USING THE I-R-A-C STRUCTURE IN WRITING EXAM ANSWERS

The IRAC method is a framework for organizing your answer to a business law essay
question. The basic structure is: Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion. Using this simple
framework for structuring your answer will ensure that you have written a complete answer.

Issue Begin your answer by stating the issue presented by the essay question.
Sometimes the question will provide the issue for you. If not, then ask: What is
the legal question that, when answered, determines the result of the case? The
issue should be stated in the form of a question in a specific, rather than general
form: “Is there an agency relationship if there was no compensation paid?”
would be an acceptable issue. “Will the plaintiff win?” would not be acceptable.
Note that the issue may be case specific, mentioning the parties’ names and
specific facts of the case. Example: “Did Jones have an agency relationship with
XYZ Corp. due to his acting on behalf of XYZ and following its instructions?”
The issue can encompass all cases which present a similar question. Example:
“Is an agency created whenever there is an employment relationship?” Most
cases present one issue. If there is more than one issue to address, then you must
write a separate IRAC analysis for each issue.

Rule The rule describes which law or test applies to the issue. The rule should be
stated as a general principal, and not a conclusion to the particular case being
briefed. Example: “An agency relationship is created when there is an
agreement that the agent will act for the benefit of the principal at the principal’s
direction or control regardless of whether compensation is paid” would be an
acceptable rule. “The plaintiff was the defendant’s agent” would not be an
acceptable rule. Do not use parties’ names or specific facts from the case. Hint:
Frequently, the rule will be the definition of the principle of law applicable in the
case. Example: An agent may not use or disclose confidential information
acquired through the agency absent an agreement to the contrary.

Analysis The analysis is the most important, and the longest, part of your answer. It
involves applying the Rule to the facts of the problem or question. You should
use the facts to explain how the rule leads to the conclusion. Discuss both sides
of the case when possible. Important: Do not merely state a conclusion without
also stating reasons for it. A conclusion without reasons or explanation means
that you have not used the rule and the facts to analyze the issue. Hint: The rule
can be used as a guide in your discussion. Example: Suppose the issue is
whether A is an independent contractor. Using the facts of the case, explain
whether or not they fit into the definition of what is an independent contractor:
“In this case, A was told by the foreman what to wear, how to operate the
machine, and when to report to work each day, giving her little control over the
job.” If the rule is a test with multiple factors, then you must analyze each factor
by pointing out how the facts do (or do not) fulfill each factor.

Conclusion The conclusion is your answer to the Issue. State the result of your analysis.
Examples: “Smith is liable for negligence” or “Therefore, no valid contract was
formed between X and Y.” If there are multiple issues, there must be multiple
conclusions as well.
 IRAC Guide
The following is a guide to help you use the IRAC method to sort through a hypothetical legal problem.

Facts
Even if you are not required to submit a list of facts in your answer, it is a good idea to write one. This will help you sort through the
facts you have been given and determine which facts are relevant and how you are going to use them. The following is a list of
questions that may help you do this

 Who is involved? (identify parties specifically by name, if possible)

 Who suffered?
 How?
 Why? (was is avoidable?)
 What is the known (relevant) information?
 Is there any missing information?
 Include specific details like dates and monetary figures
Note: Reread the question at the end of the case study. This will tell you what you are supposed to be doing and it will help you
determine which facts are relevant.

Issues
 Identify the problem: what has gone wrong and for whom?
 Name each Plaintiff and Defendant and briefly describe their individual issues
 Work out what area of law may govern the resolution of the problem.
 This could include, but is not limited to the following bodies of law

o Contract law (be specific about which part)
o Trade practices (e.g. misleading conduct)
o A company law issue (e.g. breach of director’s duty)
o Negligence Criminal Law
o Constitutional Law
o Partnership Law
 Assignments generally relate to one area of law but the assignment will usually raise a number of issues within that general area.
 Identify any conflicting or troublesome facts
 Note: Assessment tasks are set around the work that you have done in class or will do in class. You are not expected to go
outside the content of the unit but you are expected to explore it

Rules and relevant Law

 Set out the legal principles that will be used to address the problem.
 Source legal principles from cases and legislation.
Note: Make sure you are specific when stating the relevant law/rules that apply, and always make sure to support propositions with
case authority.
 Application
 Explain in detail why the Plaintiff’s claims are (or are not) justified, based on the body of law pertaining to the case.
 How will this law be used by each party to argue their case?
 Use relevant precedent cases or Legal Principles to support each answer.
 You may also choose to use Legislation, when applicable.
 There are often several Plaintiffs involved. Take the time to examine each case individually and analyse why their claims are (or
are not) valid.
 Legal Principals and precedent cases are used in each analysis, even if there is overlap among Plaintiffs (the same precedent
can be applied to both parties, if appropriate. See example 2).
 It is acceptable to refer the reader to another point in the paper, rather than rewriting it word for word, if the situation calls for the
same legal recommendation. (See example 1 and 2)
Note: Take time to discuss the contentious aspects of the case rather than the ones that are most comfortable or obvious.

Conclusion
 Stand back and play ‘the judge.’
 Choose the argument you think is the strongest and articulate what you believe to be the appropriate answer.
 State who is liable for what and to what extent.
 Consider how parties could have acted to better manage their risks in order to avoid this legal problem.