TMA 04
The cut-off date for TMA 04 is 12:00 midday (UK local time) on 16 March 2017. This is the latest date by which your TMA must reach your tutor. You must submit your TMA using the online TMA service. TMA 04 is worth 25% of your overall continuous assessment score (OCAS).
TMA 04 consists of three questions. You are expected to answer all questions in this TMA. The word limit for TMA 04 is a maximum of 2500 words. Remember, all the words you use to answer the questions, including quotations and citations, count. You should use the mark allocation for each question as a guide to the number of words required as follows:
Question1: 750 word
Question2: 1625
Question 3: 125
Any words used that exceed the overall word count for the TMA will not be marked or commented on.
You must provide a reference list and a word count at the end of your work. The reference list is not included in the word count.
Questions
Question 1
Open the following document:
Report on Diversity at the Bar
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(Bar Standards Board, 2015)
Read Sections 1, 2, 3 and 7 of the Report, and those parts of Section 4 that relate to respondents’ gender and ethnicity. Use only this information and relevant information from Unit 11 to compare:
the gender profiles of the Bar in 2012 and 2015, and
the ethnicity profiles of the Bar in 2011 and 2015.
Write a brief report summarising whether comparison of the diversity statistics for 2011 and 2012 with those for 2015 support the proposition that the gender and ethnic diversity of the Bar is increasing.
(30 marks)
Question 2
Evaluate the following statement:
‘The consequences of recent cuts in the budget for legal aid mean that the time is right for the courts of England and Wales to adopt an inquisitorial system’.
(65 marks)
Question 3
Identify the revision technique(s) that you plan to use in preparation for the W102 examination. Give brief reasons for your choice(s).
(5 marks)
Learning outcomes
TMA 04 tests the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding:
understand the role of the legal profession in the justice system in England and Wales
understand the issues surrounding access to justice.
Skills:
compare and contrast statistics contained within different sources
present and structure information clearly and accurately using language appropriate for the intended audience
work effectively, including planning how you will manage your time to ensure deadlines are met.
Important information
The OU Law School Undergraduate Assessment Guide
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(‘Assessment Guide’) contains definitions of words used in TMA questions. It also gives advice on referencing and the reference list that you must produce and include at the end of your work. You should read this guide before attempting TMA 04.
How you allocate the word count is a decision you must make as part of writing the TMA. You have been given the marks allocated to each question, which will help guide your decision about the word count for each question and you have also been provided with a suggested breakdown.
