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A Full Spectrum of Handwriting Services

by Heidi H. Harralson, CG, DABFE

 Handwriting analysis, also known as graphology, is the scientific measurement and analysis of an individual’s handwriting for purposes of psychological profiling. An individual’s handwriting is as unique as a fingerprint. Because of this, handwriting is not only able to provide information about one’s personality and character, but is also examined for purposes of authenticating questioned handwriting and signatures. The process of authenticating handwriting is called forensic document examination.

Because of the information that handwriting analysis can provide, it is used extensively by companies as a powerful behavioral profiling tool for personnel selection. A personnel report can provide a human resources manager with information regarding a potential applicant’s intellectual style, social skills, self image concepts, inner drives and inhibitions, energy level, integrity and reliability. Honesty is an important issue among employers and while there are other tests used to measure honesty, handwriting analysis can not only gauge the level of honesty in an applicant, but can also provide information regarding the potential employee’s vocational aptitude and personality characteristics.

Management reports are also prepared for employers and supervisors who need more information about the interdynamics of the office staff to help with decisions regarding teamwork, management and staffing structure, and internal promotion. Because of the intensive environment in a legal office, finding the key person for a position is imperative, whether it is an attorney, legal secretary, legal assistant or other supporting staff.

Jury selection is another area that handwriting analysis can provide insight into the psychological temperament of the individual. While handwriting can furnish psychological information during the initial selection of a jury, it can also help the attorney understand the jurors better during the trial in order to focus on presentation techniques more suited to the personality temperament of the jury.

Forensic document examination is the scientific analysis and examination of handwritten, typed, or printed documents for purposes of authentication. Questioned documents can include the altered signatures or writing on wills, checks, deeds, medical documents, contracts and more. Forensic handwriting examination can also provide information regarding the identification of writing on poison pen letters and anonymous notes.

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Last modified: October 24, 2001