Assessor Resource

BSBRES502A
Research legal information using secondary sources

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to individuals who apply a well established, sound theoretical knowledge base in performing a range of research tasks and preparing a range of reports in a legal context. Its application in the workplace will be determined by the job role of the individual and the legislation, rules, regulations and codes of practice relevant to different jurisdictions.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake legal research using secondary sources and under supervision. This includes identifying research requirements and sources of information, applying information to a set of facts, evaluating the quality of the information, and preparing and producing reports.

A range of legislation, rules, regulations and codes of practice may apply to this unit at the time of endorsement, depending on job roles and jurisdictions.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

conduct effective research using secondary sources according to identified information requirements and organisation's policy, procedures and legislative requirements

draft documents in appropriate formats and language, according to the requirements of the request and within agreed timelines

regularly and effectively communicate with designated person and relevant others regarding all activities, actions and outcomes

apply knowledge of relevant court processes, current legislation, legal processes and required documentation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

an actual workplace or simulated environment

appropriate legislation and regulations relevant to common legal matters

workplace manuals and reference materials, such as company policies, procedural manuals, checklists, documentation and sample forms

background information on courts, their jurisdiction and behavioural requirements

appropriate technology, such as computers with relevant software

appropriate texts and people with expert knowledge, such as legal practitioners

secondary research sources for legal matters.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios

assessment of examples of research reports that have used secondary sources

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

observation of role plays

review of research proposal or brief and plan

evaluation of timelines assigned to tasks

review of draft document

review of executive summary

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of sources of legal data and information.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

provide clear instructions to others

clarify, explore and build on ideas in discussions

question others

literacy skills to:

read and critically evaluate intricate legal documents

use legal vocabulary and grammatical structures to achieve precise meaning

draft, edit and proofread reports

numeracy skills to:

collate documents

accurately record documents

analyse and present statistical data

analytical skills to evaluate legal data and information

Required knowledge

scope of own role andresponsibilities and obligations to refer to supervisor matters in relation to legal advice, completion or sign-off on legal work as described by relevant jurisdictions

organisation's policies and procedures relating to accessing and using legal information

accepted codes of conduct, including those relating to:

privacy and confidentiality

use of company property

duty of care

ethical behaviour

non-discriminatory practice

conflict of interest

compliance with reasonable direction

format for presenting written and oral reports and appendices

legal terminology

sources of legal data and information

relevant court processes, current legislation, legal processes and required documentation

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Designated person may include:

barrister

external client

government official

qualified legal practitioner

supervisor.

Resources and technical requirements may include access to:

computers

experts

legal precedent bank

legislation

office equipment and supplies

online legal information services

rooms

staff.

Sources of legal data and information may include:

court library

government publisher

internet

online information services, including case law

organisation's library

precedent bank

specialist texts.

Appropriate language may include:

academic language

legal language

plain language

technical language.

Organisation's policies and procedures may include:

information sources

recording information

report format

security, confidentiality and privacy procedures

time-recording procedures

verifying and authorising information.

Appendices may include:

certificates stamped as true and correct

photos stamped as true and correct.

Report may include:

financial report

marketing report

report discussing change in legislation and/or new legislation

report for journal or presentation at a conference or seminar

report of work undertaken

report on relevant case law and/or legislation applicable to legal problem.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Liaise with designated person to clarify specific legal data and information needs 
Prepare research plan and prioritise activities 
Identify resources and technical requirements 
Assign timelines to tasks and delegate tasks where appropriate 
Identify sources of legal data and information 
Research and identify key information to be extracted 
Check information to ensure that extracted details are acknowledged and recorded for copyright and other legal requirements 
Analyse legal data and information for relevance to facts 
Edit and collate legal data and information to fit research and relevant legal and ethical requirements 
Draft document in appropriate format taking into account precedent documents and using appropriate language 
Present legal data and information according to organisation's policies and procedures and legal requirements 
Evaluate draft against previously identified criteria and take action to address identified gaps or deficits 
Liaise with supervisor to review document 
Make amendments where necessary 
Identify key points and prepare executive summary, where appropriate 
Prepare appendices, bibliography and table of contents as required 
Check final draft and present it to supervisor for review and sign-off 
Make arrangements to disseminate report as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

BSBRES502A - Research legal information using secondary sources
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

BSBRES502A - Research legal information using secondary sources

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: