How do I answer problem questions in law exams?

Problem questions require you to identify legal issues in a factual scenario, state the relevant law, apply it to the facts, and reach a reasoned conclusion using the IRAC framework.

What is the IRAC method and how do I use it in law essays?

IRAC stands for Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion — a framework for structuring legal analysis that ensures every paragraph advances a clear argument.

How do I answer equity and trusts problem questions?

Equity and trusts problem questions require systematic identification of trust types, analysis of formality requirements, consideration of the three certainties, and application of breach of trust remedies — all with precise statutory and case authority.

How do I answer contract law problem questions?

Contract law is typically the first substantive module on a UK law degree, and problem questions follow a logical sequence that mirrors the life cycle of a contract.

1. Formation

Start by asking: Is there a valid contract?

Offer: Distinguish from invitation to treat (Pharmaceutical Society v Boots [1953]; Fisher v Bell [1961]). Has the offer been communicated? Has it been revoked (Byrne v Van Tienhoven (1880))?
Acceptance: Is it a mirror image of the offer (Hyde v Wrench (1840))? Has it been communicated (Entores v Miles Far East [1955])? Consider the postal rule (Adams v Lindsell (1818)).
Consideration: Is it sufficient (Chappell v Nestlé [1960])? Is it past (Re McArdle (1951))? Does the existing duty rule apply (Stilk v Myrick (1809) vs Williams v Roffey Bros [1991])?
Intention to create legal relations: Presumed in commercial contexts (Edwards v Skyways [1964]); rebutted in domestic/social contexts (Balfour v Balfour [1919]).

2. Terms and Representations

If a contract exists, identify its terms. Is the statement a term or a representation? Consider the factors in Oscar Chess v Williams [1957] and Dick Bentley v Harold Smith [1965]. Are any terms implied by statute (Sale of Goods Act 1979, Consumer Rights Act 2015)?

3. Vitiating Factors

Check whether the contract is voidable due to:

Misrepresentation: Fraudulent (Derry v Peek (1889)), negligent (s.2(1) Misrepresentation Act 1967), or innocent
Duress: Economic duress (DSND Subsea v Petroleum Geo-Services [2000])
Undue influence: Actual or presumed (Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge (No 2) [2002])
Mistake: Common (Bell v Lever Bros [1932]), mutual, or unilateral

4. Breach

Has a party breached the contract? Classify the term as a condition (Poussard v Spiers (1876)), warranty (Bettini v Gye (1876)), or innominate term (Hong Kong Fir Shipping v Kawasaki [1962]).

5. Remedies

Remedy	Availability	Key Authority
Damages	Available as of right for breach	Hadley v Baxendale (1854)
Specific performance	Discretionary; typically for unique goods/land	Beswick v Beswick [1968]
Rescission	For misrepresentation/vitiating factors	Subject to bars (affirmation, lapse of time)

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Key Takeaway

Contract law problem questions require a systematic approach: check formation (offer, acceptance, consideration, intention), identify any vitiating factors, determine if there is a breach, and assess the available remedies.

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