Abstract

The purpose of this article is to point out the need to order the inconsistent terminology regarding deliberate handwriting modifications and to discuss the merits of distinguishing autoforgery as a separate mode of action. Frequent use of the name “disguise” for any intentional attempt to alter one’s handwriting to prevent recognition, combined with insights that the disguise is rarely effective, can lead to too hasty judgments and errors in expert practice. It is necessary to sort out the terminology and distinguish autoforgery as a special, often difficult to detect mode of action. This article identifies main types of deliberate changes in handwriting according to the criterion of the writer’s purpose and not according to the criteria of the methods used by that person, as it has been done so far. The distinction of autoforgery as a special kind of disguise provides the necessary basis and starting point for experimental statistical research.

Keywords:Handwriting identification; Disguised handwriting; Autoforgery; self-forgery