Legal Writing Exercises

Answer the following questions using the IRAC principle/structure. You may go to
the library to research the
substantive aspects of the answers. Bear in mind that the IRAC structure must be
followed.

1. Aki and Ben, while walking together, met Caloy. There was an altercation between
Ben and
Caloy so that Ben chased and stabbed Caloy with a knife hitting his right arm
thereby causing slight
physical injury. Ben desisted from further assaulting Caloy, but Aki lunged at
Caloy and felled him
this time with a bolo which mortally wounded Caloy. Thus, he died.
a) What is the criminal liability of Aki? How about that of Ben? Explain your
answers.

A. IRAC Answer

Issue

Rule

Analysis

Conclusion

B. Essay form of response following IRAC structure:

2. Deeply enraged by his wife�s infidelity, the husband shot and killed her lover.
The husband
subsequently surrendered to the police. How will the court appreciate the
mitigating circumstances
of (i) passion or obfuscation, (ii) vindication of a grave offense, and (iii)
voluntary surrender that the
husband invoked and proved? Explain your answers.
A. IRAC Answer

Issue

Rule

Analysis

Conclusion

B. Essay form of response following IRAC structure:

3. Isabel, a housemaid, broke into a pawnshop intent on stealing items of jewelry

in it. She
found, however, that the jewelry were in a locked chest. Unable to open it, she
took the chest out of
the shop. She was subsequently charged with the crime of Theft. Should the case be
dismissed?
Explain your answer.

A. IRAC Answer

Issue

Rule
Analysis

Conclusion

B. Essay form of response following IRAC structure:

4. Zeno and Primo asked Bert to give them a sketch of the location of Andy�s house
since they wanted
to kill him. Bert agreed and drew them the sketch. Zeno and Primo drove to the
place and killed
Andy. What crime did Bert commit? Explain your answer.

A. IRAC Answer

Issue

Rule

Analysis

Conclusion

B. Essay form of response following IRAC structure: