The purpose of the assignment is to enable you to research and explore an aspect of taxation law. It is important for you to have time to think through how to structure and present arguments, and to discuss what the law is or should be in a particular area. This assessment task also gives you the opportunity to put the skills you have learned in tutorials into practice. Whilst discussion with others is encouraged, the final piece of work must be your own.

The length of the assignment is to be approximately 1500-2,000 words. Please provide a word count with the essay. Do not include the synopsis, references or bibliography in the word count. Do not use appendices or footnotes as a way around the word limit. Penalties apply for late submission.

Essay/Assignment Assessment Criteria
You will be assessed on:
Analysis (60% of the marks are allocated here)
• Depth of understanding of the topic and identification of relevant issues
• Accuracy of the law (legislation and cases) used to support discussion
• Clarity and coherence of the debate/discussion (think of leading the reader along a pathway, explaining the features, their importance and impact)
• Quality of discussion and argument
• Attempt to canvass a range of views and to offer an individual opinion on the state of the law/need for reform (depending on topic chosen)

Research (30% of the marks are allocated here)
• The use made of appropriate legal sources, in particular primary legal sources: e.g., the Income Tax Assessment Act (1936) (Cth) and cases (it is appropriate to rely on the summaries of cases located in secondary sources)
• The breadth and use made of relevant secondary legal sources, in particular a number of legal texts, internet sites and where possible academic journal articles.

Presentation (10% of the marks are allocated here)
• Readable connected prose NOT point form summaries
• Effective use of HEADINGS
• Consistent and accurate acknowledgment of sources using a recognised style – both in relation to in-text referencing and list of references/bibliography. Please read the notes on referencing and warning on plagiarism in sections 1.8 and 1.13 in this Course Description – ASK if you are not sure)
• Identification of the reference style being used (please put on title page)
• Typed preferably and double-spaced
• Title page with student name and number, course code and name, topic selected, referencing style used
• 4cm margin
• A4 paper and no folders
• Sequential page numbering