What is the Basis for a Handwriting Elimination?

This paper reviews the basic elements necessary to eliminate an individual as having written a questioned body of writing based on that person’s handwriting characteristics. In addition, a review of the pertinent literature and foundational basis necessary to reach such definitive opinions will be thoroughly discussed.
The essence of this paper is to research the literature regarding the elimination of a person as the author of handwriting by means of a handwriting examination, to delve into what may be the cause for an forensic document examiner’s (FDE’s) opinions relating to eliminations that are in error, and to delineate the criteria necessary to eliminate a writer based on established principles. The authors have observed over the years that some FDEs have either lacked sufficient training in what constitutes the basis for elimination or have not fully understood the criteria necessary to make that determination.
It has became apparent to the authors through their own case work, discussions at technical meetings, and general feedback from other qualified FDEs that elimination-type opinions are too frequently offered without a sound demonstrative basis for such opinions. In some instances we have observed that the eliminations are a product of insufficient training by the FDE offering the opinion; a poor understanding of the criteria necessary for an elimination; or, in some matters where training is proper, an improper application of the principle that the FDE had learned in training.
Although the determination of identification and elimination are on opposite ends of the opinion scale, the criteria needed to reach these opinions are considerably different. However, both are based on a writer’s skill level; the characteristics, qualities, and features of the writing; the quantity and complexity of the examined writing; the full range of variation of the writer; and the occurrence of outside or accidental factors that can influence a writer and subsequently the writing.
To conclude that a known writer did not write a questioned handwriting, the FDE must determine that the known writer could not and did not write the questioned writing under any circumstances, including, but not limited to, intentional or accidental distortion, more than one writing style, writing position, drugs, or other transitory or permanent factors, etc.
In most instances involving signatures and short writings, the evidence in the writing is insufficient to make such a determination. The key element to eliminating a writer is for the FDE to fully understand that it is the combination of differences, taken collectively, that determines the truly significant differences that provide the basis for the elimination. The authors have noted that even minor variations in writing characteristics, qualities, and features have been deemed so significant and individualistic by some FDEs that they have maintained that these superficial differences are sufficient to eliminate a writer.