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How can a distant cousin's DNA point toward an unknown person?

A DNA comparison can suggest relatives without naming the person being sought. Shared stretches of DNA offer clues about possible relationships; family records and independent evidence have to do more work. The US Justice Department’s 2019 policy makes the distinction explicit: a genetic association is a lead, not by itself grounds for an arrest.

5–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • Why might the same amount of shared DNA fit more than one family relationship?
  • Whose privacy is involved when one person contributes a sample?

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Who reviews a refused Irish freedom-of-information request?

Law and rights4–5 minAn ordinary Irish FOI request begins with the public body holding the records. A refusal can lead to internal review and then review by the Information Commissioner, although exceptions affect the usual route.

Law and rights

Who decides what in an Irish criminal jury trial?

The judge and jury share a courtroom while answering different questions. In the Irish jury-trial example, the judge directs on law, the jury reaches a verdict from the evidence, and sentencing after a guilty verdict belongs to the judge.

3–5 min

Who decides what in an Irish criminal jury trial?

Law and rights3–5 minThe judge and jury share a courtroom while answering different questions. In the Irish jury-trial example, the judge directs on law, the jury reaches a verdict from the evidence, and sentencing after a guilty verdict belongs to the judge.

Why does EU legislation come as both regulations and directives?

Law and rights3–5 minEU legal acts can set common rules in different ways. A regulation applies across the EU, while a directive sets a result for the countries addressed to achieve through national measures.

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