Handwriting

Anything written by a person. The manner in which a person writes, including the formation of the characters, the separation of the words, and other features distinguishing the written matter, as a mechanical result, from the writing of other persons. That branch of the law of evidence which treats of handwriting is largely concerned with the determination of the genuineness or falsity of signatures. As to what constitutes a writing, generally, see that title, and, as to writing as required by the statutes of wills, sec Will. With respect to proof of handwriting, a signature by a person unable to write, or, as it has been held, by one who can write, may be by mark, which is proved as the handw'riting would be in case of a written signature. See Mark. The law of evidence as to handwriting applies also where it is in a disguised hand; 4 E.sp. 117; Com. v. Webster, 5 Cush. (Mass.) 205, 52 Am. Dec. 711; Lyon V. Lyman, 9 Conn. 55; or when a cipher is used; ('om. v. Nefus, 135 Mass. 533. One’s own testimony is not the best evidence on this subject, and the writer need not be called; 2 Camp. 508; Ainsworth v. Greenlee, 8 N. C. 100; Lcf Certs v. State, 49