In the IRAC process, which steps involve the research component?

In the IRAC process, the research component is primarily involved in the steps that relate to the legal principles and the application of those principles to the facts of the case.

In this context, the second step focuses on identifying the relevant legal rules, which often requires thorough legal research to gather statutes, case law, and other legal precedents that apply to the issue at hand. This step is essential because a solid foundation of relevant law is necessary for proper analysis and arguments.

The third step involves applying these identified legal rules to the specific facts of the case. This application might also require further investigation or research, particularly if the facts present novel issues or if there are complex legal principles involved. Legal analysis here is based on the previously gathered research and requires the ability to interpret how the rules operate in specific scenarios.

Therefore, the second and third steps are where the research component plays a crucial role, underlining the importance of gathering and interpreting legal materials to ensure a comprehensive legal analysis.