IRAC is a critical thinking method used to evaluate legal disputes. IRAC stands

Question

IRAC is a critical thinking method used to evaluate legal disputes. IRAC stands for issue, rule, application, and conclusion. To solve a legal problem, you first have to examine the facts of the case. Once you have ascertained the facts, you need to determine what legal issues arise out of the facts. For example, based on the facts, what law has been violated? Next, you must use critical thinking skills to analyze, examine, evaluate, interpret, and apply the law to the case facts. Finally, you reach a conclusion about the probable outcome of the case.

Instructions

Consider the following scenario:

Simon lives in Anytown, which is located in State A. He operates a successful food truck business and is always trying something new for his menu. After inquiries from customers, Simon decided to add frog legs as an appetizer. He bought a fishing license and set out on May 2nd to his favorite fishing hole. He caught more than 50 bull frogs using his bow and arrow.

As Simon was returning to his car, a wildlife officer stopped him and asked to see his fishing license. Simon complied.

Using the IRAC method, apply the city ordinance below to the fact pattern to predict whether or not the wildlife officer will ticket Simon for hunting bull frogs.

Anytown Fishing Ordinance

The following rules must be followed for hunting bull frogs. Violators will be ticketed.

A current fishing license is required to hunt bull frogs.

Bull frog hunting season commences at midnight on May 1st and concludes at midnight on November 30th each year.

Bull frogs may be hunted by hand or hook and hand only.

Capture limit is 10 bull frogs per 24-hour period.

Possession may not exceed 20 bull frogs at any given time.

Prepare a one- to two-page response containing 250 to 500 words.

Explanation / Answer

Issue

Simon lives in Anytown located in State A and operates a food truck business. Simon caught 50 bullfrogs using bow and arrow after purchasing a fishing license on May 2nd. Considering the fact of the case, the issue is to determine whether Simon is liable for violating the Fishing Ordinance of State A.

Rules

According to the Fishing Ordinance of State A, bullfrog hunting requires a current and valid fishing license. A valid frog hunting season commences at the midnight on May 1st and concludes at midnight on November 30th each year. Bullfrogs can be hunted either using hand or using hook and hand only. According to the ordinance, the maximum number of ten frogs can be hunted in a 24-hour period and the possession may not exceed twenty bullfrogs at any given point in time.

Application

As the rules are applied to this particular case, Simon had a valid license for hunting frog. The bullfrog hunting season commences at the midnight on May 1st and concludes at midnight on November 30th each year. Since Simon set out for hunting on May 2nd, he is complying with the seasonal requirement of the ordinance as well. However, Simon was using bow and arrow for hunting which is prohibited according to the ordinance which specifies the use of hand or hand and hooks only for bullfrog hunting. Simon hunted for less than a day and he was found with more than 50 bullfrogs which is again prohibited as the ordinance specifies the maximum limit of 10 bullfrogs in a span of 24 hours and a maximum possession limit of 20 bullfrogs at a time.

Conclusion

Simon was using bow and arrow for hunting the bullfrogs, had hunted more than 10 bullfrogs in a 24-hour timespan and possessed more than 20 bullfrogs at a time. Therefore, Simon is liable for the violation of Fishing Ordinance of State A and hence must be ticketed.

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