Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

This week’s topics

Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

1. Unpacking the assignment brief and criteria
2. Finding and evaluating sources
3. Planning and referencing
4. Writing a First Class Law Essay - A Framework for Success
5. How to assess academic sources - CRAAP
6. Citing and referencing using the Harvard Style
7. The credibility of sources

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Describe the differences between civil and criminal law.
• 1.2 Describe the organs of the government, European Union and Brexit.
• 1.3 Differentiate the classifications of the legal system.
• 1.4 Explain what law is and the impact that it has on society.
• 1.5 Examine the differences between common law and statutory law.
• 2.1 Outline the role of the Law Commission.
• 2.2 Describe what is meant by delegated legislation.
• 2.3 Explain the formal consultation process.
• 2.4 Analyse the different stages involved in creating an Act.
• 2.5 Examine the different types of Bill which are created.
• 3.1 Compare the different types of civil courts.
• 3.2 Describe the hierarchical structure and types of criminal courts.
• 3.3 Explain the appeal processes.
• 3.4 Analyse the work that civil courts undertake.
• 3.5 Analyse the work that criminal courts undertake.
• 4.1 Identify the judges that sit in each court within the hierarchy of law and appointment process.
• 4.2 Outline the work undertaken by Magistrates.
• 4.3 Explain the role of Juries in the legal profession.
• 4.4 Explain the training required to become a barrister and the role a barrister plays in the legal profession.
• 4.5 Analyse the ethical responsibilities of the legal profession.

Activity

Start with this week’s 4 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

• Writing a First Class Law Essay - A Framework for Success · YouTube · Gareth Evans · 11 min · for registered students
• How to assess academic sources - CRAAP · YouTube · Oak Tree English · 9 min · for registered students
• Citing and referencing using the Harvard Style · YouTube · UCDLibrary · 7 min · for registered students
• The credibility of sources · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 3 (lower secondary level) · for registered students

Further resources

• Writing for Success, ch. 8.1–8.3: Prewriting, outlining and drafting · PDF · Saylor Academy, textbook chapter; pp. 281–318 · for registered students
• Harvard Referencing quick guide 2025 (York St John University) · PDF · Other, report · for registered students
• Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test · PDF · Other, report · for registered students