Allekirjoituskoe

Allekirjoituskoe, meaning signature test in Finnish, is a method used to verify the authenticity of a handwritten signature. This process is crucial in legal contexts, banking, and other situations where the validity of a document relies on the presence of a genuine signature. The core principle of an allekirjoituskoe is to compare the signature in question with known, authenticated examples of the individual's signature.

The examination typically involves a forensic document examiner who possesses specialized knowledge in handwriting analysis. These experts analyze various characteristics of the signature, including the pressure applied, the speed of the stroke, the formation of letters and flourishes, and the overall slant and spacing. They look for both similarities and discrepancies between the questioned signature and the known samples.

Factors such as the writing instrument used, the surface on which the signature was written, and the emotional or physical state of the signatory at the time of signing can also influence the appearance of a signature and are considered during the analysis. The goal is to determine whether the questioned signature was written by the same person who produced the known signatures.

Allekirjoituskoe can be used to detect forgeries, where a signature is intentionally copied or simulated. It can also help identify genuine signatures that may appear unusual due to natural variations in handwriting. The findings of an allekirjoituskoe are often presented as expert testimony in court proceedings.