Knowledge , Understanding , Structure , Argument , Analysis ,Research And Presentation

         The aim of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your understanding and legal skills in undertaking legal research, undertaking analysis of legal texts, reasoning skills, presenting research, and very importantly the ability to reference appropriately using the OSCOLA method.

           The word limit is 4500 words. Please note that there is a 10% leverage to exceed the word count (so a maximum of 4950 words). All material exceeding the maximum threshold will not be assessed.

         You will be assessed based on the following criteria:

The table below provides broad guidance on the criteria that will be generally taken into account by tutors when marking assessments. There are 5 broad categories – Knowledge & Understanding, Structure, Argument & Analysis, Research and Presentation. Please note that these are indicative and are not intended as a comprehensive or tick box check list of every feature that could be in a coursework submission. Please also note that the mark you are awarded reflects the tutor’s overall impression of the coursework submission, based on these criteria. In other words, while you may receive a high mark there will almost certainly still be areas of weakness. Equally, you may receive a low mark but there could still be strengths in your work. You should take note of the feedback, build on your strengths and learn from and minimize your weaknesses.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Knowledge & Understanding – thorough knowledge of relevant law; issues are clearly identified; relevant law is accurately applied to the facts (problem questions); relevant policy issues are accurately linked to legal issues (essay questions).	Knowledge & Understanding – little knowledge of relevant law; issues are not clearly identified; relevant law is not accurately applied to the facts (problem questions); relevant policy issues are not accurately linked to legal issues (essay questions).

Structure  –    logical  progression  of argument; appropriate use of paragraphs and sub-headings; conclusion relates to main body of answer.	Structure – lacks logical progression of argument; inappropriate use of paragraphs and sub-headings; conclusion unrelated to main body of answer.
Argument   &   Analysis   –   coherent   argument supported by relevant evidence; shows clarity of thought; effective and appropriate use of legal authorities or other academic sources to support argument.	Argument & Analysis – rambling or incoherent argument unsupported by relevant evidence; lacks clarity of thought; ineffective or inappropriate use of legal authorities or other academic sources to support argument.
Research – effective use of primary sources (cases, statutes, official reports); use of academic journal articles; evidence of wider reading and independent research (printed and online material).	Research – mainly textbook material; little use of primary sources (cases, statutes, official reports); little use of academic journal articles; little evidence of wider reading or independent research (printed and online material).
Presentation – clarity of expression; good use of language, grammar, spelling; sources acknowledged, accurate and appropriate referencing; well-presented bibliography.	Presentation – lacks clarity of expression; poor use of language, grammar, spelling; sources unacknowledged, inaccurate or inappropriate referencing; poorly presented bibliography or no bibliography.

Please note that late submissions will incur a penalty. If you require an extension, please email the Module Leader in advance of the submission date, explaining your reasons and supplying evidence to support your request on the appropriate form.

Contract & International Trade Law Module

Final Assessment

The global economic and commercial impact of COVID-19 is unprecedented. The government restrictions imposed have led to major disruptions in global business and supply chains. This is reflected in the performance of the global financial markets, the dropping oil prices and the surge in the price of gold. As a result, businesses are likely to be exposed to a heightened risk of legal implications arising across their supply chain, as parties to commercial transactions find themselves unable to fulfil their contractual obligations.

Prepare a briefing examining the options available to companies whose ability to carry out their contractual obligations has been impacted by the pandemic.

Please ensure you use the OSCOLA system of citation and referencing and do not use material from student essay websites or any other sources where the author of the material cannot be identified individually.  Finally, please avoid long footnotes as this could be perceived as an attempt to circumvent the word limit.