Course Title: Research legal information using secondary sources
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2012
Course Code: JUST5198C
Course Title: Research legal information using secondary sources
School: 650T TAFE Business
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5292 - Diploma of Legal Services
Course Contact : Robyn Lang
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-1565
Course Contact Email:robyn.lang@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 40
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake legal research using secondary sources and under supervision. This includes identifying research requirements and sources of information, applying information to a set of facts, evaluating the quality of the information, and preparing and producing reports. A range of legislation, rules, regulations and codes of practice may apply to this unit at the time of endorsement, depending on job roles and jurisdictions.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBRES502A Research legal information using secondary sources |
Element: |
1. Identify specific legal data and information requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1. Liaise with designated person to clarify specific legal data and information needs |
Element: |
2. Undertake research |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. Identify sources of legal data and information |
Element: |
3. Review research |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Check information to ensure that extracted details are acknowledged and recorded for copyright and other legal requirements |
Element: |
4. Prepare drafts |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Draft document in appropriate format taking into account precedent documents and using appropriate language |
Element: |
5. Prepare final draft |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1. Identify key points and prepare executive summary, where appropriate |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including face to face workshops and self-paced online activities. Students will be involved in applied learning, problem based learning and hands on activities in the workshops. The on-line activities will be delivered via blackboard and include a students’ contribution to discussion threads, quizzes, research exercises and opportunities to practice acquired skills in a simulated/real workplace environment. Mentor support will be provided via email, Blackboard and/or discussion board between workshops for students requesting further assistance.
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Element |
Topic | Assessment |
10 July 2012 (Workshop) |
What is Legal Research? | ||
17 July2012 | Secondary Sources | 31 July 2012 | |
24 July 2012 | Locating Acts and Bills | 7 August 2012 | |
31 July 2012 | • Finding Commencement Dates and Reprint Number of an Act
• Citation of Legislation |
14 August 2012 | |
7 August 2012 (Workshop) | Searching using Boolean techniques / Locating Cases |
||
14 August 2012 | Citation of Case Law | 28 August 2012 | |
21 August 2012 | Locating Cases | 4 September 2012 | |
28 August 2012 | Locating Case Law and Legislation on a subject | 11 September 2012 | |
4 September 2012 | Locating Judicial Consideration of an Act | 18 September 2012 | |
11 September 2012 (Workshop) | Legal Writing and Referencing/ Revision | ||
18 September 2012 | Footnotes and Referencing | 2 October 2012 | |
25 September 2012 | Assignment | ||
2 October 2012 | Assignment | Legal Research Assignment due 2 October 2012 | |
9 October 2012 | Test |
Test (2 hour – open book) |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text. |
References
Australian Guide to Legal Citation (Melbourne University Law Review, 3ed, 2010) |
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including in-class exercises, problem-solving exercises, assignments, group or individual projects, presentations and written or practical tests, as well as homework activities.
Other activities may be workplace-based or simulate work practices. These may include the production of technical requirements documents, direct observation of workplace practices and the presentation of a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio may include documents, photographs, video and/or audio files.
Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met. Students will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.
Assessment Tasks
Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.
A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques
Critical aspects of assessment
Evidence of the ability to:
• conduct effective research using secondary sources according to identified information requirements and organisation’s policy, procedures and legislative requirements
• draft documents in appropriate formats and language, according to the requirements of the request and within agreed timelines
• regularly and effectively communicate with designated person and relevant others regarding all activities, actions and outcomes
• apply knowledge of relevant court processes, current legislation, legal processes and required documentation.
You are required to complete 3 tasks. You must successfully complete all 3 tasks to be deemed competent in this unit.
Task 1- Weekly Exercises
For this assessment task you are required to complete on-line legal research exercises.
Task 2- Assignment
For this assessment task you are required to choose one of two case studies and to draw upon the skills and knowledge that you have acquired in this unit. To be deemed competent you will need to demonstrate an understanding of analysing a factual situation to locate key search terms, undertake research to identify key legislation and cases relevant to the case study, anaylse the data and to draft and prepare a legal memorandum using appropriate legal format, language and referencing.
Task 3- Test
For this assessment task you are required to complete a two hour open book test.
Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.
You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
Marking Guide (competency):
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.
You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.
Please refer to the Final Grades table below.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.
The grading is according to the following criteria:
1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK
We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to conducting effective legal research using secondary sources according to identified information requirements and organisation’s policy, procedures and legislative requirements.
2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING
We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in identifying sources of legal data and information . You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of research techniques, identify key information to be extracted, analyse legal data for relevance to factual case studies in accordance with legal and ethical requirements.
3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in researching relevant legal data and outstanding analytical skills to evaluate legal data and information. In addition, we are also looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended audience.
4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
We expect to see timely submission of all required assessment tasks. Students must also ensure that they evaluate their own performance and identify areas for improvement and that this is demonstrated throughout the semester.
5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions during workshops or via the discussion board. In addition your assessment tasks should demonstrate the use of accepted legal formats and demonstrate a very good understanding of legal terminology.
Final Grades table:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Assessment Matrix
Course Overview: Access Course Overview