Imagine a man standing fully erect – the very image of independence, separation. In figure 1, notice line AD: it is straight. When one writes in this more or less consistent way, we say that his writing is vertical. The inclination of writing is one of the most basic and important points of graphology. When you write, your intention is simple: to tell the other person what is on your mind, to communicate. When your focus is “cold,” your head (as opposed to your heart) is in control. The vertical writer may have intense emotions, but he keeps them in check. Scott Peterson’s handwriting is vertical.
Notice the left margin as it descends. It is perfectly aligned. This reflects order, organization and control. Consciously returning to the beginning of each line, beginning exactly where the previous line began, manifests strong discipline. Each “T” bar is placed exactly on top of each stem and all are equally divided in half. The middle root in each capital “E” is exactly in the middle. These points plus vertical tilt indicate an excessive need for control. There is an unnecessary period after the title, “VOLUNTEERS”. This shows caution. The pace of writing is slow and deliberate.
In handwriting analysis, baseline (how straight the subject writes) reflects mood. To make sure the baseline reads accurately, it’s best if the paper doesn’t have lines, as lined paper has a way of guiding the writer on a course, which may not be their true self. There are two paragraphs, the first goes up and the second goes down. This reveals the inconsistency in mood swings between the relationship and depression. The opening paragraph, “the face” set to the outside world, clearly expresses the ‘up’ type of personality, one full of charm. Descending lines, in stark contrast to ascending lines, convey a despondent nature. A great disparity coexists between the excessive need for control and depression. However, it can appear deceptively attractive to women. When he’s courting, it’s hard to distinguish between danger and love because he pays so much attention to you. However, this type of depression is kept under control. The fact that, despite this, Mr. Peterson begins each line repeatedly in line reveals that he is quite capable of methodical planning.
According to graphology, a word in a paragraph that is particularly prominent leaves a very subtle clue about the writer’s feelings. The keyword in a written document, which the writer singles out as especially quick or hesitant, is characteristic of his actual relationship and, in particular, of his immediate goals in relation to what that keyword means. Such changes of pace are detected either through a change in slant or the position on the page that the writer gives to such a keyword. An increase in tilt to the right is indicative of a warm (perhaps unacknowledged) feeling, and a rise to a higher zone is characteristic of hope, joy, and euphoria. A sudden lessening of a deeply vertical slant that now turns to the left, against the normal direction of communication in writing, reflects the writer’s opposition to this triggered word. Looking at the word “faithful” (second paragraph, second line, first word), the first three letters stand perfectly upright, in keeping with all of the text, except for the last letter “t,” which turns decidedly to the left. What subtle (unadmitted) clue is she revealing about his feelings by triggering this emotionally charged word? Why does Scott Peterson want others to think he has strong feelings for Laci, when in reality, her ‘feelings’ for her are cold, muted?
It’s clear that Laci emotionally threatened Scott Peterson. The tension between them increased. Obsessed with control, no one (except a masochist) could continuously live in harmony with him. Scott wanted, he demanded, to live his life according to his own rules: to control everything. Laci stepped in her way. Feeling dangerously low, Scott Peterson systematically conspired to gain control once and for all.
