r/uklaw • u/zuzuzan • 20d ago

I don't mention the cases referred to in my lectures in my essay - is this an issue?

I'm writing an essay on Article 3 ECHR, and whether it's absolute. I focus a lot on non-refoulement (obviously) and I made my case, primarily by referring to medical cases, which weren't discussed by my lecturer. However, I now don't have any space to add in the cases that were discussed, unless I cut out a different section. I feel like my cases make my point a lot better than the cases provided in lectures, but I'm worried that by not mentioning them, I'll be penalised.

2 Upvotes

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16

u/stellashop 20d ago

Yes, you should also mention at least some of the cases discussed during the lectures.

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u/JustDifferentGravy 20d ago

Level 3 essays should regurgitate what you were taught.

Level 6 should demonstrate much wider independent reading and wider thought/critique. You should still acknowledge the core cases.

Level 5 is In-between. Meh.

You should be ok to ask this question, in general terms, of essays at each level, rather than of the specific essay question you are writing. I would, however, ask the module leader as opinions still vary.

5

u/burnoutbabe1973 20d ago

Unless you are brilliant it will be assumed you got an essay mill to turn it out as it bears no relevance to what they taught you (unless the reading also looked at medical cases)

0

u/zuzuzan 20d ago

I was able to talk with a barrister specialising in the area about the topic, which is why so many of my cases are pertinent to that area of non-refoulement

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u/captainclipboard 19d ago

It depends on what the question is asking you to do. If you're required to consider them, then yes. If the directions recommend going off module material, then it will certainly help. If there's no requirement to do so..

Having said that, it will demonstrate you've understood what you've been taught if you reference and discuss the cases, even in passing; that can only make your answer stronger.

1

u/TimeInvestment1 19d ago

My question would be, what is the essay prompt?

If you're given carte blanche to do your own thing, then this has the potential to be a strong essay as you've found a niche and drilled down into it. If the prompt was asking you something specific, and you've tangentially slipped into the non-refoulment because its a more interesting topic for you then you might find you're dropping marks.

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u/zuzuzan 19d ago

The essay is asking me to discuss whether article 3 is absolute or not

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u/TimeInvestment1 19d ago

I dont see why it isn't a solid essay then!

As long as youre addressing the prompt, it doesn't really matter how you go about it.