Legal Studies Exam Discussion

[mad_maxine]

What I did for q12 (M_BONG, I too believe its a trick question  ), was I talked about its effectiveness in impacting the div of powers overall (including low success rate for referenda, and other factors influencing its success e.g. Double majority, including some strengths and weaknesses, just to be on the safe side!!!).

I then gave an in depth example case study, namely brislan and 1967 ref, and explained the impact they each had on the div powers.

Using the example of the impacts and evidence of each method's effectiveness in altering the div powers, I concluded that, overall, HC interpretations of the constitution were more effective than referenda.
 
I definitely wrote a lot for this question, not sure if all was necessary for an in depth analysis.

What do you guys think? Do you think this was necessary and/or enough to obtain the 8 marks? Is this what vcaa wants?

VCAA, WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM US???! 

[mad_maxine]

This is probably one of those contentious/trick questions. I am worried about it as well.

It's probs meant to be the only "tricky" question on the exam that makes you think. Probably to get that bell curve, make sure "top" students (because it was an easy exam) are separated from the pack. Just my take on the exam....

[EstherR]

To be honest, if VCAA decides to be really tight on this question, they would require you to give some form of strengths and weaknesses/analysis. By only describing cases, you are at best illustrating or explaining. The question says "analyse HC and referendum in changing the division of powers" therefore it is not asking you to explain how the cases you used change the div. of powers but rather, use your cases to back up your argument/illustrate how the processes can change the div. of power. That is how I see it. I regret not doing it on the exam though.

This is probably one of those contentious/trick questions. I am worried about it as well.

I think if you only talked about your cases, plus talk about its impact on div of power without considering the whole process (eg. High Court interpretation)'s effect on div of power, you can max get 4-6 marks. This is because you haven't done one component of the question.

Don't quote me on this, though. I haven't checked with any official sources.

EDIT: Would be great if someone who has checked with a teacher can confirm/refute what I have said above. Thanks.

Thankyou for your insight! I am extremely worried because now i wish I had written more, cause I totally had the info, just didnt write it down cause didnt realise thats what they were asking after reading the question sooooo many times! Let's hope vcaa is lenient with their marking and see how this question could have been interpreted in two ways!