Readers’ Course Entrance Exam: Preparation Seminar Jason Harkess Chief Examiner 3 October 2019

About the exam 3 hour partially open-book exam (extracts of legislation provided in exam) Topics: civil/criminal procedure, evidence and ethics Types of questions: “pure rule” and “application” (most questions are of the “application” type) multi-choice, short-answer, and long-answer questions Pass mark 75%

Examinable material Exam Materials: Hard copy of Reading Guide and Legislation extracts provided to each candidate in exam (soft copies can now be downloaded from Bar website). Reading Guide specifies examinable sub-topics within each general topic and prescribed texts; Reading Guide specifies prescribed legislation (all examinable provisions are extracted); Candidates are expected to be familiar with the selected cases referred to in Reading Guide. Reading Guide identifies selected cases.

Exam preparation Candidates who perform well in the exam: have read previous examinations and sample answers (available on Bar website). have read and understood Reading guide; have read and understood examinable provisions and how they may be applied; have read and understood selected case law; have read relevant parts of prescribed texts;

General exam tips Read factual problems carefully. a more directed/multi-faceted question where all components must be addressed (e.g. ‘What is the rule in Browne v Dunn? How does it apply in this case? Explain the rule’s rationale.) Read specific instructions in each question carefully: Sensible time management. Answer every question. a simple/general question giving wide scope to raise/discuss a number of legal issues (e.g. ‘is the evidence admissible?’; Write legibly.

Examiner’s marking process Designed to be objective and fair. is expressed clearly/succinctly. Candidate’s answers for each question assessed against marking guide. Mark recorded for each question reflects overall assessment of extent to which candidate’s answer: identifies/addresses relevant points; demonstrates understanding of law and its application to facts;

Sample answers from Oct ‘14 Refer to handout.