FACTS-ISSUE-RULE OF LAW-ANALYSIS-CONCLUSION

  HOW TO BRIEF A CASE 1. (F): FACTS: State the facts of the case (a brief summary of what the case is about, i.e., what happened?). This is a synopsis of the essential facts of the case. These facts lead up to the Issue. 2. (I): ISSUE/ISSUES: State the Issue/Issues in the case (What are the legal issues in the case? Sometimes there may be only one legal issue). Issues are statements of the general legal questions answered by or illustrated in the case. Very Important: The Issue is best put in the form of a question, capable of a “yes” or “no” answer. 3. (R): RULE OF LAW: This is a statement of the general principle of law which the case illustrates. You must state the Rule of Law that applies to the particular case (What law applies to this case? What does the law say about cases of this nature?). 4. (A) ANALYSIS: HOLDING AND DECISION: Analysis of the legal argument/arguments in the case (analyze the arguments/ decisions/opinions of the justices). This section of the case should succinctly explain the rationale of the court in arriving at its decision. In other words, indicate the outcome of the case. 5. (C) Conclusion (do you agree with the Court’s arguments/decision/opinion in this case?). If yes, why? And if not, why not?