Possibilities of Determining the Gender of Scriptors in Forensic Handwriting Identification

Abstract

The inspiration for the paper and the problem(s) that the paper addresses: This paper is inspired by the author 's desire to explore the objective possibility of determining the gender of a scriptor within a criminalistic identification of handwriting. The intention of the presented research is to check the possibility of developing and applying a specific method for reliable determination of gender on the basis of handwriting within criminal-forensic examinations of documents and handwritings.

The goals of the paper (scientific and/or social): To determine whether it is possible to claim reliably, with probative value of evidence, and on the basis of isolated, individual handwritten characteristics, that a certain handwritten expression belongs to a male or female.

Methodology/Design: Methods used in this study include: content analysis, methods of description, classification and specialization; comparative method and experiment.

Research/the paper limitations: Limitations may arise from the quantity of control groups that conducted the research methodology, as well as the research sample itself.

Results/findings: The paper presents and analyzes the results of research conducted according to the methodology based on identification characteristics that were common to a number of similar studies. The average success rates in this study ranges from 62.80% to 68.91%. None of the isolated handwriting characteristics used in this experimental study for the assessment of the gender of the scriptor contributes to a statistically significant absolutely accurate assessment of the sex of the scriptor. Results show that experts, for the most part, conclude on the basis of a general impression - experience, and not on the basis of some of the isolated handwriting characteristics that were used in this research.

General conclusion: The methodology of the presented research cannot be used with absolute certainty in criminal identification, but the results of this research can be used in the process of criminal profiling of the perpetrator.

Research/the paper justifibility: Handwriting research is a very important part of the forensic-criminalistic-technical research and examination. Bearing in mind that according to the available data, no experimental research has been conducted in our country regarding the possibilities of determining the gender of a scriptor based on his handwriting, authors believe that this research represents a significant contribution to the scientific knowledge regarding this issue.