One of the major challenges students have in business law and other law courses are answering questions under the case study. In this article, I will explain how to answer any law case study question following the same rule you are aware of and which is generally recommended. The IRAC or IDAC Principle.

Law Case Study Tips

IRAC Principle is an acronym which depicts,

“I” for Identification

“R” for Rule(s)

“A” for Analysis

“C” for Conclusion

While the IDAC Principle depicts the same but “D” stands for Definition.

Law Case Study – Question 1

Chuddy requested Kris to transport goods from Lagos to Darlington’s estate in Enugu state for the sum of N200,000.00. Kris replied that he was only prepared to transport the goods for N300,000.00.

Chuddy wrote back to Kris asking him to reconsider the initial price, but Kris did not reply to his letter. Two days later, Chuddy delivered the goods to the business premises of Kris, who transported them to Darlington’s Estate in Enugu State.

Chuddy has refused to pay the N300,000.00 demand by Kris, saying that there was no concluded contract. Advise the party using relevant authorities.

 [Question 1, First Semester Exam 2014/2015. BAM – YABATECH]

ANSWER/SOLUTION

Let’s make use of the IRAC Principle to answer this question, but before this, let me quickly explain how it works.

“I” – Identification.

First of all, you need to identify under which law the case falls, if it is LAW OF CONTRACT then you consider the elements of the law of contract which are Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Invitation to treat etc…

• So, from the case above, after reading the question/case, you’ll find out that it is AN OFFER. An offer is a definite undertaking with the expectation that it will become binding when the person accepts but since there was no acceptance between Chuddy and Kris, it means that the offer was terminated.

“R” – Rules

From the above rule, we can say that the offer is a counter-offer because the terms [amount involved] were not accepted by both parties which also means that it was rejected.

So, what are the rules for termination of an offer?

• An offer can be terminated through or by Revocation by rejection, the death of either party, the lapse of time and counter-offer [it varies the terms of an offer]

 “A” – Analysis

By Analysis, you are expected to analyze the case study on some facts and principles that are similar in the area of law. [Always remember to lay emphasis on established facts and principles]

Since we have identified the rules applicable stating that it is a counter-offer and it was rejected then let’s see what it means.

• Counter Offer: In a nutshell, counter offer varies the terms of an offer
• By rejection: It means the offeree did not accept the terms of the offer.

“C” – Conclusion

Here, you are expected to conclude your judgment based on legal facts and principles you have identified. Your conclusion should also entail which party has the right to sue or succeed if the matter is taken to court for legal actions.

• So, since a counteroffer cannot give rise to a binding agreement, it means that Kris should not take the issue to court because, by the means of a counteroffer, there was no agreement between both parties.