Which of the following is NOT a step in the IRAC method?

The IRAC method is a structured approach used in legal analysis that stands for Issue, Rule, Application, and Conclusion. In this method, the first step involves identifying the legal issue at hand, which sets the stage for the analysis. The next step concerns stating the relevant legal rules that apply to the identified issue. Following this, the application of the rules to the specific facts of the case is addressed. Lastly, a conclusion is drawn based on the application of the rules to the facts.

Argument construction is not explicitly a part of the IRAC framework. While constructing arguments can be important in articulating a position or analysis, it is not one of the distinct steps within the IRAC model. Instead, the focus is on applying the identified rules to the facts to reach a logical conclusion. This is why the step of argument construction is not included in the IRAC method.