Stylometry and forensic science: A literature review

Abstract

The article focuses on a careful description of literature on stylometry and on its potential use in forensic science. The state of the art of stylometry is summarized to illustrate the history and the scientific foundation of this discipline. However, the study conducted reveals that there are still some key unresolved aspects that require a response from the academic world. The paper introduces the readers to those issues that need to be tackled for stylometry to be accepted as a forensic discipline. In particular, a coherent probabilistic procedure to assess the probative value of the results obtained through this methodology is largely absent. This gap should be filled properly by applying criteria recommended by international organizations such as the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes. Solutions do exist and will allow a better integration of stylometry in forensic science, favouring the acceptance of this scientific technical method in judicial proceedings.