Legal Research and Writing Skills PG (11445.2)

Required texts

Materials will be provided through the class Canvas site. There is a fully updated reading list available on CANVAS.

In addition, these texts are recommended and available in the Library (they can be purchased online):

Terry Hutchinson, Researching and Writing in Law (Thomson Reuters, 4th ed, 2018)

Robert Watt and Francis Johns, Concise Legal Research (Federation Press, 6^th ed, 2009)

Shawn Wilson, Research Is Ceremony - Indigenous Research Methods (Fernwood Publishing, 2008)

The following texts may also be useful:

Michèle M Asprey, Plain Language for Lawyers (Federation Press, 4^th ed, 2010)

Bruce Bott and Ruth Talbot-Stokes, Nemes and Coss' Effective Legal Research (Lexis Nexis, 6^th ed, 2015)

Peter Butt and Richard Castle, Modern Legal Drafting: A Guide to Using Clearer Language (Cambridge University Press, 2^nd ed, 2006)

Elmer Doonan and Charles Foster, Drafting (Cavendish Publishing Limited, 2^nd ed, 2001)

Ross Hyams, Susan Campbell, and Adrian Evans, Practical Legal Skills (Oxford University Press, 4th ed, 2014)

James D Lester and James D Lester Jr, Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide (Pearson, 15th ed, 2015)

Mike McConville and Wing Hong Chui (eds), Research Methods for Law (Edinburgh University Press, 2nd ed, 2017)

Sue Milne and Kay Tucker, A Practical Guide to Legal Research (Thomson Reuters, 2^nd ed, 2010)

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

If applying for an exension, please follow the instructions on the Assignment Extension Form on the Student Forms page carefully. Please refer to the Assessment Policy and the Assessment Procedures. Applications for extension must be submitted to the Unit Convenor at the earliest possible opportunity in the case of circumstances considered to be unanticipated, extenuating, and exceptional (see reasons 1-6 on page 3 of the form). For anticipated events or circumstances that have a defined time period (see reasons 7-14 on page 4 of the form), notification must be lodged no later than 5 working days before the scheduled due date of the assignment. Your application will not be processed without the required information, your signature and relevant supporting documentation. Please provide this to the Unit Convenor by email.

If there are extenuating circumstances which mean you need a deferred exam, please apply to the Unit Convenor for a deferred exam. Please use the Assignment Extension Form on the Student Forms page. The Assessment Policy and the Assessment Procedures require documentary evidence to be provided with your application. Please provide this to the Unit Convenor by email, along with a summary of the reasons for seeking a deferred exam.

If you do not submit all assessment items you may receive a grade of NC (a fail result based on failure to complete one or more of the assessment requirements) for the unit.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Review of drafts

The Unit Convenor will not be able to review draft assignments. He is able to address specific questions by appointment at a mutually convenient time, or in the case of minor and straightforward questions, via the Canvas Discussion Forum, in class or by email. 

Learner engagement

Expectations of students include:

• You are responsible for managing your academic progress and working to achieve the unit learning outcomes.
• You are expected to be familiar with information relevant to your units and course as per the information made available to you. This includes the Unit Outline, Canvas site and assignment instructions.
• You have  a responsibility to participate actively and positively in the teaching-learning process and comply with the requirements of your course.
• You are required to treat all University staff and fellow students with respect and courtesy at all times.

See Student Charter for more information.

Participation requirements

Students are expected to complete weekly in-class exercises and participate in discussion activities. 

Required IT skills

Word processing and basic internet skills (such as the use of databases) are required.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

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