The Dreyfus case in the context of the questioned document examination

The Dreyfus case is a significant reference in forensic handwriting analysis due to the numerous elements that make it one of the most important cases in the study of questioned documents. The only incriminating piece of evidence against Dreyfus was the bordereau, an anonymous handwritten letter that has become the most analysed document in the world. This case underwent several judicial processes, including two court-martials against Captain Dreyfus and one against Commander Esterhazy, as well as a criminal trial against writer Émile Zola and numerous legal appeals. In total, more than 40 experts from various countries were involved. Few forensic handwriting experts and graphologists of the time did not weigh in on the case, and many published studies comparing the handwriting of the bordereau with that of Dreyfus and Esterhazy.