Understanding IRAC in Legal Writing

Presenter

• Lori Cornblum, Attorney
• Instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Topic

• What is IRAC?

Overview

• IRAC is a method of organizing legal writing.
• Consists of four main components: Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion

Detailed Breakdown of IRAC

1. Issue

• Identify what the problem or legal question is.
• Involves asking: What is the issue?

2. Rule

• Determine what law applies to the issue.
• Involves researching statutes and case law related to the issue.

3. Application

• Apply the identified rule of law to the facts of the case.
• Analyze how the law fits the specific scenario or facts.

4. Conclusion

• Formulate an answer to the issue based on the application of the rule.
• Conclude whether the law supports or does not support the specific situation.

Example Scenario

• Client: Jane
  • Situation: Driving 75 mph in a 70 mph zone.
  • Issue: Can Jane avoid the ticket because she didn't intend to speed?

Application of IRAC

• Issue: Jane's speeding incident.
• Rule: Statutes governing speed limits and case law.
  • Research shows no exceptions for intent in speeding violations.
• Application: Jane was speeding according to the law.
• Conclusion: Jane cannot avoid the ticket; she violated the statute.

Key Takeaways

• IRAC simplifies legal analysis by breaking it down into manageable steps.
• Critical for constructing well-organized legal arguments and writings.

Conclusion

• IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) helps in understanding legal issues and applying the law appropriately.
• Useful framework for legal writing and analysis.