Posted: May 22nd, 2015

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Criteria

The assignment (like most of the examination) is problem-solving in style. This means that students should demonstrate an ability to isolate legal issues and state and analyse the relevant applicable legal principles connect the facts with stated principles of law.

The mark awarded is determined by:

• the degree to which the work demonstrates a coherent structure;
• appropriateness of the selection of legal materials to apply to the facts;
• coherence of explanations of law to be applied, with referencing to relevant cases and legislation;
• analysis and integration of the legal material into the discussion dealing with the application of the facts of the problem;
• the degree to which the conclusion assessing the chances of various outcomes matches that of a knowledgeable and skilled person, or otherwise responds to stated questions
• appropriateness of presentation
• referencing consistent with the University plagiarism policy.

An assignment of ¡®D¡¯ standard:

This would clearly state most of the issues raised, set out the relevant legal principles, and apply the principles to the relevant facts to reach a conclusion. The presentation, punctuation, spelling and grammar would be appropriate, and attention would be paid to correct sourcing.

An assignment of ¡®C¡¯ standard:

This would have the characteristics described above in relation all the issues raised.

An assignment of ‘B’ standard:

This would have the characteristics described above, and also show an insightful analysis of the principles and of particular facts and their impact on the issues and also a high level of argument on the facts and analysis of case law leading an appreciation of opposing views.

An assignment of ‘A’ standard:

This would have the characteristics described above, and also demonstrate a mature understanding and analysis of the subject matter and the issues, using an extensive range of sources integrated into coherent and persuasive argument as to what a court might do in the context of opposing views.

Note, that if in respect of some issues the analysis, application and conclusion is of an ¡®A¡¯ standard, but in respect of other issues it is of a lesser standard or not present at all, marks are averaged between issues.

assessment criteria

Assessment criteria for problem questions on the exam replicate the criteria for the assignment.

Assessment criteria for essay questions are:

• How well does the argument in this answer respond to the question?
• Are relevant material, concepts and theories deployed in the answer?
• Do the material, concepts and theories support the argument in the answer?
• Are the material, concepts and theories dealt with in an appropriate and thoughtful way?
• Does the structure and organisation of the answer focus on the topic, develop logically and support the argument?
• How well is language used?
• Is spelling, punctuation and grammar satisfactory for an examination?