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September 10, 2004
A handwriting expert validating a typewritten document?
A quick Google search looking for Dan Rather's expert who apparently validated the authenticity of the 60 minutes memos turns up this website. Quoting from the site, the services offered by this expert are:
* Handwriting authentication and signature verification. * Identification of thre maker of handwritten numerals. * Genuineness of logs, diaries, and other writings in series. * Serve as either confidential consultant or testifying expert. * Oral or written opinion, which can be a full, illustrated, written report to facilitate settlement or in the form of a declaration under oath. * Question formulation to examine opponent's document examiner; also pertinent citations for cross-examination from learned treatises. * Identification of the writer of poison pen letters and anonymous writings. * Other aspects of questioned document examination * Impeachment of erroneous, incomplete or incompetent expert handwriting opinion. * Handwriting Authentication * Signature Verification * Genuineness of Logs, Diaries, etc. * Confidential Consultant or Testifying Expert * Impeachment of Incorrect Opinions * Anonymous Writings * Other Aspects of Questioned Document Examination
Nowhere in this list of services do I see anything about the validation of typed documents. Is Mr. Matley an expert on 1970's era typewriters? typesetting? fonts? Is Mr. Matley able to tell the difference between a document typed on a typewriter and a document typed on computer? If so, where are his qualifications of such defined? I see nothing that leads me to believe that Mr. Matley is a recognized expert in the field of typed document validation.
Further, what affiliation does Matley have with CBS? Did CBS hire Matley (e.g. pay him) to validate the documents or did Mr. Matley volunteer his services? What is Mr. Matley's political affiliation? In a court case, political affiliation may not be relevant, but in a potential scandal involving the election of U.S. President it is very relevant.
Oh, and btw, the contact information given on the site is:
HANDWRITING SERVICES OF CALIFORNIA Post Office Box 882401 San Francisco, California 94188[415] 753-2832
[800] 367-8403
I'm going to go dig some more.
Posted by James at September 10, 2004 04:58 PM
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