AT2 Essay Criminal Law, Justice, and Society LAW2002

AT2 ESSAY:

WORTH 40%

Essay Structure:
Choose one of the trials/ criminal law case studies we have covered in Week 1-2.
Discuss the trial/ case study with reference to the history of criminal law.
Discuss the social and political impact of the trial/ case study, and any issues of race, power, gender, sexuality and class.
Discuss any ongoing contemporary issues relevant to the topic, linking the past to the present.

HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY:

Academic essays are generally fairly straight-forward, as long as you understand the formula to follow
These are not based on opinion, but instead an argument is formulated based on high quality research
Today, you will learn the key skills to write an academic essay, conduct research and understand the marking

ESSAY STRUCTURE:

Introduction: briefly introduce your case study and the main contentions of your essay. Here you do not want to introduce research, but outline the topic. This should be 3-5 sentences long. I often recommend students delete the first sentence they write!
Body paragraphs: 3-4 for a 10002000 word essay. Each paragraph should have its own focus. First sentence should set up your paragraphs aim. Then provide the evidence, then criticall discuss in your own words, synthesizing together.
Conclusion: the so what? Briefly state the main points you made
Reference list: BYO referencing style! APA, Harvard, AGLC4 all fine, You should aim for MINIMUM 6-15 sources for an essay of this length

Essay Overview

Essay Topic:

The history of criminal law can reveal not only what was criminalised but who.

Using a trial or case study from the unit, discuss what it reveals about criminal justice and society at the time, and any contemporary implications and developments.

Essay Structure:

Choose one of the trials/ criminal law case studies we have covered in Weeks 1 and 2.
Discuss the trial/ case study with reference to the history of criminal law.
Discuss the social and political impact of the trial/ case study, and any issues of race, power, gender, sexuality and class.
Discuss any ongoing contemporary issues relevant to the topic, linking the past to the present.

Essay Overview (cont.)

Notes:

Be specific in what you want to write about - what is one thing that shocked/ intrigued/ interested you in the case?
As well as academic sources, try to use sources that represent voices from the community your case study represents (if applicable). For example, First Nations' scholars and people with lived experience.
Before starting to write, draft up the structure of your essay, including word counts for each section and dot points based your existing knowledge from the unit. This will help guide your research and make the most of your time.
Please do not spend a large portion of the word count simply describing the trial/ case study. As we are covering them in class, assume that the assessor is already aware what the trial/ case study is about.
Do not plagiarise. This includes copying material that you may have written for a previous unit.
If you require an extension or special consideration you must apply at least 24 hours prior to the due date and provide the relevant supporting documentation. Applications must be made to the CUA - see this link.