How do I do an IRAC case brief?

📚 How to Write an IRAC Case Brief Step-by-Step

Mastering the IRAC method is a fundamental skill for any law student, paralegal, or legal writer. IRAC — which stands for Issue, Rule, Application (Analysis), and Conclusion — provides a logical framework for breaking down complex legal cases into clear, organized parts. By using IRAC, you can transform a dense court opinion into a digestible summary that captures the essence of the case while sharpening your own legal reasoning.

Step 1: Carefully Read the Case 👀

Before you begin writing, read the case thoroughly. Pay close attention not only to the factual background, but also to the procedural history (what happened in the lower courts) and the legal question presented to the court.

It often helps to read the case more than once:

  • The first read gives you a general sense of the story.

  • The second (or third) read allows you to highlight key facts, important legal standards, and the ultimate holding.

Think of this step as building the foundation — without a clear grasp of the facts, the rest of the brief will feel scattered.

Step 2: Identify the Issue ❓

The issue is the central legal question the court is deciding. It is usually written in the form of a question, and it should be short and direct.

For example:

  • Was the stop-and-frisk of Terry a violation of the Fourth Amendment?

This part should be focused only on the question of law, not on the facts or reasoning. In other words, you’re asking: What exactly is the court trying to decide?

Step 3: State the Rule ⚖️

Next, you state the legal rule (or rules) that the court applied to answer the issue. This might come from the Constitution, statutes, or prior precedent.

For instance, in Terry v. Ohio, the rule was:

This section is where you set down the legal standard the court uses to make its decision.

Step 4: Apply the Law to the Facts 🔎

This is the heart of the IRAC method. The application (sometimes called analysis) explains why the rule applies to the facts of the case. Here, you want to show the reasoning step by step.

Example from Terry v. Ohio:

  • Officer McFadden observed unusual behavior suggesting that Terry and others were preparing for a robbery.

  • Based on these observations, the officer reasonably believed the men might be armed and dangerous.

  • Therefore, his limited frisk was justified under the Fourth Amendment.

Notice how the analysis connects the facts to the rule — this is where your critical thinking comes in.

Step 5: Conclusion ✅

Finally, summarize the court’s holding in one or two sentences. This is the direct answer to the issue you identified in Step 2.

For example:

  • The Supreme Court held that the stop-and-frisk of Terry was constitutional because it was supported by reasonable suspicion.

The conclusion should be quick and to the point, wrapping everything up neatly.

Quick IRAC Example: Terry v. Ohio

  • Issue: Was the stop-and-frisk of Terry a violation of the Fourth Amendment?

  • Rule: A limited search is constitutional if there is reasonable suspicion that a person is armed and dangerous.

  • Application: Officer McFadden observed unusual conduct suggesting criminal activity and a possible threat to safety. His frisk was therefore based on reasonable suspicion.

  • Conclusion: The Court held that the search was constitutional under the Fourth Amendment.

Final Tips for Writing a Strong IRAC Case Brief 📍

  • Keep your writing clear and direct — there’s no need for overly formal or complicated legal jargon.

  • Focus on what the court decided and why, rather than injecting personal opinion.

  • If a case involves multiple issues, repeat the IRAC process for each one.

  • Take notes as you read — mark down important facts, legal questions, and reasoning. This will save time when drafting.

Pro Tip 🚀

When preparing for class or exams, use IRAC to train your legal mind to think in a structured, systematic way. Ask yourself:

  • What is the legal issue?

  • What rule governs it?

  • How does the rule fit the facts?

  • What did the court ultimately decide?

This approach not only helps you write case briefs but also sharpens the analytical skills that law school — and legal practice — demand.

✅ In short: the IRAC method gives you a repeatable formula. With practice, you’ll be able to summarize even the most complex opinions into clear, concise briefs that highlight the law, the reasoning, and the outcome. Bookmark this guide and refer back to it whenever you need to write your next case brief!


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