Do not be satisfied by saying that certain letters resemble each other. Show by an enlarged diagram how and where, indicating the parts to which attention is called by arrows. Place the single letters to be compared in parallel columns, headed with the alphabetical letter distinguishing the document in which the particular letter occurs. Use foolscap paper, and write on one side of the paper only.
The usual method of dealing with the handwriting expert in the witness-box is shown in the following extract from a report of an actual case.
Mr. D. B—— was called by counsel for the prosecution and duly sworn.
Q.—You have had considerable experience in examining handwriting.
A.—Over twenty years.
Q.—Look at these documents. (Hands documents to witness.) Have you seen and examined these?
A.—I have.
Q.—Have you formed any opinion upon them?
A.—I have, and have prepared a report.
In some cases the expert is allowed to read his report in full. In others he is requested to give a verbal report, but if the point be insisted upon, the judge generally permits the report to be read, either by the expert or by counsel. A copy of the report, together with the documents in dispute are then usually handed to the jury for examination. The expert may proceed to illustrate his point with the aid of a blackboard and chalk, but much depends upon the attitude taken by the judge and counsel. Some judges insist that the expert shall confine himself to expressing his opinion, leaving counsel to deal with the explanation and comparison; others give the expert every opportunity of showing how he has arrived at his opinions.