Law 315 Administrative Law Research Essay

A High Distinction paper will:

·         Develop a well-reasoned and well-researched argument that explicitly targets the important issues and takes a position.

·         Fairly characterise and then critically address counter-argument.

·         Logically appeal to case law and academic argument in support of the paper’s thesis, providing sufficient context and significant analysis.

·         Prioritise relevant materials and arguments, demonstrating a good structural balance.

·         Write in cogent, complete sentences, with impeccable spelling, grammar, and syntax; avoid passive voice, throat-clearing or redundant language, and nominalisations.

·         Contain a clear Introduction and Conclusion that orientate a reader to the argument, essay’s structure, and conclusion.

·         Completely follow the AGLC (3 ed).

A distinction paper will:

·         Present some of the characteristics of a High Distinction paper.

That means a distinction paper is likely to:

·         Show a strong grasp of the relevant issues and present a supported argument, but not adequately address counter-argument;

·         Be well-balanced in its approach, but occasionally uneven in weighting for different components, use of case law and academic literature, or in quality of argument;

·         Be well-written – with strong grammar, spelling, and syntax – but instances of redundant language or cumbersome style.

A Credit paper will:

·         Identify relevant issues and maintain an adequate focus on them.

·         Be well-structured, exhibiting a balance of ideas throughout the essay.

·         Exhibit a solid grasp of the materials and demonstrate some ability to engage with them critically.

·         Discuss case law and academic literature, but with insufficient context and analysis of the arguments.

·         Move towards a solid argument.

·         Be adequately written, while showing errors in paragraph structure, grammar, spelling, or syntax.

·         Be adequately and appropriately referenced according to the AGLC.

·         Show features of a proper Introduction – identifying the thesis and structure – and Conclusion.

A Pass paper will:

• Present some of the characteristics of a Credit paper

That means a Pass paper is likely to:

·         Contain a description of the relevant issues and cases, but little academic literature.

·         Contain a loose structure, with uneven attention to different arguments.

·         Provide inadequate context for case discussion, or else some errors of legal analysis.

·         Present some relevant perspectives, but not a solid, consistent argument.

·         Be poorly written, with common errors of paragraphing, grammar, syntax, or spelling.

·         Be inadequately referenced according to the AGLC.

·         Have a generic Introduction and/or Conclusion.

Papers which exhibit any of the following characteristics may be awarded a Fail grade:

·         the paper does not demonstrate an adequate grasp of the legal issues and the Court’s analysis;

·         the paper does not demonstrate comprehension of the set materials;

·         the paper fails to address the essay topic meaningfully;

·         written expression is so poor that the student’s description, analysis, interpretation or evaluation of the literature is frequently unclear;

·         referencing and citation is so poor as to be meaningless with regard to providing adequate support for the description, analysis and argument;

·         the paper exhibits some evidence of plagiarism.