NCJ Number
186076
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 5 Dated: December/January 1999 Pages: 108-116
Date Published
1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined the factors that influence the natural variation in the relative heights of letters in signatures.
Abstract
Ten individuals submitted 10 signature specimens each. The signing area was designed to represent the signing of a contract with an "X" to position the adjacent signature. There were also three backing sheets below each signature document to simulate a legal document. Six different forms were designed to represent the areas on a legal document designated for signing. Factors considered to influence the natural variation of the relative heights of letters included placement of the signature line; the size of the signature line; typing below the signature line; typing above the signature line; a large signature above the signature line; and typing on all sides of the signature line. The findings of this study generally agree with those of an earlier study by Bradford as well as one by Albert Osborn. The latter wrote, "The various parts of an ordinary signature when carefully measured bear a certain proportion to each other which is surprisingly uniform." Osborn goes on to state, however, that "There is a natural divergence within certain limits, and an occasional exceptional part and this fact makes it dangerous to base a conclusion as to genuineness entirely upon a few measurements of size or proportion especially as expressed in complicated mathematical statements." These statements by Osborn hold true for the signatures displayed in the current study. 6 figures and 3 references