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.

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

The chirography of a person; the cast or form of writing peculjar to a person, including the size, shape, and style of letters, tricks of penmanship, and whatever gives individuality to his writing, distinguishing it from that of other per- Anything written by hand; an instrument written by the hand of a person, or a specimen of his writing. Handwriting, considered under the law of evidence, includes not only the ordinary writing of one able to write, but also writing done in a disguised hand, or in cipher, and a mark made by one able or unable to write. 9 Amer. & Eng. Enc. Law, 264.