Park on Signature Identification Evidence

Roger Park has published an article called "Signature Identification in the Light of Science and Experience," 59 Hastings L. J. 1101 (symposium on scientific evidence). Roger carefully analyzes the empirical studies on signature identification and concludes that expert witnesses on forensic document examination should be permitted to testify in signature authentication cases. However, he strongly advocates numerous safeguards, including "instructions that the expertise is not scientific, restrictions on the use of scientific jargon or science-invoking words such as 'laboratory,' and full discovery of detailed conclusions." Furthermore, Roger argues that, when such forensic document experts testify, witnesses with knowledge of the scientific method should be allowed to testify on the other side, questioning scientific status, proficiency, or the validity of conclusions.