Assignment Brief

This assessment will ask students to investigate one claim or case of wrongful conviction that will be provided in class. Students will have a list of cases from which to choose and will be required to provide a brief summary of the case in the report.

Students will identify two issues in each case that could be examined, investigated and potential correct an error. The report will provide a detailed research into methods that may assist the case (ie identifying new methods of analysis; similar cases etc).

Case Report

Understanding of the case
- The report critically assessesthe case highlighting key actors and circumstances leading to conviction;
- The critical assessment shows depth of knowledge, insight and critical skills;
- The information presented clearly covers the depth and breadth of the task;
- The essay demonstrates original thought.

Course Knowledge and Critical Thinking Skills
- Analysis that demonstrates ‘deep' rather than surface level learning;
- Demonstrates solid comprehension of the social, political, and cultural influences central to criminological understandings of miscarriages of justice;
- Demonstrates engagement with relevant course concepts and links them to the specific issues in the case.
Use of academic materials
- The report includes reference to credible sourcesof scholarly research (peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, chapter, and/or official research sources) (and external to the course readings);
- The contemporary examples used are supported by reference to credible sources of information including research publications, media reports and government or other official documentation as appropriate.
- The references are used effectively to support the claims made throughout the essay.
- The references demonstrate good quality, independent research.

Referencing, Layout, Word Count
- The assessment is thoroughly supported with in-text references in APA format;
- The reference list is presented on a separate page and is consistently formatted, alphabetical and complete;
- The essay is formatted in 11.5-12 point font (Calibri, Times New Roman OR Cambria)
- The edges of the text are justified (straight lines on each side);
- The margins are set to 2.5cm, and the line spacing set to 1.5;
- The word count is within a 10% leeway of the max word count, not including in-text referencing.

Writing Skills
- The essay is well written with appropriate grammar, punctuation and spelling;
- The essay is written with formal expression and proper sentences;
- The introduction contains a clear argument and a ‘map' of the essay;
- Paragraphs begin with a topic sentence and have one single topic;
- Paragraphs are no shorter than three sentences long;
- The conclusion provides a clear and convincing synthesis of the argument presented in the essay.
- The assessment is written in the student's own words - quotations and close paraphrasing are at a minimum;
- The student has clearly planned the essay and taken the time to proofread their work for clarity and flow.

Attachment:- Case File.rar