Problems of Forensic Sciences 2015 Vol. 101 (CI) 50-59
EXAMINATION OF HANDWRITING ON AN UNUSUAL SURFACE IN A SUICIDE CASE: DEAD PERSONS DO TELL TALES – CONDUCT A FORENSIC INVESTIGATION FOR THE CAUSE OF HUMANITY AND JUSTICE
Mahesh Chandra JOSHI1, Rakesh K. GARG2
1Directorate of Forensic Science Services, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Chandigarh/Shimla, India
2Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Streszczenie
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.
Słowa kluczowe
Writings; Unusual surface; “Thigh”; Examination; Suicide note; Medico-legal.