A research paper of 12,000 - 16,000 words in length on an approved topic in Legal Practice. The topic must be approved by the MLP Program Director and the appointed supervisor in consultation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Apply advanced specialised knowledge and research skills to undertake an in-depth, critical analysis with respect to the area of law relevant to the topic;
2. Identify, analyse and reflect upon a complex body of knowledge in the area of law relevant to the topic;
3. Critically reflect upon and synthesise complex information, issues, concepts and theories as they apply in the area of law relevant to the topic chosen; and
4. Apply advanced knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a researcher.

Required Resources

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Verbal and/or written comments to the student
• Written comments to the drafts of the paper
• Examiner's report.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

External Resources

Information about the ANU Law Library, including details of E-Legal research online resources (for example, CCH Intelliconnect, Legal Online, LexisNexisAU, etc) is available to ANU students and can be found at http://anulib.anu.edu.au/subjects/law. For access to the online resources please go to: http://virtual.anu.edu.au then type in your student number and password.

Referencing Requirements

Where required, students must use footnotes for referencing and the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/mulr/aglc) for the citation style. 

Word Length Penalty

The method of calculation of word length for assessment pieces in this course is a global word count. This means that when calculating the number of words of a piece of assessment students must include all headings, text, and footnotes (excluding bibliography). Students should calculate this using Microsoft Word’s word count function or equivalent. The default penalty is as follows: the mark which is awarded initially will be reduced by half the proportion by which the word limit has been exceeded. As an example, if the word limit is 2,000 words, and the essay submitted is 3,000 words long, then the initial mark for the essay would be reduced by 25% of that mark.

Papers which fall short of words will not be penalised on that basis alone. However, short papers risk failing to address the question adequately.

ANU Library

All enrolled ANU students can access the ANU databases (including the full-text databases such as Westlaw) through the ANU Library webpage http://anulib.anu.edu.au/lib_home.html. Opening hours for the Law Library can be accessed at http://anulib.anu.edu.au/using-the-library/opening-hours/.

To access restricted ANU web pages from home as though coming from a computer on campus you need the Reverse Proxy Server known as ‘Virtual’. You can access virtual through http://virtual.anu.edu.au/login.

Students living near another law school may need to access print resources from their local school. ANU students can use these collections through the University Library Australia national borrowing scheme. The scheme allows people who are enrolled at a university in one city to access university libraries in another city at a reduced rate. For further information see http://www.caul.edu.au/caul-programs/university-library-australia. Students who wish to participate in this scheme need to join at the library they wish to access material from. The cost of the scheme is $50 per academic year.

The ANU document delivery service is available for remotely located students in non-capital cities. For further information see https://anulib.anu.edu.au/using-the-library/document-supply-services/ .

The ANU Library Off-Campus Service is available to students who live more than 60 kilometres from the ANU campus at Acton, ACT. Before using the service for the first time, you will need to complete the online User Agreement Form. You will then be able to request a book, table of contents, chapter or article using the request forms on the Off-Campus Service web pages. For further information see http://anulib.anu.edu.au/offcampus/.

Graduation

Students should advise the Senior Administrator by email (enquiries.law@anu.edu.au) prior to submitting their paper if they are seeking graduation at the next ceremony. There is no guarantee that students will be able to graduate in the next available ceremony after submission, due to the time required for examination. Semester 1 or Semester 2 papers would usually have to be received prior to the due date in order to be marked in time to graduate at the following ceremony.

 

Sub-Dean, GDLP/MLP

The GDLP/MLP Sub-Dean can be contacted via email on subdean.slp@anu.edu.au

Wellbeing Support Services for Lawyers

You will find wellbeing support information for lawyers on the ANU School of Legal Practice website.

We also encourage you to read Being Well in the Law – a guide for lawyers which is a toolkit is provided by the NSW Law Society, written by our ANU Academics.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Research Paper	100 %	01/06/2020	13/07/2020	1, 2, 3, 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Research Paper

Details: The GRU requires a research paper of between 12,000 and 16,000 words in length. The number of words includes all headings, text, and footnotes (excluding bibliography and appendices which merely produce primary materials for the aid of the examiners) and should be calculated using Microsoft Word’s word count function. If an extension to the word limit is sought, a student must submit a written application to the MLP Program Director explaining why the extension is justified. The MLP Program Director shall decide on whether an extension to the word limit is to be granted.

Assessment Submission: The paper should be emailed to the supervisor and copied to the Senior Administrator (enquiries.law@anu.edu.au).

The paper must be in 12-point font, double-spaced, formatted for A4-size paper, and with pages numbered. A signed assessment front cover sheet (which can be found on the Services Office Student Assessment webpage (https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/student-assessment) must be attached before uploading it (i.e. your assignment must be ONE document).

Submission Date: Monday, 1 June 2020

Estimated Date of Results: 4 - 6 weeks after submission

Assessment Process and Criteria: Two examiners for each GRU paper will be appointed by the MLP Program Director, in consultation with the supervisor

1. One of the examiners so appointed will usually be the supervisor of the paper.
2. The other examiner will, whenever possible, be an academic staff member of the ANU College of Law.
3. Where no member of the staff other than the supervisor is available to examine the paper, an outside examiner will be appointed. If possible, this will be an academic staff member of the ANU.
4. Students are entitled to know the names of their examiners.
5. Both examiners should regard themselves as first examiners of a GRU paper and should, therefore, read the paper independently before consulting on the mark that is to be recommended.
6. The examiner of the GRU paper who has not been the supervisor should prepare a report, commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of the paper and recommending a mark. The other examiner may indicate agreement with that report and mark, or prepare a separate report recommending the same or a different mark.

Assessment Criteria: Examiners are to assess a GRU paper in accordance with the following assessment criteria, in addition to any other comments they may wish to make:

a) The Quality of Arguments and Reasoning

• clear articulation of the legal issues to be addressed
• coherent and logical construction of legal reasoning
• demonstrated evidence of close consideration of the legal issues and the research materials drawn on
• legal issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely addressed
• material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively
• well-reasoned conclusion

b) Depth and Breadth of Research and Range of Research Methods

•  in-depth research covering primary and secondary materials
• good organisation of sources and advanced ability to synthesise all the research materials used
• range of research sources
• integration of material from research resources into the construction of own legal analysis

c) Degree of Difficulty in the Topic and/or Research Methods Used

• amount of relevant literature available for consultation
• innovative nature of the topic or research method chosen
• degree of theoretical consideration required

d) Degree of Originality of the Paper

• originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
• complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
• suggestions for change where appropriate
• interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
• addressing possible counter-arguments

e) Structure and Organisation of the Paper

• clear articulation and construction of argument
• arguments logically and well organised
• ideas/paragraphs linked coherently        
• good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs

f) Use of Authorities and Referencing

• Appropriate and skilful selection of referencing material to support argument
• complete and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
• style consistently adhering to Australian Guide to Legal Citation

g) Literary Style (Including Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar)

• clarity and conciseness of expression, intellectually stimulating and engaging to reader
• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

The paper should be emailed to the supervisor and copied to the Senior Administrator (enquiries.law@anu.edu.au)

The paper must be in 12-point font, double-spaced, formatted for A4-size paper, and with pages numbered. A signed assessment front cover sheet (which can be found on the Services Office Student Assessment webpage must be attached before uploading it (i.e. your assignment must be ONE document).

Papers must be submitted by the relevant due date: Monday, 1 June 2020

Where the due date falls on a weekend or a public or University holiday the due date will be the next working day.

Hardcopy Submission

No hard copy submission will be accepted in this class.

Late Submission

Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
• Extensions late submission and penalties - https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students