An examination of the sequence of intersecting lines using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectral imaging

In this study, the potential of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral imaging as a technique to determine the sequence of line crossings was examined. The technique was successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using ballpoint pens and laser printers. By imaging at characteristic frequencies, it was possible to form spectral images showing the spatial distribution of the materials. By examining the spectral images from the inks, it was possible to determine whether the ink was above or below the toner. In blind testing, ATR-FTIR spectral imaging results were directly compared to those obtained by eight experienced forensic document examiners using methods regularly employed in casework. ATR-FTIR spectral imaging was shown to achieve a 100% success rate in the blind tests, whereas some incorrect sequence determinations were made by the forensic document examiners when using traditional techniques. The technique was unable to image ink-jet printing, gel pens, roller ball pens, and felt-tip pens, and was also unable to determine the sequence of intersecting ballpoint pen lines.     

An appraisal of Ireland’s current legislative proposals for regulating domestic surrogacy arrangements

This article critiques the complex hybrid model that has been proposed for regulating domestic surrogacy arrangements in Ireland, and the reasons why this model came about. It proposes an alternative model for regulating surrogacy, one that is in operation elsewhere and achieves a better balance between the rights of the surrogate, the intending parents and, most importantly, the surrogate-born child. The proposed establishment of the National Surrogacy Register, its interaction with the Register of Births and the issuing of ‘surrogacy certificates’ is also analysed, and a far less complex means of respecting the surrogate-born child’s right to knowledge of its identity is proposed. The article concludes that Ireland’s current legislative proposals for regulating surrogacy need to be substantially revised before ever being placed on the statute book. In their present form, they are so restrictive that, rather than facilitating domestic surrogacy arrangements, they are far more likely to discourage them.     

Article 260(2) TFEU: An Effective Judicial Procedure for the Enforcement of Judgements?

Article 260(2) TFEU (ex 228(2) EC) enables the European Court of Justice to enforce compliance with its judgements. This article analyses its use in doing so and questions whether it could be applied more effectively. It commences by highlighting the principally economic and environmental context of the case‐law, and by examining the initiatives taken to tackle delays in bringing these cases before the Court. The article then critically evaluates the effectiveness of the financial sanctions available to the Court. In doing so, it aims to fill a gap in present research by looking beyond the procedural measures through which the Court and the Commission operate to examine the practical impact of Article 260(2) itself.