6. Step four in the IRAC method: the conclusion

This chapter guides the law student to the fourth step in the IRAC method of legal essay writing: identification of the conclusion of the argument. Students often overlook the need to have a conclusion in their law essays and exams, or believe that their conclusion must be the same as that identified by the instructor. This chapter explains what ‘conclusion’ means under the IRAC system, outlines the need for a conclusion in legal writing and provides a fast and easy technique that can be used to facilitate the process of writing a conclusion to any essay or exam. The chapter also includes tips on writing legal essays and exams, as well as a worked example.