no later than 3pm BST (British Summer Time) on
Thursday 19th May 2022.
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
LAW SCHOOL
Timed Assessment
May 2022
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
LAWD10013
This paper contains EIGHT questions.
All students must answer TWO questions.
You must answer ONE question from Section A and ONE question from Section B
Only TWO answers will be marked. If you submit more than TWO answers only your
first TWO answers will be marked.
This assessment carries 100% of the marks in this unit.
Your answers must be submitted in Microsoft Word document (.docx) format and each
answer must not exceed 1500 words in length (3000 words in total). No footnotes or
bibliography are allowed.
Please adhere to the TA guidelines and be aware of the penalties for exceeding the word
limit. For details, see the Assessment Guidelines 2021-22 on Blackboard: Law School –
Student pages > Assessment Guidelines and University Regulations > 2021-22 Assessment
Guidelines.
Please note that Questions 1 and 6 on this paper require knowledge of topics
in relation to which teaching may have been affected by industrial action.
As previously advised by the Head of School, you are not required to answer
such questions and this assessment is set up to allow you to avoid them while
providing a meaningful choice between other questions that deal with
unaffected material.
, SECTION A - You must attempt one question from this section.
1. Simon has recently begun attending meetings organised by a group called “The
Liberated”, which believes that science and technology has too great an influence over
modern life. They routinely hold protests against science and technology companies
and observe many Pagan festivities and holidays. They do not believe in the existence
of a God but hold weekly “liberation sessions” on Saturday mornings where members
meet to discuss their views and thoughts about modern life. Members are encouraged
at these sessions to provide a voluntary contribution of at least £5 “for the upkeep of
the group.” The ten largest contributors are collectively known as “the Elders”. The
group currently has 500 followers in the United Kingdom, 40 of those living in the
Avonshire area.
Simon has worked at Avonshire library for the last 10 years, which is funded by
Avonshire Council. Members of The Liberated are strongly encouraged to wear a
necklace that says “Ignore the Science” on it and also to discourage anyone that they
see using a technological device from using it in the future. Simon also refuses to use
any form of electronic device, including at work.
Avonshire Council has a uniform policy that prohibits the wearing of any “political or
religious symbol” and a policy of political neutrality, which forbids employees of the
council from conducting any “political activity during working hours or on Council
premises.” Simon arrives at work one day to find a letter from Human Resources at
Avonshire Council, which says that Simon’s necklace is in violation of the uniform
policy. Jane, a local Avonshire resident, has also complained to the Council to say that
Simon had “lectured” her about the “evils of technology” when she was using her laptop
in the library to complete her University coursework last Friday. The letter from Human
Resources says that Simon must immediately cease and desist from wearing his
necklace and from speaking to users of the library about his “political views”. Failure
to comply will result in Simon’s dismissal. The letter states that this position is “final”.
Simon turns up for work the following day wearing his necklace and is dismissed by
the Council.
Advise Simon on any public law claims and remedies he may seek.
Please turn over.
2