FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF SHORT SIGNATURES

Abstract

This article is devoted to the topical problem of forensic handwriting analysis: research on short simple signatures and on solution of identification and diagnostic problems regarding such objects.

On the basis of examples from forensic expert practice in Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Kharkiv Research Institute of Forensic Examinations, the possibility of solving forensic handwriting problems while the study of short and simple signatures is illustrated. It is noted that current methodical state of forensic science institutes of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine allows to conduct forensic handwriting analysis as well as forensic handwriting research on these objects using traditional methods.

While solving such issues, the general method of scientific cognition: dialectical materialism; Empirical research method; the method of analysis and synthesis; observation, experimentation and modelling methods; instrumental method, measuring method; qualitatively descriptive method have been used.

Research proved possibility of identification and diagnostic forensic handwriting tasks solution while the study of short simple signatures provided that forensic experts have a sufficient amount of informative comparative material. The present subjective approach in defining “suitability” of low- informative objects for solution of identification and diagnostic issues is stressed in the article. Success while solving the indicated forensic handwriting tasks depends on the professional level of forensic expert.