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

2. 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%

3. 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.

4. 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;

5. 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.

6. 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;

7. Sample answers from Oct ‘14
Refer to handout.