Opinion Terminology

Since the observations made by the examiner are on the product of human behaviour there is a large number of variables that could contribute to limiting the examiner’s ability to express an opinion confidently. These factors include the amount of writing being compared, the degree of variability in the writing, the complexity of the writing and the relative timing of the questioned and comparison material.

To allow for these variables a scale is used which has three levels of positive and negative on either side of an inconclusive result.

POSITIVE

Conclusive opinion: The evidence provides very strong support for the proposition that the writing in question was written by the writer of the specimen (sample) writing.

The examiner has no reservations or qualifications whatsoever and, generally, an alternative explanation may be realistically disregarded.

The evidence is regarded as “conclusive” from the examiner’s point of view.

Highly probable: The evidence provides strong support for the proposition that the writing in question was highly probably / in all probability written by the writer of the sample/specimen writing.

This opinion level, which just falls short of the conclusive level, is used when there is an identifiable limitation associated with the examination process.

In this instance, it is highly unlikely that an alternative explanation represents the truth of the matter.

Probably written: The evidence provides some support for the proposition that the writing in question was probably written by the writer of the specimen / sample writing.

This level of opinion is also, on occasions, described as “limited positive evidence” and may be used denoting there is a restriction of the examination e.g. a small amount of writing concerned, inadequate comparison samples available, poor copy material available etc. In such circumstances, the evidence could be regarded as being weaker relative to the above and far from conclusive.

INCONCLUSIVE RESULT

Inconclusive: No opinion can be expressed as to whether or not the writing in question was written by the writer of the specimen/sample writing.

NEGATIVE

Conclusive opinion: The evidence provides very strong support for the proposition that the writing in question was NOT written by the writer of the specimen / sample writing.

The examiner has no reservation or qualification whatsoever and, generally, an alternative explanation may be realistically disregarded.

The evidence is regarded as “conclusive” from the examiner’s point of view.

Highly Probably NOT written: This evidence provides strong support for the proposition that the writing in question was highly probably / in all probability NOT written by the writer of the specimen/sample writing.

This opinion level, which just falls short of the conclusive level, is used when there is an identifiable limitation associated with the examination process.

In this instance, it is highly unlikely that an alternative explanation represents the truth.

Probably NOT written: This evidence provides some support for the proposition that the writing in question was probably NOT written by the writer of the specimen / sample writing.

This level of opinion is also, on occasions, described a “limited negative evidence” and may be used denoting there is a restriction of the examination e.g. small amount of writing concerned, inadequate comparison samples available, poor copy material available etc. In such circumstances, the evidence could be regarded as being weaker relative to the above and far from conclusive.

INCONCLUSIVE RESULT
Inconclusive: No opinion can be expressed as to whether or not the writing in question was written by the writer of the
specimen / sample writing.