How to Answer Law School Problem Questions Using IRAC Like a Pro

Answering problem questions in law school can feel overwhelming. Lecturers often pack scenarios with dramatic storylines, multiple characters, and complex disputes designed to distract you from the actual legal issues.

To score top marks in your law examinations, you need a disciplined, systematic strategy. Mastering the IRAC method (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) alongside key exam-room habits will transform how you approach problem questions.

Here is a practical, step-by-step guide to tackling problem questions in Ghanaian law faculties.

1. Locate the Specific Question First

Before reading a long, two-page problem question from top to bottom, scroll down and read the final line or instruction.

Knowing whether you are asked to “Advise Kofi on his remedies in contract” or “Draft a legal opinion on the criminal liability of Ama” changes how you read the background story. Reading the call of the question first gives you a focused lens to spot relevant facts instantly.

2. Stick Strictly to the Given Facts

One of the fastest ways to lose marks is assuming facts that are not in the question. Work strictly with what the examiner provides. Do not speculate on what characters might have felt, intended, or done unless the prompt explicitly states or strongly implies it. Speculation leads to irrelevant legal arguments and wasted exam time.

3. Keep Character Names and Roles Clear

Problem questions often feature multiple parties with similar names (e.g., Kwame, Kojo, Kwesi) or complex corporate entities. Mixing up who made an offer and who revoked it completely ruins your legal analysis. At the start of your reading, jot down a quick diagram mapping out the relationships between the parties.

4. Identify the Legal Issues and Use IRAC

As you read through the facts, underline key sentences that raise specific legal problems (such as breach of contract, duty of care, or bail rights). Once you isolate an issue, apply the IRAC framework:

(a) Issue: State the exact legal question clearly (e.g., “The main issue is whether a valid contract was formed between Kwame and Kojo.”).

(b) Rule: State the legal principle and cite the statutory provision or judicial authority (e.g., ratios from landmark Supreme Court or High Court cases).

(c) Application: Apply the rule directly to the specific facts of the scenario. Show why the facts meet or fail the legal test.

(d) Conclusion: Deliver a clear, concise answer resolving the issue.

The IRAC Execution Model

Worked Example: Applying IRAC to a Ghanaian Contract Law Problem

The Problem Scenario:

Kofi places an advertisement in a national newspaper offering a GH₵ 5,000 reward to anyone who finds and returns his lost legal notebook. Ama finds the notebook and returns it to Kofi, having read the advertisement beforehand. Kofi now refuses to pay Ama the reward, arguing that they never signed a formal contract.

1. Issue

The primary issue is whether Kofi’s public advertisement constitutes a valid offer for a unilateral contract, and whether Ama’s performance of returning the notebook creates a binding legal obligation.

2. Rule

An advertisement offering a reward for the performance of a specific act constitutes a unilateral offer to the public at large (Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co. [1893]). Acceptance of a unilateral offer does not require prior notification; performance of the requested act with knowledge of the offer completes the contract (Williams v. Carwardine [1833]).

3. Application

Kofi made a public offer promising GH₵ 5,000 upon the return of his notebook. Ama was aware of the advertisement before finding and returning the item. Her act of returning the notebook constitutes both acceptance and performance of the contract. Therefore, Kofi cannot rely on the absence of a signed agreement, as unilateral contracts are accepted by conduct rather than formal signatures.

4. Conclusion

Kofi is legally bound to pay Ama the GH₵ 5,000 reward. Ama should be advised to demand payment or institute an action for breach of contract.

Key Takeaway: Answering problem questions successfully requires reading the prompt’s final instruction first, sticking strictly to the provided facts, keeping party names clear, and applying relevant legal authorities using the IRAC structure.

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