comparison of hands

It is a general rule, that evidence by comparison of hands is not admissible, where the witness has had no previous knowledge of the hand writing, but is called upon to testify merely from a comparison of hands. There may be cases, where, from the antiquity of the writing, it is impossible for any living witness to swear that he ever saw the party write, comparison of hand writing with documents, known to be in his hand writing, has been admitted. But these are extraordinary instances, arising from the necessity of the case.

A mode of proving a by comparing it with another, in order to were written by the same person.

In the law of evidence. A mode of proving a handwriting or signature, by comparing it with another, in order to ascertain whether both were written by the same person.* In England, this species of evidence is, in general, not admissible. 5 Ad. d: Ell. 703. Best on Presumptions, 221—234, §§ 162—171. In some of the United States, as in New- York, this rule is followed. 5 Hil Vs R. 182. 1 Denio's R. S4S. In others, a different rule has been established. 1 Oreenleaf on Evid. §§ 579—581, and notes.