Question 1

You are a Garda Detective working in the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigations in Garda Headquarters in Dublin. You are contacted by the local Garda Superintendent in Buncrana. She informs you that the non-skeletalized remains of a person have been found in a disused quarry six miles outside of the town. The person appears to have a stab wound to the heart. The Superintendent asks you as part of your investigations to determine the following matters:

(i) Physical characteristics of the deceased which might contribute to establishing the identity of the deceased.
(ii) Some factors which might make identification more challenging. 110

Question 2

O’Dwyer (2014) observes “that when used correctly and within the appropriate context (assuming the necessary safeguards and checks and balances are established) DNA profiling can be a useful tool for criminal investigation and a powerful form of evidence adduced in a court of law.”
Consider what safeguards and checks and balances should be employed by DNA profilers to preserve the integrity of their criminal investigations. Please illustrate your answer by reference to relevant examples.