The ability to conduct research into complex legal problems and the ability to write about law, addressing a range of audiences, are essential skills for any lawyer. This course builds on the legal research and writing skills introduced in first year and acquired during compulsory courses throughout the degree to date. It will cover a range of research and writing topics.

Research related topics include: identifying and framing research questions; different types of legal research (e.g. doctrinal, empirical and socio-legal); how to amass and assess information utilising a range of research techniques both traditional and digital, including complex online databases.

Writing related topics will include: the importance of knowing one's audience; effective written communication styles and techniques; how to structure different forms of legal writing (e.g. legal advice, legal policy and academic writing).

The course will be taught in a series of modules by different experts covering a range of legal research and writing techniques. It is expected that the course will also include guest speakers who conduct research in a range of legally-related professional contexts.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Compare different types of legal research and evaluate their suitability for addressing a range of research questions
2. Investigate and apply a range of legal research techniques
3. Determine and implement research strategies that are ethically robust and which recognise and value diverse culture and traditions
4. Construct and apply strategies for managing, organising, and assessing data
5. Choose appropriate forms of legal writing to communicate to a range of audiences
6. Develop a plan to address a specific legal research question

Required Resources

Readings/E-brick will be made available on Wattle two weeks prior to the course commencement date.

Recommended Resources

The following text is recommended for the library part of the course: Nemes & Coss’ Effective Legal Research (LexisNexis, 2021).

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Extensions late submission and penalties - https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of Grades Policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading

Further Information about the Course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for details on weekly classes and any announcements relating to the course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction	Library Module A – Domestic Searching and Case Law (Group Mura)
2	Theoretical Approaches	Library Module A – Domestic Searching and Case Law (Group Yarwun)
3	Private Law Doctrinal Research	Library Module B – Domestic Searching and Legislation (Group Mura)
4	Public Law Doctrinal Research	Library Module B – Domestic Searching and Legislation (Group Yarwun)
5	Empirical and Socio-Legal Research	Library Module C – International Topics (Group Mura)
6	Critical and Interdisciplinary Approaches	Library Module C – International Topics (Group Yarwun)
7	Solicitor	Library Module D – Secondary Sources and Grey Literature (Group Mura)
8	Barrister	Library Module D – Secondary Sources and Grey Literature (Group Yarwun)
9	Big Data	Library Module E – Business & Finance Searching (Group Mura)
10	Public Sector	Library Module E – Business & Finance Searching (Group Yarwun)
11	Judge's Associate	Library Module – Extension & Revision
12	Conclusion

Tutorial Registration

The class will be split into two groups. Group Mura will have library workshops in odd-numbered weeks (Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9). Group Yarwun will have library workshops in even-numbered weeks (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10). Students will be automatically assigned to their groups based on the alphabetical order of their surname.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Library Research Task	30 %	*	*	1,2,3
Library Quiz	10 %	*	*	1,2,3
Research Proposal	60 %	03/11/2022	01/12/2022	4,5,6

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills 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.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes.

This course relies heavily on guest lecturers. Presentations by guest lecturers may not be recorded, depending on the preference of the guest lecturer. The library workshops, which are equivalent to tutorials, will not be recorded.

Assessment Task 1

Library Research Task

Details of Task: The library research task will have five component parts (called 'Solo Challenges'), which will correspond to the five library modules which are listed in the Class Overview. In each Solo Challenge, students will be required to make three attempts at a complex research task. They will be required to record their research process (e.g. search terms, operators, databases/websites, refinements) in a format which can be shared. Once their initial research is submitted, they will be assigned another student’s work (anonymously) and asked to conduct a peer review. They will also be asked to write a brief reflection on both their own research process and their observations about their peer’s process – what they learned, what succeeded and what failed. Students will not be assessed on their success or failure at finding ‘the right answer’. Rather, the aim of the Solo Challenges is to ensure they apply the techniques that they have learned, and compare a range of resources.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete this assessment task will result in a mark of 0 for the task.

Release: The requirements for the Library Research Task will be explained in the first library workshop.

Weighting: 30%

Due Date: Depending on the Group that you are in for the library workshop, the due dates for each challenges will be different. A detailed assessment schedule will be posted on Wattle. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated Return Date: Depending on the Group that you are in for the library workshop, the estimated return dates for each challenges will be different. A detailed assessment schedule will be posted on Wattle.

?Assessment Criteria: 

• Formulate a research strategy which demonstrates understanding of the topic
• Show an awareness of factors such as jurisdiction, time frame, ethical/cultural complexity
• Demonstrate an ability to adapt their strategy with each new search attempt

Assessment Task 2

Library Quiz

Details of Task: The online Library Quiz is designed to test the student’s knowledge of basic and advanced legal research techniques. The Quiz will have two parts. Part 1 will cover the basics of legal research, e.g. finding domestic cases, finding domestic legislation, finding cases judicially considered, and secondary sources. Part 2 will cover more advanced topics, e.g. international law, parliamentary material, grey literature, and historical legal materials.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete this assessment task will result in a mark of 0 for the task.

Weighting: 10%

Release: Part 1 of the Quiz will open in Week 1 for Mura and in Week 2 for Yarwun. Part 2 of the Quiz will open on 17 October 2022. 

Duration: Whilst the quizzes are not timed, it is expected that each quiz will take 30-60 minutes to complete. Accordingly, as both quizzes are open for five days, no time adjustments will be applied for this task.

Due Date:

Part 1: 5pm, 29 July 2022 for Mura; and 5pm, 5 August 2022 for Yarwun. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Part 2: 5pm, 24 October 2022. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated Return Date: Part 1: 5 August 2022. Part 2: 28 October 2022

Assessment Criteria: 

• Demonstrate their knowledge of legal research principles at a basic and advanced level
• Identify different types of legal resources accurately
• Show their understanding of how social change impacts the research process, esp with regard to complex ethical, historical and cultural factors

Assessment Task 3

Research Proposal

Details of Task: Completion of a detailed research plan, which analyses the question that the research aims to answer and presents a plan for answering the question. The requirements for the Research Proposal will be explained in the first class in Week 1.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete this assessment task will result in a mark of 0 for the task.

Weighting: 60%

Word Limit: 2,400 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here. Assessment must be submitted in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files are not acceptable.

Due Date: 5pm, 3 November 2022. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.

Estimated Return Date: Official end of semester results release date via Turnitin. 

Assessment Criteria: 

• Selection of a relevant and appropriate research topic.
• Clear explanation of what the research project is attempting to accomplish.
• Ability to evaluate materials critically, including literature review.
• Quality and precision of methodology.
• Prose easy to read, and argument easy to follow.
• Compliance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• 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 tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been given an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time is provided in writing. Please note that the revised due date is calculated by including weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date are penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the assessment task per 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.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

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.

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 Access 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