IRAC stands for Issue, Rule, Application, and Conclusion.
The issue section tells the reader what the party in the case is fighting over, in other words, what brings the parties into court. In writing about an issue, state the question or problem that you are trying to answer. This can be in the form of a question or a statement. In your writing eliminate facts that are not relevant to the court’s analysis.
Issue spotting is easiest when you know the laws and court holdings of your jurisdiction, so be sure to research and study thoroughly, but if you run across a question that is not addressed by the rules of your jurisdiction, don't fret. Use the opportunity to bring up rules from other jurisdictions that might persuade the court to make new precedence on that issue.
As for the rule bit, State the rule or legal principle. This may take the form of stating the elements required for a prima facie case. Rules can be found in laws, regulations, and precedents (court holdings from similar cases), but while all rules are mentionable, all do not carry the same strength.
The application should be the simplest part of your writing. If you know the facts, can see the issues, and know the rules pertaining to those issues, the application will write itself.
This is where you state your evidence and explain how you will arrive at your conclusion. You may cite other cases, discuss policy implications, and discuss cases that run counter to your conclusion. Make sure that you weigh both sides and make counterarguments where appropriate. Use case law, analogising and distinguishing. Discuss any policy implications.
As for the conclusion, this is a statement that tells your reader what the result of your arguments is, or what it should be. The conclusion should answer the question presented.
Smart and great lawyers use IRAC variations to formulate their written arguments.
