What is the question beforethe court? (Hint in legalopinions it is usuallyintroduced with the word"Whether. . . "

What is the governing law for the issue?

Apply the facts to each element of the law

Does the rule apply to these unique facts?

"From the analysis you come to a Conclusion as to whether

the rule applies to the facts."  Where are these quotescoming from?

How does the court's holding modify the rule of law?

Are there buzzwords in the facts that suggest an issue?

Read the case carefully toidentify the relevant facts

What are the non-issues?

Identify the rule of law.  Whatlegal principles will the courtuse to resolve the dispute

In determining the issue before the court consider whether thecourt is deciding a question of fact i.e. the parties are

in dispute over what happened or a question of law i.e. the

court is unsure which rule to apply to these facts?

What are the elements that prove the rule?

From what authority does it come? Common law, statute, new rule?

What's the underlying public policy behind the rule?

Are there social considerations?

What are the exceptions to the rule?

Which facts help prove which elements of the rule?

Why are certain facts relevant?

How do these facts satisfy this rule?

What types of facts are applied to the rule?

How do these facts further the public policy underlying

What's the counter-argument for another solution?

Do the facts satisfy the requirements of the rule?