Law TMAs

This is the latest date by which your TMA must reach your tutor. You must submit your TMA using the online TMA system

TMA 04 consists of three questions. You are expected to answer all questions in this TMA. Your answers should be written in your own words. You do not need to use additional resources to complete your answers. All the information you require is provided in the module materials.

The total word limit for TMA 04 is a maximum of 2500 words. Remember, all the words you use to answer the questions, including quotations and citations, count towards the overall word limit.

We suggest that you use the following number of words for each question:

Question 1

1150 words

Question 2

1150 words

Question 3

200 words

You must provide a reference list and a word count. The reference list is not included in the word count.

Next: Questions

Questions

Question 1

Explain how trial by jury works in England and Wales and identify some of the benefits and drawbacks of jury trials.

(45 marks)

Question 2

Discuss what is meant by the declaratory theory of law and judicial deference and explain how parliamentary sovereignty may be affected by judicial power.

(45 marks)

Question 3

Explain how you selected materials from W101 in order to prepare for this TMA and indicate the main learning outcomes you have achieved during this process.

(10 marks)

Next: Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

TMA 04 tests the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

explain how trial by jury works in England and Wales
explain the role of the judiciary
demonstrate and apply reflective practice.
Skills:

interpret, describe and apply legal principles and authority in a logical and coherent way
present and structure information clearly
make accurate use of the English language and legal terminology
reference and cite relevant material, including case law and statute law.
Advice

This TMA is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of Units 3, 10 and 13.

Your answers should be written in full sentences and in clear and concise language. You should write in formal English and take care to ensure that your language is grammatically correct. Your work should be arranged into paragraphs and you should avoid using bullet points and other types of lists. All your answers should be written in the third person.

It is important to write in your own words. This means that you should explain the content of the module materials by reformulating the words within them.

Question 1

This question asks you to write an essay that explains how trial by jury works in England and Wales. Unit 10 provides you with the reading materials relevant to this question. You should draw on sources such as case law to support your points.

Question 2

This question asks you to write an essay that explains the declaratory theory of law and judicial deference. You also need to consider how parliamentary sovereignty may be affected by judicial power. You should draw on evidence to support your arguments. Units 3 and 13 provide you with the reading materials relevant to this question.

Question 3

This question encourages you to think about how you prepare for your TMAs. In particular, it asks you to reflect on the process of preparing for this TMA and to identify the main learning outcomes that you have achieved and how you achieved them. This forms part of your Personal Development Planning, which was mentioned in Introduction to legal skills, Legal skills 2 and Legal skills 3.

Finally

You must demonstrate the ability to find and select relevant material.
You must demonstrate the ability to address the questions asked. This is very important – you must be clear about exactly what you are being asked to address.
Every sentence in your TMA must in some way or another contribute to your overall answer.
Your TMA should be checked before submission so that you can address any spelling or grammar mistakes.
Once your marked TMA is returned, you should reflect on your tutor’s comments and make notes on anything you want to do differently for the next TMA.