Court Cases

IRAC Method

A legal analysis framework consisting of Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion.

Issue

The legal question the court must decide in a case.

Rule

The established law or principle that is applicable to the issue at hand.

Analysis

The examination of the facts and law to determine whether the defendant should be found guilty.

Conclusion

The intended purpose of the law or case outcome.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The use of a third person to facilitate the resolution of a dispute.

Arbitration

A method of settling disputes outside of court, where an arbitrator makes a binding decision.

Mediation

A voluntary process where a neutral third party assists disputing parties in finding a resolution.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

Trial Court

The court where a case is originally tried.

Appellate Court

A court that reviews decisions made by lower courts.

Certiorari

A writ that a higher court issues to review the decision of a lower court.

Long-Arm Rule

Allows a court to exercise jurisdiction over out-of-state defendants based on their activities in the state.

Discovery

The pretrial process where both parties exchange information relevant to the case.

Pleadings

Written statements of the parties in a legal case, including complaints and answers.

Default Judgment

A judgment in favor of one party due to the failure of the other party to respond.

Voir Dire

The jury selection process where potential jurors are questioned.

Verdict

The jury's decision in a trial.

Administrative Law

The body of public law governing the activities of administrative agencies of government.

Constitutional Law

The body of law that interprets and applies the U.S. Constitution.

Statutory Law

Written laws enacted by legislative bodies.

Common Law

Law developed through court decisions and judicial interpretations.

Civil Law

The area of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations.

Criminal Law

The body of law that relates to crime and punishment.

Substantive Law

Law that defines rights and duties, as opposed to procedural law.

Procedural Law

Law that dictates the methods and means by which substantive laws are enforced.