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Could two similar signatures be copies of the same image? What does a scan leave out? Start with a question, explore an example and see how far the evidence takes you.

Worked examples (8)

Worked examples

A repeated signature on two forms

Establish what repeats and what an overlap can show.

Worked examples

Collecting signatures to compare with a will

Choose reference material whose origin is independent of the dispute.

Worked examples

Comparing two versions of a contract

Record a change in payment terms even when the page breaks differ.

Worked examples

Comparing writing in different scripts

Material from one person can contain handwriting of quite different kinds.

Worked examples

Photographing a printout of a scan

Reconstruct the copying sequence when a stroke looks broken.

Worked examples

Preparing a brief for a document examiner

Bring a focused question, an item list and information about provenance.

Worked examples

When an invoice has different bank details

Separate the difference in the files from the identity of whoever changed them.

Worked examples

Writing a finding in a preliminary report

Make the observation, alternative explanations and missing material clear.