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April 4, 2026Journal of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners0 citationsOpen Access

Only a Sith Deals in Absolutes: A Jedi Uses Likelihood Ratios

MAMathieu ArèsROR. Brent Ostrum

Key Points

  • The aim is to discuss the shift in forensic science towards using likelihood ratios for more nuanced conclusions.
  • Analyzed the advantages of likelihood ratios in forensic analysis.
  • Explored expert collaboration and decision-making processes.
  • Examined examples in handwriting evaluation and questioned documents.
  • Likelihood ratios enhance the integration of contradictory evidence.
  • This approach clarifies the weight of handwriting comparisons and signature evaluations.
  • A more equitable framework for forensic analysis is established.

Abstract

This article explores the paradigm shift in forensic science from the use of definitive absolute conclusions to the application of Likelihood Ratios (LR). It discusses the advantages of LR, including fostering expert collaboration, upgrading the decision-making process, and integrating contradictory evidence. The paper argues that LR, similar to the Jedi approach, embraces complexity and uncertainty, providing a more nuanced and equitable framework for forensic analysis. In addition, we explore specific examples related to forensic handwriting examination to illustrate how LR can clarify and quantify the weight of handwriting comparisons, signature authenticity evaluations, and the examination of questioned documents.

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Cite This Study

Arès et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69d0adc2659487ece0fa4445https://doi.org/10.69525/jasqde.309
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