CRW2602
EXAM
PACK
2025
, lOMoARcPSD|19139637
How to answer CRW2602 problem-type questions
The purpose of asking problem-type questions in this module is to test your
understanding of the various specific crimes. This requires knowledge and
understanding of the definitions of these crimes.
The second step in answering a problem-type question is to discuss the legal
principles that are relevant to providing the answer to the problem. Most of the legal
principles discussed in this module come from court decisions (case law). You must
therefore make reference to a decided case(s) whenever a legal principle is stated.
You are reminded that even if you fail to remember the name of a case, you can simply
state: “It has been decided” or “According to a decision” when stating the principle.
Please note, however, that the discussion of an incorrect principle will not be credited,
irrespective of whether the case reference (name) is appropriate. In other words,
referring to the correct case name will not award you a mark if it is done to support an
inappropriate legal principle. Students who do this merely indicate to the lecturer that
they do not understand what the cited case actually decided.
The third step in answering a problem-type question is to apply the relevant legal
principles to the facts of the problem. Students often combine the second and third
steps when answering problem-type questions. In other words, they would discuss the
principle(s) while applying it to the facts. There is nothing inappropriate about doing
this. However, the chances of omitting a relevant principle (if there is more than one)
are greater when adopting this approach. To minimise this possibility we would advise
the separation of the second from the third step.
Another advantage of discussing the legal principle(s) before applying them to the
facts is that you can more easily identify the relevant facts at the stage of discussing
the principle(s). This will enable you to address as many relevant facts as possible
and prepare you for a more in-depth analysis at the stage of application.
The final step in answering a problem-type question is to provide a conclusion to the
problem. Please ensure that you have addressed the question(s) that has (have) been
asked. If, for example, the question requires you to determine the criminal liability of X
on a charge of murder, then your conclusion should state either “X is criminally liable
of murder”, or “X is not criminally liable on a charge of murder”. If the question requires
you to determine whether X caused Y’s death, then your conclusion should state either
“X caused Y’s death”, or “X did not cause Y’s death”, et cetera. Please note also that
in order for your conclusion to have any basis it must be a deduction of your reasoning.
Open Rubric
Downloaded by Jonah Njuguna ()
, lOMoARcPSD|19139637
CRW2602 assignments 2024
Criminal Law: Specific Crimes (University of South Africa)
Scan to open on Studocu
Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university
Downloaded by Jonah Njuguna ()
, lOMoARcPSD|19139637
Downloaded by Jonah Njuguna ()
EXAM
PACK
2025
, lOMoARcPSD|19139637
How to answer CRW2602 problem-type questions
The purpose of asking problem-type questions in this module is to test your
understanding of the various specific crimes. This requires knowledge and
understanding of the definitions of these crimes.
The second step in answering a problem-type question is to discuss the legal
principles that are relevant to providing the answer to the problem. Most of the legal
principles discussed in this module come from court decisions (case law). You must
therefore make reference to a decided case(s) whenever a legal principle is stated.
You are reminded that even if you fail to remember the name of a case, you can simply
state: “It has been decided” or “According to a decision” when stating the principle.
Please note, however, that the discussion of an incorrect principle will not be credited,
irrespective of whether the case reference (name) is appropriate. In other words,
referring to the correct case name will not award you a mark if it is done to support an
inappropriate legal principle. Students who do this merely indicate to the lecturer that
they do not understand what the cited case actually decided.
The third step in answering a problem-type question is to apply the relevant legal
principles to the facts of the problem. Students often combine the second and third
steps when answering problem-type questions. In other words, they would discuss the
principle(s) while applying it to the facts. There is nothing inappropriate about doing
this. However, the chances of omitting a relevant principle (if there is more than one)
are greater when adopting this approach. To minimise this possibility we would advise
the separation of the second from the third step.
Another advantage of discussing the legal principle(s) before applying them to the
facts is that you can more easily identify the relevant facts at the stage of discussing
the principle(s). This will enable you to address as many relevant facts as possible
and prepare you for a more in-depth analysis at the stage of application.
The final step in answering a problem-type question is to provide a conclusion to the
problem. Please ensure that you have addressed the question(s) that has (have) been
asked. If, for example, the question requires you to determine the criminal liability of X
on a charge of murder, then your conclusion should state either “X is criminally liable
of murder”, or “X is not criminally liable on a charge of murder”. If the question requires
you to determine whether X caused Y’s death, then your conclusion should state either
“X caused Y’s death”, or “X did not cause Y’s death”, et cetera. Please note also that
in order for your conclusion to have any basis it must be a deduction of your reasoning.
Open Rubric
Downloaded by Jonah Njuguna ()
, lOMoARcPSD|19139637
CRW2602 assignments 2024
Criminal Law: Specific Crimes (University of South Africa)
Scan to open on Studocu
Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university
Downloaded by Jonah Njuguna ()
, lOMoARcPSD|19139637
Downloaded by Jonah Njuguna ()
