15. Marking Criteria

15.3. Pass

Pass (50 to 59)

A submission in the Pass range represents the minimum acceptable standard for the award of a degree. It demonstrates a basic understanding of the main issues, which however are not well presented. It will be weak in various ways.

Indications of a Pass-level submission include the following:

• Coverage of basic material and issues, with some errors, omissions or irrelevancies

• Little evidence of wider reading and, where relevant, little reference to class and reading list materials

• Overly descriptive discussion

• Indirect consideration of the issue or question

• Failure to address key points or facts

• Brief coverage of material and issues

• Assertions not sufficiently supported by authority or evidence

• An inability to follow an argument through

• Poor or disorganised structure

• Limited references and/or inconsistent citation

• Poor written English

In addition to the above, a Pass answer to a problem question is one that:

• Misses relevant issues

• Fails to apply or otherwise address relevant legal rules and principles

• Fails to make proper use of the relevant legal rules and principles

Updated: 17/09/2024