final year dissertation

[princeperch]

I should have posted this sooner I know, but id appreciate some help from the ph collective.

I have to decide by tomorrow evening whether to do a dissertation in my final year next year and three other modules, or do 5 modules on their own (ranging from criminology to medical law)

If I were to do a dissertation, it would be on motoring law, as it is in this area I want to practise. So the question is this, and id appreciate advice from both legally qualified members and non qualified. Do you people think there is any mileage in doing my 20,000-word dissertation on the UK’s current obsession on speed enforcement and the knock on affects with the reduction in policing and public perception of the police towards them, or some thing along these lines…?

I think there is a lot of potential in this as long as I keep a relatively neutral POV, and is a subject a bit ‘different’ to the normal fodder the examiners will have to read.

Any advise/comments? On the other hand, should I steer clear?


Objectives of the dissertation are to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate the topic

2.Place the subject matter of the dissertation within a wider legal and or socio-political context

3. access, take advantage of and critically use different sources of research

4. Construct an argument that can be sustained through a work of such length

5. Use a recognised citation style

6.Present the dissertation in a manner that is clear, logical and well written


thanks in advance for your comments guys

[towman]

Steer clear. People have strong views on the subject, and if you were unlucky enough to present a conclusion opposite to that of the "marker" you may be unfairly penalised.

[kevinday]

Unfortunately I think Towman is right, it is not worth the possible aggravation. Perhaps a more 'neutral' area such as driving tests would be OK, given the recent press around quotas?

[princeperch]

cheers for your thoughts guys, im giving it a bit of thinking time today

[edc]

hy not deviate slightly and look at other related topics such as road tax, licensing, uninsured drivers etc. There are alternative systems in Germany for example you can analyse.

[rustybin]

I would keep clear of the overly controversial. Just because you can be rational and detached doesn't mean the person marking it can and, as a hugely unreasonable generalisation, there is probably more chance of a Uni lecturer being in the cars are evil camp than the cars are fun camp. Good luck.

[princeperch]

Cheers guys for your thoughts. I decided against doing the dissertation on reflection, I guess you cannot rely on people being unbiased when marking your work. Ill stick to topics, which are uncontroversial!

When im qualified its a different matter I guess..!

Thanks for your help

[Muncher]

I am considering a dissertation next year (law student) but I would stear well clear of that.

[joelk]

Would stongly recommend picking a topic on something you're actually interested in - and if that's speed cameras and various attitudes, then fine...

You're going to be writing that sucker for the next few months, so if you'te going to make it intertesting for yourself - and the teacher who marks it, pick something you give a shixt about.

Just make sure you pick a Title that is easiy quanitifiable, measurable, not too expansive - and that you can really focus on.

With all due respect to other comments posted, I got a my degree (top of year on some subjects), wrote my dissertaion based on a part time business I set up at uni, which later paved the way for me setting up a successful business on it afterwards.

Do what you're interested / passionate about. Don't accept anything less... One life, etc.

Regards,

Joel K.

[puggit]

I think the choice of career is good - it's a growing market.

Remember me when I need help at Reading Crown Court for 31mph on Vastern Road

[princeperch]

puggit, mates rates will apply no worries! ill have my case heard first then well deal with yours ok?!!!