To provide a quantitative support to the handwriting evidence evaluation, a new method was developed through the computation of a likelihood ratio based on a Bayesian approach. In the present paper, the methodology is briefly described and applied to data collected within a simulated case of a threatening letter. Fourier descriptors are used to characterise the shape of loops of handwritten characters «a», and likelihood ratios are computed from these measurements by comparing the characters «a» of the threatening letter and: 1) reference characters «a» of the true writer of the threatening letter, and then 2) with characters «a» of a writer who did not write the threatening letter. The findings support that the probabilistic methodology correctly supports either the hypothesis of authorship or the alternative hypothesis. Further developments will enable the handwriting examiner to use this methodology as a helpful assistance to assess the strength of evidence in handwriting casework.

Quantitative assessment of handwriting evidence: The value of the shape of the letter "a"

BOZZA, Silvia;
2011-01-01

Abstract

To provide a quantitative support to the handwriting evidence evaluation, a new method was developed through the computation of a likelihood ratio based on a Bayesian approach. In the present paper, the methodology is briefly described and applied to data collected within a simulated case of a threatening letter. Fourier descriptors are used to characterise the shape of loops of handwritten characters «a», and likelihood ratios are computed from these measurements by comparing the characters «a» of the threatening letter and: 1) reference characters «a» of the true writer of the threatening letter, and then 2) with characters «a» of a writer who did not write the threatening letter. The findings support that the probabilistic methodology correctly supports either the hypothesis of authorship or the alternative hypothesis. Further developments will enable the handwriting examiner to use this methodology as a helpful assistance to assess the strength of evidence in handwriting casework.
2011
21
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10278/30480
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