if handwriting evidence was not yet considered to be considered to be scientific evidence at the time of united states v. starzecypzel,how was it admissible as reliable evidence

In United States v. Starzecpyzel, which was a real case, the admissibility of handwriting evidence was not explicitly discussed. However, if handwriting evidence was considered admissible and reliable during that time, despite not being considered scientific evidence, it could have been due to other factors that were taken into account to establish its reliability.

1. Expert Opinion: Handwriting experts are often called to provide their professional opinion on the authenticity or authorship of a document based on the handwriting. Their expertise can be obtained through training, experience, and a demonstrated ability to analyze and compare handwriting samples. The court may have relied on their testimony to assess the reliability of the handwriting evidence.

2. Lay Witness Testimony: Lay witnesses, who are not experts but have personal knowledge of the circumstances, may have been allowed to testify regarding the familiarity with the handwriting in question. For example, someone who frequently corresponded with the author of the document could provide testimony about recognizing their handwriting.

3. Comparison and Analysis: Handwriting evidence can also be evaluated through comparative analysis. This involves comparing the questioned document's handwriting to known or genuine handwriting samples from the suspected author. If the similarities are significant enough, it can be considered as evidence of authorship.

4. Circumstantial Evidence: Handwriting evidence is often considered circumstantial evidence, which means it indirectly suggests the fact to be proven. The court might have weighed the handwriting evidence alongside other corroborating evidence to establish its reliability.

It's also worth noting that the admissibility and reliability of evidence can vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Different courts might have different standards and guidelines for assessing the reliability of handwriting evidence, regardless of whether or not it is considered scientific evidence.