ABSTRACT
Handwriting analysis can be conducted from two different types of writing exemplars: requested and nonrequested. Requested writings consist of writing samples that are taken with the intention of comparison to a questioned document. Since these writings are acquired upon request, the conditions by which these samples are obtained can be controlled. In addition to requested writings, nonrequested exemplars, or writings acquired from the normal course of business or personal transactions, can also be used to compare to questioned documents. The advantage of nonrequested writings includes that the provided writings cannot be attempted to be forged or altered when provided, since they are written without the knowledge of being used in comparison to a questioned document and therefore are more likely to truly reect a person’s handwriting. However, variables such as the writing instrument used, surface of writing, and text provided cannot be controlled unlike requested documents.
