How to read a case.

What are the 3 main parts of a case?

The (1) facts, (2) issues, and (3) held/ratio

What are the facts?

Facts are events or circumstances that transpired. They are usually narrated at the
beginning of the case.

What is an issue?

It is the matter in dispute in the case. It is usually in question form and begins with
the phrase “whether or not.”

Give an example of an issue.

The prosecution argues that the accused is liable for murder while the defense
contends that the accused is only liable for homicide. The issue is whether or not the
accused is liable for murder or homicide.

What are the two types of issues?

(1) Substantive issues and (2) Procedural issues

What are substantive issues?

Issues which pertain to the rights of the parties.

Give an example of a substantive issue.

Whether or not the accused is liable for murder or homicide.

What are procedural issues?

Issues which pertain to the method or manner of carrying out a legal dispute.

Give an example of a procedural issue.

Whether or not the case is ripe for adjudication.

How many issues are usually given in a case?

There is usually more than one issue.

Do we have to read all of the issues?

No. Read only the issue relevant to the subject matter.

A police officer, upon mere suspicion that Juan’s house is a drug den,
entered Juan’s house without a warrant and in the course of the search,
inflicted physical injuries upon Juan and destroyed his personal belongings.
The issues presented in the case are whether or not the police officer (1)
conducted a valid search, (2) is liable for physical injuries, (3) is liable for
damages for destroying Juan’s property. Which issue will I study?

If the subject is Constitutional Law, study only the first issue since it deals with the
Bill of Rights. If the subject is Criminal law, study only the second issue and if the
subject is Civil Law, study only the third issue.

What if the subject matter is unknown? Which issue will we study?

In subjects such as introduction to law, where the subject matter is general and
unknown, it is advised to focus on the substantive issues.

What is the held/ratio of the case?

The court’s decision on a particular issue. It includes the legal basis, analysis, and
the conclusion of the case.