Socio-Legal Theory Assignment 1

Subject no.1

Socio-Legal Theory Assignment 1
Summary and Critique of Core Readings 

Assignment one

When is this assignment due?
19 September, before 4pm. You may also submit at any time before this date. 

How do I submit? 

The assignment must be submitted online through FLO in PDF format. I strongly advise you to submit early as FLO may run slowly if a lot of people submit at the last moment. 

What is the word limit? 

2400 words (1200 x 2). The word limit is a total for the two parts of the assignment, and although you may choose not to divide it equally between the parts, you are strongly advised to do so. 

How will the assignment be marked? 

Your assignment is worth 40% of the total mark in the topic. It will be marked on the following criteria: accuracy of exposition (30%); critical evaluation (50%); clarity of communication (10%); adherence to style guide (10%). 

How do I set out footnotes and references? 

You must follow either the Australian Guide to Legal Citation or the Harvard Style. For further information see the Topic Guide. DO NOT include a reference list if you use the AGLC. If you have used a source cited in the work you have chosen as the basis for this assignment but have not read it yourself, your footnote or in-text reference should reflect this rather than giving the impression you have read the original work. 

Why does plagiarism matter? 

Deliberate plagiarism can result in a mark of zero for the assignment, a fail for the subject, or, in extreme cases, expulsion from the University. A finding of plagiarism against you must be declared to the admissions authority when you apply for admission to practise law, and may be grounds for finding that you are not a fit and proper person to practise as a legal practitioner. Plagiarism is taken very seriously in this topic. If you have worries or questions come and ask us about it or access the online support materials provided. 

The assignment:
Choose two of the required readings for weeks 1-8 of the topic (as listed in the Topic Guide). Most of these 

readings are listed in the eReadings for the topic and you will be able to read and/or download your own copy. 

Your assignment will consist of a single document in two parts – one for each reading that you have selected. Each part should start with the author and title of the reading as a heading. 

For each of the readings in turn: 

1. Summarise the work and explain its central argument and/or main points. (300 words per reading) 

Tip: focus on the significant and central points. Do not try to summarise absolutely everything. 

2. Critically evaluate the work by reference to the following matters: its theoretical background and context (for instance, the tradition within which it is located); the structure and soundness of the author’s argument; the assumptions, approach, and perspective of the author (600 words per reading); 

Tip: this part of the assignment requires you to have an understanding of the background and additional readings, and of how the work relates to the material covered in the topic as a whole. But the focus should remain on a close 

reading of the work itself (ie what the author has said themselves, not what a textbook says about the author and their work). 

3. Conclude your critique with an assessment of the reading and its contribution to theory (300 words per reading). 

It is acceptable to write in the first person (using ‘I’ and ‘me’) but your opinions must be backed up with evidence and/or argument. 

Independent research is not a requirement of the assignment, however you will have a better understanding of the article if you have read additional material, in particular the required and extended readings. You will need to be familiar with these readings, as well as with the ideas discussed in lectures and workshops, and refer to them meaningfully in your assignment. Additional sources which are consulted must be cited in footnotes. 

The list of the readings are below.. 

I can provide you with the full article.