What is Forensic Document Examination?
Forensic Document Examination is the scientific analysis of handwriting, signatures, and documents to assess authenticity and, where possible, determine authorship.  Examiners compare known writing samples (specimens) with the writing or signature in question (the questioned material).
A key requirement is comparable material.  For example, if the questioned entry is in uppercase printing, the specimen must also be in uppercase printing.


Do you always reach a definitive conclusion?
No. Some cases contain limitations that prevent a firm opinion.  An inconclusive finding may occur when:

• The questioned writing or signature is too simple
• The quantity of questioned material is too small
• The specimen material is insufficient or non‑comparable

These limitations may be apparent at the outset or may only become clear once the examination begins.


Can you determine the writer’s gender, age, or personality from handwriting?
No. Such claims relate to graphology, which is not a forensic science and is not undertaken by FDAT.  Personality profiling from handwriting has no scientific basis.   A useful comparison is astronomy versus astrology: both involve the stars, but only one is grounded in science.


What types of cases do Forensic Document Examiners handle?
FDEs work with a wide range of documents and materials, most commonly involving paper and ink.  Over recent years, more casework involves non-original digital documents, such as those depicted in a PDF format. 
Casework may include:

• Wills and contracts
• Anonymous or threatening letters
• Bank hold‑up notes
• Drug folds
• Counterfeit currency
• Fraudulently altered or counterfeit identity documents (passports, licences, certificates, banking documents)

The scope can be broad.  Whilst paper and synthetics are the most common substrates, during his career Justin has also examined wooden doors, a saxophone case, a handmade clay‑brick suicide note, a section of B‑17 ‘Flying Fortress’ fuselage skin, and—tragically—body parts bearing tattoos.