Identification of Authorship through Religion: Role of Forensic Stylistics

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to bring the importance of Forensic Stylistics in light of scientific examination in fixing authorship of the writer. Thorough study of written language present in the writings of an individual belonging to a particular religion in case of anonymous letters, ransom notes, threat letters etc. will lead to the identification of the religion. With the help of Forensic Stylistics, Forensic Document examiner will be able to determine the written language, use of common words in different religion, which in turn will facilitate in identification of the religion. Forensic stylistics help in the identification of an individual which is equally important to find out the religious background, spiritual belief and religious teachings which remain with the writer as a distinguishing features or characteristic features of the religion from which the writer belongs to. For comparison, the standards may not be available most of the times, therefore a detail and thorough study of the writing purported to be written by a particular person can establish the religious group of the write. [1-2] For the study, 150 samples of 5 different religions were collected out of which 80 samples belonging to three different religious groups, i.e Christian, Hindu, Islam are taken into consideration to ascertain the religion of the writer.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

No two people think alike, not even those born from the same womb. The mind is a very special part of all human. Thoughts are put into language after brainstorming and organizing those ideas. A writer has his own way of putting up languages and these are often observed as a distinctive character. Forensic stylistics is defines as the application of the science of linguistic stylistics in forensic contexts. The main aim of forensic stylistics is the written language and also sometimes the spoken language represented in writing for examination. [3-4] The primary arch of forensic stylistics is in the identification of the author through scientific method. Forensic stylistics can also be used for the analysis of spoken or written words of the perpetrator as it can offer deep understanding into the offender’s religion as well as spiritual beliefs.

II. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Letters in cases received by Forensic Document expert for examination in forensic science laboratories has different motives. They can be a blackmailing letters, threatening letters, letters of revenge, letters of recommendation, spiteful letters, notes left at scene of crime, indecent writings, etc. In such cases, conclusions derive from the context will aid in the identification of the religion of the writer thereby narrowing down the investigation. [5-6]

III. METHODOLOGY

For the sample collection, a format was prepared and shown to different writers belonging to a religious group and accordingly their writing sample was taken. The sample format contains a topic on which the writers were asked to write their views. The name of the writer was not taken as the name itself could identify the writer’s religion. Sample of the format is shown below:

Out of 150 samples, 80 samples were taken into consideration of three religions.  Every writer was given an A4 size paper and was given a pen for writing the samples.

A. Randomizer

For the selection of samples for study, randomizer.org was used which is provides an easy way to generate random sampling and random numbers for surveys and analysis.

IV. EXAMINATION

The samples which were selected through randomizer were examined carefully and thoroughly to identify the religion of the writer based on certain criteria’s which includes use of common words, importance to the religion the writer belongs to, religious beliefs, etc. The observation was noted down in the tables mentioned below.

Observations

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Conclusion

On the basis of the study, it can be concluded that there are remarkable difference between the religions taken under consideration for the study. The influence of spiritual teachings and spiritual practices are found in the writings of the writer and it is a subconscious character of the writer. Therefore, based on this study it can be said that there are certainly some differences in the religious background of an individual which is clearly imparted on the writings.

References

[1] Mc Menamin, Gerald R, Dongdoo Choi (2002) Forensic Linguistics. (1st edn). Boca Raton Fla. CRC Press. [2] A.S Osborn. Questioned Document. Nelson-Hall Co: Chicago, III.1929 [3] Forensic Stylistics. Forensic Science International (1993) Chapter 3:58.1-2:45-55 [4] Issacs, David (2013) Handwriting. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health 49 (8): 609-610 [5] Huber, R., & Headrick, A. (1999). Handwriting identification. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc. [6] Harris, J. (1953). Disguised Handwriting. The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, 43(5), 685-686.

Copyright

Copyright © 2022 Ichha Yadav, Kimeri Y Ngullie, Dr. Ravindra Sharma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.