Exam Structure and Guidelines

• Adjustments to Exam Questions

  • Potential to add or remove questions before the exam.

  • Each question is valued at one mark.

• Scantron/Kindy Exam Experience

  • Confirm whether students have previously used a scantron or similar exam format.

  • Considerations about whether the exam sheets will have students' last names pre-printed.

• Seating Arrangement

  • Concerns regarding students sitting next to friends to minimize distractions.

  • Possibility of using last names to organize seating.

• Writing Instruments

  • Use of pencil or pen is permitted; choice does not affect grading.

• Answer Submission Rules

  • Each question must have only one answer; multiple answers result in zero marks, regardless of correctness.

• Exam Conditions

  • Closed book exam - no external materials allowed, only mental resources permitted.

  • At the end of the three-hour period, all pencils and pens must be down.

• Time Management

  • Students will receive warnings about remaining time.

  • Emphasis on managing time effectively, especially if many questions remain unanswered as time expires.

  • Students advised to fill in answers quickly if time is running short.

• Exam Policies

  • Specific attire: hats worn backward to appear presentable and cool during the exam.

  • Water bottles must be stripped of labels to avoid any potential cheating.

  • Minimal materials allowed; clear pencil cases recommended.

  • Calculators are prohibited due to the nature of law examination.

• Integrity During the Exam

  • Eyes must remain on one’s own paper; cheating is not tolerated.

  • There are multiple versions of the exam to deter collaboration among students.

• Questions During the Exam

  • Students can ask questions for clarification but cannot seek direct answers.

  • Basic legal terms (PHI, MOL, OHS) will be provided on the exam cover page for reference.

Makeup Exam Policy

• Makeup Tests Availability

  • Makeup tests are easily obtainable; students should not abuse this policy.

  • In the case of serious issues, students are encouraged to communicate via email.

Exam Content Overview

• Question Types

  • Some questions may be framed negatively, requiring a solid understanding of concepts to identify incorrect answers.

  • Not simply recognition of correct answers but understanding characterizations and differences among legal concepts.

• Unit-Specific Knowledge Required

  • Unit One: Basic principles of law, role of police, and key characteristics of law, including:

  • Understanding what does not characterize law.

  • Main functions of courts.

  • Public choice theory and economic perspectives on law.

  • Kantian perspective, natural justice principles, distributive and procedural justice.

  • Unit Two:

  • Common law versus criminal and quasi-criminal law.

  • Regulatory law fundamentals, legislative formatting, understanding jurisdiction, and the process of legislation becoming law.

  • Unit Three:

  • Concepts like biduralism, paramountcy doctrine, and the power of municipal bylaws.

  • Key legislative acts and tests (POGG clause, express interpretation, jurisdiction).

  • Unit Four:

  • Rights under the charter, understanding the principles of law, and implications of the notwithstanding clause.

  • Ontario Human Rights Code, definitions of disability, and the significance of undue hardship.

  • Unit Five:

  • Tort law essentials include causes of action, remedies in contract law, and examination types for witnesses.

  • Understanding doctrines related to private nuisance, causation, and landmark cases (e.g., Donoghue v. Stevenson).

  • Unit Six:

  • Elements of criminal offenses, understanding mens rea for different types of crimes, and penalties related to perjury.

  • Includes specific cases and concepts like criminal negligence and public officer assistance.

Study Recommendations

• Preparation Strategies

  • Familiarize with the exam format and general expectations for each unit.

  • Review handouts provided for Units One, Two, and Three, focusing on the complexities of each unit's content.

• Closing Notes

  • Chocolate rewards for students where applicable.

  • Anticipated announcements to remind students on exam proximities.