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handwriting exemplar

Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law

Definitions from Case Law

From 388 U.S. 263 - Gilbert v. California · 1967Most cited · 7,790 citing opinions

One's voice and handwriting are, of course, means of communication. It by no means follows, however, that every compulsion of an accused to use his voice or write compels a communication within the cover of the privilege. A mere handwriting exemplar, in contrast to the content of what is written, like the voice or body itself, is an identifying physical characteristic outside its protection.