In all courts of this State it shall be lawful to prove handwriting by comparison made by the witness or jury with writings properly in the files of records of the case, admitted in evidence or treated as genuine or admitted to be genuine, by the party against whom the evidence is offered, or proved to be genuine to the satisfaction of the court.
8-1501.Comparison.
Article VIII. Evidence · Part 15. Proof of Handwriting · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceAllows handwriting to be proven in Illinois courts by comparison, made by a witness or the jury, with genuine writings already properly in the case record.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/8-1501
Plain-English Summary
This section authorizes proving handwriting through comparison rather than requiring a witness who watched the document get signed. The comparison may be made by a witness or by the jury itself, using writings that are already properly in the files or records of the case: writings admitted in evidence, treated as genuine, admitted to be genuine by the party against whom the evidence is offered, or proved genuine to the court's satisfaction.
The section doesn't limit what kind of document's handwriting may be authenticated this way; it applies "in all courts of this State" and "in all actions." It works alongside the two sections that follow: Section 8-1502 requires notice before a comparison standard is admitted, and Section 8-1503 guarantees the opposing party a chance to examine that standard first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can compare the handwriting under this section — does it have to be an expert?
No. The comparison may be made by a witness or by the jury itself; the section doesn't require expert qualification.
What writings can serve as the standard for comparison?
Writings already properly in the case file: ones admitted in evidence, treated as genuine, admitted to be genuine by the opposing party, or proved genuine to the court's satisfaction.
Does this section stand on its own, or does more apply before a comparison standard comes in?
Does the section limit what kind of document's handwriting may be proven this way?
No. It applies broadly "in all actions," without singling out particular document types such as deeds or wills.
Is expert handwriting testimony required to make this kind of comparison?
No. The text allows either a witness or the jury to make the comparison, without mandating expert testimony.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 82-280.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: illinois handwriting comparison evidenceproving handwriting in court illinoishandwriting exemplar evidence illinoisjury compare handwriting illinois