A document examiner plays an unusual role in the courtroom since every juror has a signature, writes or prints in some form, and thus may be naturally inclined to closely follow the testimony of a handwriting witness. In response to questions, testimony is given, whereby the findings from the examination of documents that contain questioned handwriting are explained. This process, to be effective, requires not only the examiner’s ability to communicate with attorneys and other courtroom players, but also that the expert present themselves and the exhibits in a way that support their opinions competently and credibly. The witness is ultimately teaching the jury, a group of total strangers to the field, how to compare, contrast and understand the fine details of handwriting examination.
This study is an investigation into the validity of handwriting analysis. Proponents of graphology maintain that personality traits are manifested in fine motor expression (i.e., handwriting) and this study seeks to explore the relationship between personality, cognitive functioning and handwriting. Currently, the research on handwriting as a tool for personality assessment offers mixed results, some studies support the notion that it is a valid and reliable measure of character while others claim that it lacks scientific merit and that the accuracy of the graphological evaluations is no better than chance. Despite differing opinions in the scientific community, handwriting examiners advise individual, legal and corporate clients across the country. Individuals retain their services for self-knowledge, relationship and vocational guidance, attorneys hire them as jury and trial consultants, and human resource departments hire them to assist in the selection of personnel.
In this study, we will compare scores from neuropsychological and personality tests with evaluations received from handwriting examiners from around the world. Findings from this study may provide insight into the validity of handwriting analysis while at the same time help clarify much of the existing literature. Insights into how various personality traits are manifested in fine motor expression can provide valuable information to individuals who seek to understand how handwriting reflects personality and cognitive functioning.
There is a new trend to use jury consultants and handwriting examiners to provide an outside perspective to attorneys during a trial. Adding another dimension to the courtroom process, these experts are trained to study such factors as verbal and non-verbal behaviors written communiqués, information derived from questionnaires and jury forms, focus groups, and mock trials, all to ascertain the personality dynamics of a jury. Assimilating how different personality types of the courtroom players—jurors, judges, witnesses, and attorneys interact is becoming crucial in trial strategy. Jury consultants are making a significant impact on how many trials are being conducted in the expanding legal arena.
The handwriting of approximately 100 visionary leaders in such fields as business, science, education, art, politics and film was analyzed and categorized. Four distinct types of creativity emerged:
(1) Conforming-Creative
(2) Compensated-Conflicted
(3) Productive-Versatile, and
(4) Empowered
Common traits and distinct differences among all these individuals were assessed.