Anachronism in Fonts and Relative Dating of Computer Printed Documents: A Case Report

Abstract

In the field of forensic document examination, identification of fonts and their dates of release may provide a lead as to the relative age of computer printouts. Hence, fonts in a printout can be used as a means of evaluation of an anachronism or chronological inconsistency. Therefore, an anachronism betrays the fabricated nature of the questioned documents. In the present case study, the traditional methodology of typescript matching coupled with an off-line digital tool were used in identifying pre-dated documents and disproving the genuineness of the documents in question. The procedure adopted for differentiation, identification and confirmation of font(s) and years of release of fonts for commercial use is discussed. Hence, in this case report it was safely concluded that the disputed agreement for sale could have been prepared on a later date than the purported date of execution i.e.1993 for the reason that the use of the “Comic Sans MS” font is an anachronism.

Keywords

• forensic science
• forensic documents
• computer printout
• fonts
• anachronism