Citation

Joshi MC, Garg RK. Prob. Forensic Sci. 2015; 101: 50-59.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Institute of Forensic Research Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The literature of forensic document examination and criminalistics says that documents are mute and silent witness. Forensic document experts "provide them voice with tongue" through the scientific examination and comparison of the handwritten characteristics embodied in the "unknown" disputed handwriting with "known" samples, adhering to all axioms and maxims of science of Questioned document examination. In this case, evidence of immense value was obtained from the mute witness. A team, consisting of a medico-legal examiner and document examiner, helped in expressing and amplifying the silent voice of the deceased, and in drawing up a scientific handwriting opinion regarding the authorship of the handwritten "suicide note", which had been written on an unusual writing surface - a "thigh" - and in proving the fact that it was "suicide" with cause and "abetment". This case study suggests that these means and methods must be practiced on a regular basis by forensic experts and new possibilities must be explored for identifying the writing present on unusual surfaces, and should never be overlooked. A successful forensic investigation requires careful assessment of various locations, such as the thighs and other limbs that are accessible for writing in suicidal/homicidal cases, to find out if any handwriting or clue of evidentiary value is present prior to the moving of the body for further actions, or doing an autopsy that can help in the administration of justice. © by the Institute of Forensic Research.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; hanging; photography; Medico-legal; writing; criminal justice; Suicide note; surface property; Article; limb; thigh; skin surface; handwriting; "Thigh"; document examination; Examination; Unusual surface; Writings