form blindness' tests are not given in the courtroom to judges, attorneys and jurors and it is up to the handwriting expert to present a well-defined report with exhibits in order to substantiate their opinion to the court. 


The Fathers of Document Examination have long held to the opinion that handwriting is individualized and now through the use of computer software their opinion is being validated.  Another area that is validating individuality are the use of brain scans using MRI's.  These brain scans now illustrate how the brain, muscles and nerves function together just as handwriting experts have always explained that they do.  


Brenda Petty
www.ExpertHandwritingExaminer.com