Tips to study law: A Guide to Preparation for Law Subject Assignment & Exams

Successful completion of law subjects requires:
- satisfactory performance in an exam and assignment or mini exam.
These do not test your ability merely to cram vast amounts of knowledge to be recalled from memory. Rather, the emphasis is on the presentation of problems which require students to:-
a. identify the relevant legal issues
b. apply the legal principles from cases or statute
c. develop legal arguments from these principles
d. arrive at a considered conclusion.
This emphasis can be seen from the fact that most law subject exams are "open-book". Students may bring their notes and texts into such examinations. Exam papers are assessed on the application of the law in the context of a problem rather than merely stating legal principles.

It should be clear at this stage that successful examination performance requires preparation and practice in a thoughtful way rather than just "swotting".
By the very nature of law, it is not always possible to arrive at a precise, simple answer to a problem. In fact, examination questions often cover issues and provide situations that may be in some doubt. An examination answer will be assessed on:
a. awareness of issues,
b. application of legal principles
c. formulation of legal arguments
rather than necessarily the arrival at a particular, correct conclusion.
It may be possible for two different answers, containing contrary conclusions, to both receive good marks. This may occur if both answers show an understanding of the law and a coherent application to the facts, revealing cogent legal arguments.

To be continue..