Class Participation
Each student is expected to make individual contributions to the seminar discussions throughout the course. Students will be individually assessed on the quality of their contributions as set out below.
Criteria and marking for class participation (20%)
- The extent of preparation for leading the discussions, in particular the analysis of the reading materials and guided questions
- The depth and thoroughness of understanding of the reading materials and guided questions
- The ability to draw worthwhile conclusions in the class discussion
- Thoughtfulness of contributions
- Generally, engagement in class and respect for fellow students
Research Outline
The research outline component comprises three elements.
Each student must submit a research outline to Canvas. The research outline should commence with an abstract that outlines the proposed research question and main thesis of the student’s research essay. The research outline then should provide an outline of the structure of the proposed research essay.
Essay
Each student is required to submit a research essay.
The essay is to be original work, relying on secondary and primary sources, on an evidence or criminal procedure topic of the student’s choosing. It MUST be the work of the enrolled student. Another person, other than the enrolled student, MUST NOT write the essay nor do the research on behalf of the enrolled student. Plagiarism is forbidden and, in that regard, each student should read the University’s plagiarism policy and adhere to it.
Students must also use proper legal citations. The essay should be comprised of properly crafted sentences as note form is unacceptable. The use of sub-headings and a table of contents is encouraged — and footnotes rather than in-text referencing should be used. All essays are to comply with the New Zealand Law Style Guide.
Descriptive essays are not encouraged. Instead students are expected to engage with relevant legal issues (of their own choosing) by: explaining and critiquing the law and its underlying policies; providing a conceptual analysis of the law; examining the operation of the law in practice; and developing proposals for reform. Essays must be submitted to the Faculty of Law via CANVAS