<p>This method appears to modify a parameter, and then return this parameter as the 
methods return value. This will be confusing to callers of this method, as it won't be
apparent that the 'original' passed in parameter will be changed as well. If the purpose
of this method is to change the parameter, it would be more clear to change the method to 
a have a void return value. If a return type is required due to interface or superclass contract,
perhaps a clone of the parameter should be made.</p>