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CUSUM: a credible method for the determination of authorship?
1Document Evidnece Ltd., Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Summary
The Cumulative Sum Analysis (CUSUM) method for authorship attribution is unreliable and should not be used as evidence in legal proceedings. Multiple studies confirm its failures, discrediting its use in determining authorship.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Linguistics
- Statistical Analysis
- Authorship Attribution
Background:
- The Cumulative Sum Analysis (CUSUM) method is frequently employed in legal contexts for authorship attribution.
- Concerns exist regarding the reliability and validity of CUSUM in forensic casework.
- Previous independent research has highlighted significant shortcomings of the CUSUM method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the CUSUM method's efficacy in authorship attribution.
- To present further evidence and examples demonstrating the failures of CUSUM.
- To consolidate findings from various researchers regarding the method's unreliability.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing research on CUSUM's application in authorship attribution.
- Analysis of case examples illustrating the method's practical failures.
- Critical examination of the statistical underpinnings of CUSUM in this context.
Main Results:
- The CUSUM method exhibits significant limitations and has been shown to produce erroneous attributions.
- Numerous documented instances highlight the method's unreliability in real-world applications.
- A consensus among independent researchers indicates the method is fundamentally flawed.
Conclusions:
- The CUSUM method is scientifically discredited for authorship attribution.
- Its continued use in court proceedings as evidence is inappropriate and potentially misleading.
- Reliable authorship evidence requires methods that have demonstrated consistent validity and accuracy.