IRAC Structure

 Issue: identify the issue.

 Rule: state the rule/law.
 Analysis: discuss the law in respect to the facts.
 Conclusion: provide your conclusion.

 This structure focuses on a Contract law sample, but I am sure you might find it useful for other subjects as
well.

How to answer a contract law problem question step by step

 First you need an introduction, then mini IRACs, then a conclusion.

[Introduction]
1. Introduce what doctrine/subject of contract law the case deals with.
2. Define the doctrine.
3. Give a brief summary of what happened in the case.
4. Write down what you are going to advise on.

[Example of introduction] *The case is fictitious

The case between Harry Styles and The Walt Disney Company concerns the doctrine of
frustration. Frustration is an English contract law doctrine that acts as a device to set aside
contracts where an unforeseen event either renders contractual obligations impossible, or
radically changes the party's principal purpose for entering into the contract. Frustration of
a contract makes the contract void, and discharges the parties of
the contractual obligations. In this case, Harry Styles accepts the offer of Disney to play as
a cast in the new upcoming Disney X movie. Disney asks Harry to pay a deposit of
$100,000 to secure his services. However, 10 weeks before the shooting starts, a big fire
destroys the studio and Disney cancels the production of the movie. This answer will
advise Harry Styles as whether or not his contract with The Walt Disney Company is
frustrated and if so, what remedies Harry can get under frustration.

[IRAC 1]

*The amount of IRACS will depend on the problem question but usually you need one IRAC
addresses one issue only.

1. Give a really short (1 sentence) summary of what happened in the case and what lead to
the issue.

2. Introduce the case/statute law. (If you are using case law, make sure to give a brief
summary of the case and/or the legal principle.) (If you are using statute law, state what it
means by either writing the exact words in the legislation or in your own words.)
 3. Analyse how the case/statute law is similar to your case and how you wish to use it.

4. Conclusion should give an answer to issue you brought up.

[Example of IRAC 1] *I did not go in depth with the writing, but this is the outline. Please
take your time to polish your IRACs.

Disney has cancelled the production of the movie due to the studio’s burning down. As a
rule established in Taylor v Caldwell (1863), The destruction of a specific object essential
for performance of the contract will frustrate the contract. (Insert case summary if you
like). Relying on the case of Taylor v Caldwell (1863), the destruction of the studios will
amount to frustration since without them the shooting would not be able to take place and
it is an essential object. The contract between Harry Styles and Disney is frustrated.

[IRAC 2]

* For this case, I first prove if the scenario is frustration or not, then for the second IRAC, I will
use statute law to talk about remedies.

Repeat the same procedure as IRAC 1.

[Example of IRAC 2]

Harry deposited $100,000 to The Walt Disney Company to secure his services. Under
Section 1(2) of the Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943 “money paid before the
frustrating event is recoverable.”. Harry had paid the deposit money before the fire burnt
down the studios and the contract resulted in frustration. Relying on this statute, Harry can
recover the deposit money.

*Check note 1!

[Conclusion]

The conclusion should be short but answer what you have tried to advise on. All your
IRACS should have a mini conclusion which will lead to the final answer that you will
write here.

[Conclusion Example]

In conclusion, the contract between Harry and The Walt Disney Company amounts to
frustration and Harry can recover his deposit money.

Notes:

1) Sometimes in IRACs, for both statute and case-law, you can mention the limitations. For
example, in IRAC 2, you could have mentioned that section 2(1) provides a defence that some of
the money could have not been deposited if expenses had occurred.

2) For statute law, mention case law if you know of any.

*Comment notes on IRAC if you have any.