UW Business Law Steinburg v United States Case Study Paper

BUSINESS LAW IBRIEFING CASES – IRAC
Prof. Golden
IRAC method: Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion
(Before the issue, write a brief summary of the most relevant facts of the case. Explain where
the case is in the court system. Example: the trial court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, who
then appealed.)
Issue: What is the legal question that, when answered, determines the result of the case? The
issue should be stated in the form of a question in a specific, rather than general form.
Example: “Was there a false imprisonment if George was asleep at the time of
‘confinement’ and didn’t know John had locked him in the room?” would be an acceptable
issue. “Will the plaintiff be successful?” would not be acceptable. Note that the issue
may be case specific, mentioning the parties’ names and specific facts of the case. The
issue can encompass all cases that present a similar question. Example: “Is a duty
owed whenever people drive on a public highway?” Most cases present one issue. If
you identify multiple issues, list each one and give the rules for all issues raised.
Rule: The rule describes how the law applies to the issue. The rule should be stated as a
general principal, and not a conclusion to the particular case being briefed. Do not use
parties’ names or specific facts from the case. Example: “A duty of care is owed
whenever the defendant should anticipate that her conduct could create a risk of harm to
the plaintiff” would be an acceptable rule. “The plaintiff was negligent” would not be an
acceptable rule. Note: The rule may answer “Yes” or “No” to the question posed by the
issue, and then be summarized in one, all inclusive sentence. Hint: Frequently, the rule
will be the definition of the principle of law applicable in the case. Example: A battery
occurs if there has been an intentional harmful or offensive touching of another without
his/her consent.
Application: How does the court apply the rule of law to the facts of the case? The application
represents your understanding of the analysis used by the court to reach its conclusion.
It should explain the court’s consideration of the issue, presenting both sides of the
debate when possible. The application is the most important, and the longest, part of the
brief. Hint: Frequently, the rule can be used as a guide in your discussion. If the rule
discusses battery, take the facts of the case and explain whether or not they fit into the
definition of battery. Example: In this case, Vanna suffered from serious bruising when
Pat intentionally hit her with a giant letter after she asked him not to bother her.
Conclusion: State the result of the case. Examples: Judgment affirmed or motion to dismiss
denied.