IRAC

An approach to organizing essays and papers.

I Issue: Take the issue (the question youre being asked to answer) and
turn it into a statement. Use it as your opening/introductory sentence.
Example: The issue is whether the Nebraska statute is
unconstitutional under the void for vagueness doctrine
R Rule: What is the relevant test, statute, case law or standard used to
answer the issue?
Example: To determine if a statute is void for vagueness, the test
is .
A Analysis: Apply the rule to the relevant facts of your case. How do
the facts fit or not fit the rule? (This should be the main body of your paper)
C Conclusion: Based on the above (applying the rule to the facts) what is
the result? Usually not a right or wrong answer but how well you apply the
rule to the facts. Does your conclusion have a solid basis in the law?
Note: Depending on the number of issues or questions you are being asked to resolve
in an assignment, you would you IRAC for each issue.