Direct decoding is difficult. In the cases described, the examiners resorted to microscopic and photographic enlargements or to a copy-writer, using the various gradations of the copy contrast control and reduction/enlargement features of the model, so as to better view the lines of the handwriting strokes. Notable results can be obtained by digital image processing, a method by which the visual quality of digital pictures is improved or enhanced. This is done by scanning a continuous image and converting the image by computer into an array of digital intensity values called pixels. An image may be enhanced through lightening, darkening, and contrast control. The examination, enhanced by equipment and techniques for improving observation of the handwriting, required recognizing intrinsically formed letter shapes or an association with clear, legible letters and words to help extract the grammatical context or possible words that could stem from background information in the case. 10 figures and 3 references