Assessment Mode

File management (50%)
Students will be continually assessed primarily on the basis of their case file management.  This incorporates most aspects of students’ work on the Innocence Project.  It includes the maintenance of detailed and up-to-date status reports and file notes, presentations to the Director, instructing lawyers and other Project students, record-keeping of all instructions and communications between team members, applicants, lawyers and the Director; summaries of relevant facts, evidence and law and any other activities completed on behalf of the applicant.  Instructions on case file management will be given during the first week of semester.  Factors considered in the assessment of students’ case file management include (but are not limited to):

• Advocacy skills;
• Awareness and understanding of the factors associated with wrongful convictions;
• Thoroughness of case work;
• Clarity of communications;
• Initiative;
• Management of work demands;
• Teamwork;
• Analytical skills including fact analysis, identification of relevant evidential and legal issues, analysis of relevant legislation, case law, documents and reports
• Problem-solving skills;
• Attendance and participation during the intensive introductory classroom component;
• Attendance and participation during regular meetings;
• Ability to respond to requests from applicants, lawyers and the Director appropriately, efficiently and in a timely manner;
• Ability to comply with the Project’s guidelines, processes and procedures in all activities undertaken;  
• Research skills.

Research essay 2,500 words (40%)
Students are required to complete a 2,500 word research essay.  The essay must identify and explore an area within the Australian criminal justice system which contributes to wrongful convictions or which is an issue for Innocence Project work.  All assignment topics require the prior approval of the Director.

Summary and reflection (10%)

• Students are required to present a summary of the cases they worked on during the semester.  This summary should incorporate students’ reflection on their case-work and the issues it raised.  The summary and reflection should be no more than 1,000 words in length and may be completed as a team or individually.  The following information should be included in this summary:Applicant’s name;
• Offence/s for which the applicant was convicted but claims innocence;
• City and state where the relevant incident/s occurred;
• Sentence/s;
• Plea/s;
• Claimed cause of wrongful conviction/s;
• Legal issues;
• Potential new evidence;
• Ethical issues;
• Summary of the type of work completed on the case.