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Paper instructions : Professional Practice Research Report PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE RESEARCH REPORT
   
Instructions
This document contains fourteen research report titles, from which you should choose one.
For your chosen title, you are required to:
1. Writea3,000wordreportonthetitle;and
2.
 Writeastatementnotexceeding500wordsreflectingonhowcompletingthe 
Professional Practice Research Report module has contributed to your 
learning and development and how the skills you have developed may be 
applied in your future career; and
3. Prepare a 10-minute 
presentation of your report (no more than 10 slides) and be prepared to 
answer questions on the report and presentation.
Please also refer to the PPRR student instructions issued separately.
On submitting this assessment you will be deemed to have completed the following certificate: “I certify that:
 This is my own unaided work and if this statement is untrue I ACKNOWLEDGE that I have cheated.

 The work is original except where indicated by acknowledgement or 
special reference in the text, and no part of this assessment has been 
presented by me or anyone else to any University or body for examination
 either in the United Kingdom or overseas.”
The contents of this 
assessment are confidential. You must not disclose, discuss or express 
an opinion on the contents of this assessment or your answer to it to 
any other person, by any means.
In particular, you should note that 
you may not consult any member of the University of Law staff or any 
other person on any aspect of this assessment. If you are in any doubt 
as to how to interpret any word or phrase in this assessment you should 
decide for yourself what interpretation to adopt.
By submitting this assessment you are confirming that you are fit to sit, in accordance with the Assessment Regulations.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
  Assessment Criteria
Your report should meet the following seven assessment criteria, where appropriate:
1. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the relevant area
2. Analysis of complex legal, factual, business and/or management issues, as appropriate
3. Application of knowledge and understanding to the task
4. Ability to select and use appropriate information in support of the argument
5. Ability critically to evaluate information as appropriate
6.
 Ability to reach a clear and reasoned solution to the problem(s) raised
 in the task, addressing any ethical and commercial issues, as 
appropriate
7. Ability to communicate using a clear and logical structure and language appropriate to the task
Your oral presentation should demonstrate the following assessment criterion:
7. Ability to communicate using a clear and logical structure and language appropriate to the task.
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Page 2 of 16 © The University of Law Limited 2020-21

 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_1 – Banking and Debt Finance Title
The
 Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act (‘Act’) came into force on 26 
June 2020. As well as temporary measures designed to help businesses 
survive the upheaval caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Act contains 
changes to UK insolvency law which are intended to be permanent.
The 
permanent changes are significant and are ‘intended to ensure that the 
UK’s insolvency regime retains its world-leading position including 
re-invigorating its rescue culture’.
To what extent will the permanent changes in the Act achieve this aim?
 In 1.
2. 3.
4. 5.
preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
By way of background to the permanent changes, the relevant pre-Act UK insolvency law;
The rationale behind the permanent changes;
A critical analysis of the permanent changes and how they compare to other jurisdictions;
Your view on whether the permanent changes will achieve the UK government’s stated objective; and
Your view of the likely effect of the permanent changes on the bank lending market in the UK.
You
 should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation
 of your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_2 – Business Title
The
 Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 (‘the 2018 
Regulations’) have introduced new narrative reporting requirements for 
companies including:
 a requirement for all large companies (whether
 listed or unlisted) to include a s.172(1) Companies Act 2006 statement 
in their strategic report;
 a separate requirement for all large 
companies (whether listed or unlisted) to include information in their 
directors' report on how the directors have had regard to the need to 
foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers 
and others;
 a requirement for all companies with more than 250 UK 
employees to include information in their directors' report on how the 
directors have engaged with employees;
 a requirement for large 
unlisted companies to include a statement of their corporate governance 
arrangements in their directors' report.
How useful do you think that
 these new measures will be in creating a culture within private 
companies where the broader implications of decisions are always 
considered?
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. The historic basis and development of the law relating to directors’ duties, in particular s172 Companies Act 2006;
2. A review of the literature to assess the rationale for the introduction of the 2018 Regulations;
3. A review of the literature to assess the likely impact of the 2018 Regulations on large private limited companies;
4.
 Do you think that the 2018 Regulations impose an unnecessary burden on 
private companies, or do the 2018 Regulations not go far enough?
You 
should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation 
of your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_3 – Civil Litigation Title
The
 growth in the use of “smart contracts” has so far been achieved within a
 jurisprudential vacuum. There is very little case law, legislation or 
regulation which addresses the legal implications of this rapidly 
developing technology. The lack of certainty has raised issues both in 
terms of enforcement of smart contracts and as to whether or not this 
area should be regulated.
Critically evaluate this statement. Formulate any reasoned proposals for how, in your view, the law could be improved
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. The legal status of smart contracts;
2. Can smart contracts be treated as legally binding contracts under English law?
3. The key characteristics of a cryptoasset
4. What type of property is a cryptoasset?
5. Issues of regulation, and
6. Areas for reform.
You
 should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation
 of your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_4 – Commercial Law Title
In
 2018, the European Commission announced a review of the Vertical 
Restraints Block Exemption (Regulation (EU) No 330/2010) and its 
Guidelines on Vertical Restraints (OJ 2010/C 130/01). It has since 
carried out a consultation, and a draft of a revised block exemption is 
expected shortly.
Responses to the consultation suggested that the 
Block Exemption and Guidelines needed to be revised, in particular to 
take account of developments in online selling. Prepare a report 
discussing whether you think this is necessary, and why.
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. The function of block exemptions in relation to Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
2.
 The ‘hardcore restrictions’ in the current Vertical Restraints Block 
Exemption, in particular in relation to (i) restrictions on the 
territories into which and customer groups to which a distributor may 
sell goods or services (article 4(b)), and (ii) selective distribution 
systems (articles 4(c) and (d)).
3. The paragraphs in the Guidelines on Vertical Restraints dealing with internet selling and selective distribution.
4. A review of the literature on the competition law issues which are being encountered in relation to online selling.
5.
 Decisions by the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the 
European Union on the application of Article 101 to online sales.
6. 
The reasons why the parts of the Vertical Restraints Block Exemption and
 the Guidelines referred to above may need to be revised in order to 
take account of developments in online selling.
You should also 
prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation of your 
report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_5 – Personal Injury Title
‘The
 number of whiplash claims has been too high for too long and is 
symptomatic of a wider compensation culture’ (Former Justice Secretary 
David Gauke, March 2018).
The Civil Liability Act 2018 (part of a 
number of legislative provisions to curb costs in civil litigation) came
 about partially as a result of a desire to combat the ‘compensation 
culture’ that was believed to be growing in relation to certain types of
 personal injury claims. One of the main aspects of the Civil Liability 
Act 2018, limiting whiplash compensation, has now been pushed back to 
April 2021 as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As 
have the changes to the law extending the small claims court limit.
1.
 Discuss the historical background of the issues referred to in the 
quote that the Civil Liability Act 2018 is designed to remedy.
2. 
Explain the changes the Civil Liability Act 2018, referred to above, 
will bring about and discuss the impact of these proposals on the 
relevant personal injury claims. Also, explain the changes to the small 
claims court limit.
3. Consider how the proposed changes to both areas of law will potentially hamper access to justice.
4.
 Examine the consequences that the relevant provisions of the Civil 
Liability Act 2018 and changes to the Civil Procedure Rules will have on
 solicitors practising in personal injury law.
5. Consider practical 
proposals that these solicitors should consider in order to survive the 
impact of the changes on their business. What additional 
considerations/problems might these give rise to?
You should also 
prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation of your 
report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report L1395_6 – Criminal Litigation Title

      “The rule against the admission of hearsay evidence is 
fundamental. It is not the best evidence and it is not delivered on 
oath. The truthfulness and accuracy of the person whose words are spoken
 to by another witness cannot be tested by cross-examination, and the 
light which his demeanour would throw on his testimony is lost. 
Nevertheless, the rule admits of certain carefully safeguarded and 
limited exceptions,...” per Lord Normand in R v Teper [1952] A.C. 480
The
 Criminal Justice Act 2003 and resulting case law on the admissibility 
of hearsay evidence made some significant changes to the hearsay rule. 
To some it suggests that the risks associated with hearsay evidence have
 been ignored along with marginalising the defendant’s right to a fair 
trial.
You are required to present an advice to a group of Crown 
Prosecution Service trainee solicitors (known as Associate Prosecutors) 
on the impact of the 2003 Act on the admissibility of hearsay evidence 
and whether it has ignored the risks traditionally associated with 
hearsay evidence and marginalised the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
 In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1.
 The historic basis and rationale for the law on hearsay, including the 
traditional risks associated with hearsay evidence and the rational for 
exercising caution.
2. The current law on the admissibility of hearsay evidence in criminal trials including what the present safeguards are.
3.
 A review of the literature and the cases which have gone before the 
Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human 
Rights and the difference in approach taken by these courts in relation 
to the sole and decisive test and the resulting tension this has caused.
4.
 A consideration of the extent to which the risks associated with 
hearsay evidence along with the defendant’s right to a fair trial have 
been ignored by the 2003 Act and the courts.
5. Your advice to 
Associate Prosecutors on what approach they should adopt when using 
hearsay evidence, with particular reference to using absent witness 
statements at trial.
6. Your own proposals for reform of this area of law, including the rationale.
You
 should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation
 of your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_7 – Employment Law Title
“People on the margins need to know whether they are employees, workers or
neither.” Rebecca Long Bailey, Hansard Volume 651, 17th December 2018.
Discuss
 the extent to which recent developments in the law relating to 
employment status have impacted upon the distinction between employee 
and worker and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of making 
further changes.
The protections afforded to people in the workplace 
differ depending on the status they hold, notably “employee”, “worker” 
or “self-employed”.
However establishing the correct employment 
status for an individual is becoming increasingly complex as ways of 
working change. The growth of the gig economy and the reluctance of many
 businesses to employ staff on the traditional “employee” basis has 
meant that the volume of litigation in this area is increasing.
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. A brief summary of the current position in relation to employment status, including recent legislative developments.
2. A discussion of the conclusions of the courts in recent case law regarding employment status.
3. A discussion of the options for reform, including the 2017 Taylor Review and the Government’s responses to it.
4.
 Your conclusions and views over the current distinction between 
employee and worker and as to what further reforms, if any, would be 
beneficial.
You should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 
minute presentation of your report as outlined on page 1 of this 
document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_8 – Family Law Title
To
 what extent does the current law on surrogacy in England and Wales 
protect the interests of the child involved, the surrogate mother and 
the intended parents? Critically evaluate whether the law in this area 
should be reformed. Formulate any reasoned proposals for how, in your 
view, the law could be improved.
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. The development of the law regarding surrogacy.
2. The current law on surrogacy.
3. A review of the literature to assess the pros and cons of the current system and proposals for reform.
4. Your proposals and rationale for any further reform.
You
 should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation
 of your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_9 – Immigration Law Title
Discuss
 how section 8 of The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, 
etc.) Act 2004 affects a decision maker’s approach to the credibility of
 an asylum seeker.
Consider what arguments immigration practitioners 
can make on behalf of their clients applying for asylum when one or more
 of the provisions of section 8 of The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment
 of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 are relied on by a decision maker.
In 
your opinion, should section 8 of The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment 
of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 be repealed or amended and why?
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. The purpose of and justification for section 8 of The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004.
2.
 How section 8 of The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, 
etc.) Act 2004 affects a decision maker’s approach to the credibility of
 an asylum seeker.
3. The arguments immigration practitioners can 
make on behalf of their clients applying for asylum when section 8 of 
The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 is 
relied on by a decision maker.
4. Your proposals and rationale for 
repealing or amending section 8 of The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment
 of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004.
You should also prepare a reflective 
statement and a 10-minute presentation of your report as outlined on 
page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_10 – Intellectual Property Law Title
Analyse
 the impact which the Digital Copyright Directive (“the Directive”) will
 have on stakeholders in, and consumers of, copyrighted material within 
the EU. Evaluate whether it strikes an appropriate balance between the 
rights of copyright owners and internet platforms such as news 
aggregators, search engines and website owners.
In preparing your report you need to deal with the following instructions:
1.
 Provide a critique of the system prior to introduction of the Directive
 which should centre on whether the balance referred to above existed. 
You should give an overview of the problems with the use of copyrighted 
material which the Directive aims to solve.
2. Explain the key 
highlights of the Directive, concentrating on its most notable 
provisions. You should analyse the arguments for and against the 
inclusion of these provisions.
3. Give your opinion as to the likely success or otherwise of the Directive.
You
 should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation
 of your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_11 – Mergers and Acquisitions Title
In
 the context of the acquisition of private limited companies in England 
and Wales (subject to the requirements of paragraph 3 below) consider 
the impact of the Covid- 19 Pandemic in both the short and the long 
term.
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. Identify trends in the type of deal activity and whether the current market is likely to favour a seller or a buyer.
2. What are the risks and challenges that face a buyer if a deal cannot proceed to simultaneous exchange and completion?
3.
 What are the issues with including ‘no material adverse change’ (‘MAC’)
 clauses in transaction documents in England and Wales compared to the 
approach in the United States?
4. Give your opinion on whether legal practice is likely to change in England and Wales with respect to MAC clauses.
Please
 note that due to significant complexity and reform to insolvency law it
 is not necessary to deal with the specific legal issues arising in 
relation to purchases from administrators and liquidators.
You should
 also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation of 
your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_12 – Private Client Title
Discuss
 whether the Wills Act 1837 is outdated in relation to the need for 
electronic Wills to be recognised in a modern technological world.
In preparing your report you need to address the following areas.
1. The historic basis of the formality rules and rationale for reform;
2. A review of the literature to assess the pros and cons of both the current regime and electronic Wills;
3.
 Your proposals and rationale for reform by reference to issues of 
security, infrastructure and consistency and any other criteria which 
you consider to be relevant.
You should also prepare a reflective 
statement and a 10 minute presentation of your report as outlined on 
page 1 of this document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_13 – Real Estate Title
“As
 a government committed to building a fairer society, I don’t see how we
 can look the other way while these practically feudal practices 
persist”. Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local 
Government.
Housing has historically been effected by “unfair practices in the leasehold market”.
To
 what extent do you consider that legislation can or has offered 
solutions to these perceived problems? Could the commonhold scheme of 
ownership address any of the Government’s concerns?
In preparing your report you need to:
1. Identify the problems with the existing leasehold regime for residential leasehold houses.
2.
 Analyse the extent to which legislation has or could successfully 
address these problems and whether non-legislative steps (such as 
voluntary changes to the working practices of developers and their 
advisers) might also assist.
3. Provide a brief description of how the commonhold form of land ownership operates in our jurisdiction.
4.
 Discuss the pros and cons of the commonhold form of land ownership in 
addressing the problems you have identified with the existing leasehold 
regime.
You should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 
minute presentation of your report as outlined on page 1 of this 
document.
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 Professional Practice Research Report
   L1395_14 – Tax Title
Despite
 growing criticism of Entrepreneurs’ Relief, Chancellor Philip Hammond 
retained the relief in the 2018 Budget commenting that “entrepreneurs 
must be at the heart of a dynamic economy”.
To what extent do you 
consider that Entrepreneurs’ Relief strikes an appropriate balance 
between promoting economic activity and ensuring a fair system of 
taxation? Formulate reasoned proposals for how, in your view, the system
 could be improved.

In preparing your report you need to address the following areas:
1. The historic basis and rationale for Entrepreneurs’ Relief.

2. The current rules on the application of Entrepreneurs’ Relief.

3. A review and critical analysis of the literature to assess the pros and cons of the current system and proposals for reform.

4. Your proposals for reform and how they compare with other jurisdictions.

5. What those proposals would achieve by reference to striking a balance between the above competing considerations.

You
 should also prepare a reflective statement and a 10 minute presentation
 of your report as outlined on page 1 of this document.