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. How to Get a First in Criminal Law – Exam Tips, Essay Writing & Key Topics
5. The credibility of sources

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Outline the requirements of actus reus.
• 1.2 Outline the requirements of mens rea.
• 1.3 Discuss the relationship between actus reus and mens rea.
• 1.4 Discuss the nature of criminal conduct.
• 2.1 Outline all violent offences.
• 2.2 Explain the defences of loss of control and diminished responsibility.
• 2.3 Analyse the actus reus and mens rea of common law offences against the person, including assault, battery, actual bodily harm (ABH) and grievous bodily harm (GBH).
• 2.4 Analyse the actus and reus elements for murder.
• 3.1 Define criminal damage, aggravated criminal damage and theft.
• 3.2 Explain the defences to criminal damage.
• 3.3 Analyse the actus reus and mens rea elements of criminal damage.
• 3.4 Analyse the actus reus and mens rea elements of theft.
• 4.1 Define intoxication, duress and strict liability.
• 4.2 Explain the circumstances in which intoxication can provide a defence.
• 4.4 Explain the circumstances in which duress can provide a defence.
• 4.5 Explain how mistakes can give rise to a defence.
• 4.6 Analyse how defence of self, others or property can provide a defence.

Activity

Start with this week’s 2 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

• How to Get a First in Criminal Law – Exam Tips, Essay Writing & Key Topics · YouTube · Common Law Simplified · 24 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