MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

Wednesday, December 28th, 2005
There are many ways to analyze a legal case (or any issue for that matter). One of the most popular methods for law students is the IRAC method:
   
  • The facts of the case suggest an Issue
  • The issue is covered by a Rule of law
  • Compare the facts to the rule to form the Analysis
  • From the analysis, develop the Conclusion as to whether the rule applies to the facts
To help me organize my thoughts when considering the issues involved in decision-making, I created the above mind map, based upon the very helpful information on the Law Nerds web site, The IRAC method and this map have become valuable critical thinking tools for me, not only for my current business law course but in how I approach a variety of business and personal decisions.

[I'm presently having trouble getting my embedded MindManager map to display properly. It appears to only work when you view the permanent link for this page, Click here.]

Note: You will have to allow the Active-X control to see the MindManager viewer in Internet Explorer. You can move around, resize, print, or even download the map to your own PC. I recommend that you click on the menu button and open the map in a new window.


Use the links below to download my original map or PDF file:
20051127 - Using the IRAC method to analyze cases - Eric Mack.mmap
20051127 - Using the IRAC method to analyze cases - Eric Mack.pdf


A special thank you to Ben Templin, owner of lawnerds.com for allowing me to share this map on my site.

Discussion/Comments (8):

MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

Pleased to have found your flow chart Eric - I am in the process of constructing something very similar for use by GCSE LAW students ( and myself ) - We just need more clarity of this sort to make the law & legal reasoning plainer and easier to understand - Regards

Colin

Posted at 06/17/2006 3:24:26 by Colin Patterson


re: MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

Glad to help, Colin. That map came as a result of several people who helped me through my business law courses. Best of success to you.

Posted at 06/21/2006 22:47:30 by Eric Mack


MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

very short and simple..simply enough to help to understand .

Posted at 05/28/2007 15:04:58 by wesley zoze


MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

I am currently enrolled in college to become a paralegal and your map is very helpful. Thanks for making out the map. :) Mona

Posted at 11/05/2007 16:41:09 by Mona


re: MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

Thanks Mona. I'm glad you found the map useful!

Posted at 11/06/2007 0:01:31 by Eric Mack


MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

Hello Eric,

It is Feb 2009, Your efforts in adding this for everyone to use is nothing short of Saintly. I'm almost finished with Paralegal A.S. and your information is awesome. I'm sharing it with another student at IHCC, she just started, and like me when I started, when we hear "IRAC" method, were thinking war? Thank you again, Julie Misukanis

Posted at 02/12/2009 6:47:17 by Julie Misukanis


re: MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

You are welcome. Glad to help. Best of success to you in your studies!

Posted at 02/12/2009 9:45:48 by Eric Mack


MindMap: Using the IRAC Method to analyze cases

Hello Eric,

I am about to start Management Law which requires IRAC layout for assignment work - this looks great and most especially - it's very clear and concise (which I like very much) and all on one page (which I like even more). Thanks for the resource - I am going to use it and share it around with my class mates.

Kind Regards, Stacey

Posted at 08/31/2009 22:14:47 by Stacey Evans



Discussion for this entry is now closed.