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HomeEvidence CodeDiv. 11Ch. 1Art. 2§ 1418 Handwriting Expert Comparison

§ 1418 Handwriting Expert Comparison

Evidence Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1418 Handwriting Expert Comparison

Key Takeaways

  • •If someone says a signature or handwriting is fake, an expert can compare it to real writing to check.
  • •The real writing can be something the other person already agreed was real.
  • •The court has to be sure the real writing is actually real before comparing.

Example

Someone signs a contract, but later says it's not their signature.

A handwriting expert can compare the contract signature to a real one (like from a driver's license) to see if it matches. If the court is sure the driver's license signature is real, they can use it to check.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1418 Handwriting Expert Comparison

The genuineness of writing, or the lack thereof, may be proved by a comparison made by an expert witness with writing (a) which the court finds was admitted or treated as genuine by the party against whom the evidence is offered or (b) otherwise proved to be genuine to the satisfaction of the court. (Enacted by Stats. 1965, Ch. 299.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

genuineness of writingexpert witnessadmitted or treated as genuinesatisfaction of the court

Related Statutes

  • § 1417 Handwriting Authenticity Proof
  • § 1410 Authentication Of Writings
  • § 1410.5 Graffiti Evidence Admissibility
  • § 1411 Witness Testimony Not Required
  • § 1412 Witness Testimony Authentication Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 1418.
View Official Source