18. Marking Criteria

18.3. Pass

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 irrelevances

  • 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