business law exam technique

8/6/2019 Business Law Exam Technique

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Business LawBusiness Law

ExamExamTechniqueTechnique


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Exam PreparationExam PreparationBusiness Law exam is an open-book exam.

How do you prepare for an open-book exam?

Prepare a set of detailed revision notes which includematerials from lectures, tutorials and textbooks

These notes should include:-

each topic of the law studied in the subject

definitions of key concepts brief outline of the key principles/rules of law relevant cases (include key facts, decision and reasoning)


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Exam PreparationExam Preparation

possible answers to these questionsprepared by you under exam conditions

flowcharts make sure your notes and text are easilyaccessible:

* colour-code

* tab each topic* use headings, sub-headings* index clearly


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DURING THE EXAMDURING THE EXAM

read the questions carefully;

make sure you understand what thequestions are requiring you to do;

check all marks allotted to each questionand allocate your time accordingly;

attempt to identify the issues in thequestions;

if you run out of time on a question, mapout a plan of the answer.


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THE PAPERTHE PAPER

The paper comprises 8 questions. Fiveare compulsory.

5 questions are typical problemquestions,.

1 question is the traditional shortanswer question

2 questions are essay type questions


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ANSWERING THEANSWERING THEQUESTIONQUESTION

It is important to apply the following format whenanswering a problem question:

decide what the issues are (that is, the mattersover which there is or may be some dispute);

decide what rules of law are applicable to thoseissues;

cite the authority for the rule (that is, a case or

statute); apply the rule to the facts;

come to a conclusion;

state the remedy.


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A sample exam question:A sample exam question:

On 15 September, Arthur offers to sell hisantique desk to Harry for $5,000. Harrysubsequently inspects the desk and says toArthur 'The desk is in excellent condition and I'd

like to have it. There's no doubt thatI

couldafford to buy this desk ifI could pay for it inthree installments. Nothing further is saidconcerning the desk. On 18 September, Harrysends a letter to Arthur in which he acceptsArthur's original offer. On 19 September, Harry

learns that Arthur has sold the desk to Richardfor $6,000 On 20 September Arthur receivesHarry's letter of acceptance.Advise Harry whether he has an action againstArthur for breach of contract. Give detailedreasons for your answer.


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Steps in Problem SolvingSteps in Problem Solving To get a clear picture of related events, it is useful to draw

a diagram or chronology of events

Next step:

isolate areas of dispute which may occur these are the issues an issue is a fact of a situation that could have more than

one legal interpretation. That is, more than one law couldapply to it.

The statement: Id like to have it (one fact) could beinterpreted in more than one way legally. It could be:

* an acceptance of the offer* a request for more information* a counter offer

A questioning attitude is important


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Steps in Problem SolvingSteps in Problem Solving

I = issue (identify the problem orlegal issue

R= rule or rules of law ( case orstatute)

A = analysis (where the issues, rulesand cases are discussed and appliedto the facts of the problem)

C = conclusion (overall summation)

business law exam technique

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