A
Tradition of Legal Excellence
LAW DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
AND LEGAL
DEPARTMENT OF POST GRADUATE LEGAL STUDIES
AID
AY 2024/2025
THE POST GRADUATE BAR COURSE
TERM COURSE TEST
THE POST GRADUATE BAR COURSE FIRST
LEGAL WRITING & DRAFTING
Date: Friday 13th December 2024 Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. This is a closed book examination. You shall not use nor have in your
poSsession within the examination room or its vicinity any reference materials
of any kind
2, The paper consists of three questions. You are required to answer any TWO
questions of your choice.
3. Candidates SHALL NOT CONSULT OR EXCHANGE WRITTEN
NOTES with one another within the examination room or its vicinity.
4. Clarity of expression, definitions and appropriate use of relevant
references/citations attracts extra marks. Do not write brief facts/summary
of facts.
5. Candidates are advised to ensure that their handwriting is legible.
6. Alldocuments or similar material must be written in the answer book.
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QUESTION 1
(a) Mention and explain five pre-letter writing considerations which promote ease
of understanding to the reader. (20 Marks)
(b) Read the facts below and write a one-page letter in adherence to the three Cs of
Legal Writing. (30Marks)
Mr Mwangi Odiambo SC a Tanzanian National applied to the Law Council for a
Special Certificate toenable him to act as lead counsel for the defense of your client
Kiiza Murungi who was arrested from Tanzania on allegations that he was found in
possession of a fire arm. Mr. Murungi is now on trial by the military court martial in
Uganda. The reason given by the Law Council for the denial of the Special
Certificate is that any other Ugandan Advocate can represent Mr. Murungi in his
application for bail. Mr. Murungi has instructed the law firm of Fix-it Advocates &
Solicitors (where you are currently stationed) to write to the Law Council on the
basis that section 18 of the Advocates Act mandates the Law Council to issue the
Special Certificate and give any other reason why you think Ms. Mwangi should be
issued the SpecialCertificate.
QUESTION 2
(a) The Director LDCwould like to address mnembers of staff on the issue of the new
salary scale. As the Director, LDC, draft a Memo inviting all members of staff to
attend a meeting on Monday 16h December, 2024, at 9 am in the Auditorium. (30
marks)
(b) Re-write the following sentences in plain English. (20 marks)
1. The weather here in Uganda is beautiful.
2. Each and every student should attend his lectures.
3. His painting was beautiful in appearance.
4. Her presentation was equally as good as Mary's.
5. He is shorter in height than his sister.
6. The car was blue in color.
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7. Ipersonallyhave never been to Swaziland.
8. The weather will probably continue to remain cold.
9. The senior lecturer allowed him to retake the test again.
d [Link] spacecraft was oval in shape.
QUESTION 3
(a) Using a practical example, mention and explain 10 principles of clearwriting and
drafting which promote effective communication. (20 Marks)
(b) Good editing can transform a mediocre piece of content text into good legal
writing. Mention and explain 10 tips to edit your work (30 Marks)
