The concept of self-forgery and classification of factors and conditions of performing the signatures with intentional changes in the performer’s own signature handwriting features

Abstract

The article is devoted to handwriting objects, the study of which is characterized by increased complexity – signatures, made on their performer’s behalf, but with a change in features of his own signature handwriting. The complexity of the study of such objects is caused by the integration of expert task, as it involves interacting penetration of identification problems (concerning the authenticity of a signature) and diagnostic tasks (regarding the conditions of the signature performed). The article analyzes the criminalistic literature on the subject - highlights the key provisions from the works of many forensic scientists, namely L.Y. Arotsker, Y.P. Konovalov, I.J. Fridman, S.A. Tsypeniuk, V.V. Lypovskii (written either individually or in collaboration with P.Z. Khasmanene), E.Kh. Chekushev, Z.S. Yablokova, N.V. Tuliakova, L.V. Markova, V.F. Orlova, presents scientific developments of M.J. Bondar, T.A. Sukhmanova and T.V. Sokhranych. The article also provides some theoretical principles concerning the forensic handwriting examination of signatures made by persons in their own name with intentional changes in their own signature handwriting features that have been refined during the research work on the topic “Research Methodology for signatures made with changes in the performer’s own signature handwriting features” carried out at Kharkiv Research Institute of Forensic Examinatioins named after Emeritus Professor M.S. Bokarius. There are set out definitions of the self-forgery, the object of such an examination (in general and specific meanings) and the subject. At the end of the article there is the classification of the factors and conditions of performing the signatures with intentional changes in the performer’s own signature handwriting features. In particular, the classification is based on delimitation of objective and subjective factors influencing the process of writing. Author of the article believes that the proposed classification can be useful in expert practice, and calls on experts in handwriting to be very careful and cautious when giving the conclusion on signatures with intentional changes in the performer’s own signature handwriting features, because the intention to distort own signature handwriting features must be proved.