Another way that investigators gather evidence is by looking at handwriting. If a note or piece of paper is found, investigators can analyze the writing. They can also compare the writing on the note with samples from possible suspects. They look at the following:
- The form of the handwriting, such as shapes of the letters and their slant, angles, connections, and curves
- The line quality or the thickness of the line as a result of the type of writing instrument used and the pressure exerted while writing
- The arrangement on the page, including spacing, alignment, formatting, and unique punctuation.
- The content - including spelling, phrasing, punctuation, and grammar.