IRAC Method for Law School Exams

IRAC stands for Issue, Rule, Application, and Conclusion. It is useful because law-school exams reward organized analysis under time pressure.

Issue

State the legal question in a way that connects the rule to the facts. Instead of writing "battery," write: "Did Dana commit battery when she grabbed Lee's backpack strap and pulled him backward?" This frames the dispute and shows the professor where your analysis is going.

Rule

Give the governing rule with elements. Keep it concise but complete. For battery, you might write that the plaintiff must show intentional harmful or offensive contact with the plaintiff's person, and intent may mean purpose or substantial certainty.

Application

This is where points are earned. Compare each element to facts on both sides. Use because sentences: "Contact is likely satisfied because the strap was connected to Lee's body and the pull changed his movement." Then include the counterargument: "Dana will argue the contact was indirect and trivial."

Conclusion

End with a tentative result, not overconfidence. Use words like likely, probably, or stronger argument unless the facts are one-sided. A strong IRAC answer is not mechanical; it is structured enough that your judgment can be seen.