Legal problem solving (IRAC)

Legal problem solving (aka IRAC)

IRAC Method Introduction

A video introduction to the IRAC method intended for students who are learning legal problem solving for the first time.

Problem questions are common forms of assessment in a number of Law subjects. Although the content differs according to each subject, the format is usually similar: you are given a hypothetical situation that involves a legal problem. Your task is to analyse the scenario and identify legal issues for analysis and discussion. This is often undertaken using the IRAC process:

What is the Issue? What is the legal issue or problem that you can see as you read the question? What legal question is the Court required to answer?

What is the legal Rule that applies to this issue? (The issue triggers the rule). You have to know the laws to talk about them. With the relevant legal principles, or Rules, what does the Law say on that issue? What precedent might relate to this issue? You might need to read the question more than once, and you might also see that there is more than one issue. Complete an IRAC process on each issue, one at a time.

Analysis. This is often the part that students find difficult. Think of it as a matching exercise: The case and the law that relates to it. If you do not apply the principle to the facts that you are given, you cannot answer the question correctly. So, you need to look at legal principles that relate to the facts, in order to answer the question. For example, whose arguments seem stronger, and more likely to succeed? What are the arguments of both parties - the plaintiff and the defendant?

Conclusion. The conclusion section should contain clear evidence of your opinion or judgement using logical analysis based on the rule and the facts. What is the likely outcome of this case, in your opinion? Here you can draw on your knowledge about other similar cases, or precedents, and use your common sense to argue for the most likely outcome of the fact situation. The conclusion should be reasonable, because you have come to it by looking at the rule & the facts.