Understanding Report Formats (IRAC, CRAC, CREAC)

When using Ask in Lexlegis.ai, you can choose how your legal answer is structured by selecting a report format.

Each report format follows a recognised method of legal analysis and determines how the response is organised, not the underlying sources or reasoning.

This guide explains the IRAC, CRAC, and CREAC formats as used on Lexlegis.

If you are new to Ask, start with Using Ask to Get Legal Answers .

1. Why Report Formats Matter

Legal analysis depends not only on the correctness of the answer, but also on how clearly it is structured.

Choosing the appropriate report format helps you:

• Present legal reasoning in a structured manner
• Align outputs with professional legal writing standards
• Reuse responses in memoranda, opinions, and research notes
• Communicate conclusions clearly to different audiences

Report formats are most effective when paired with clear queries. See How to Ask Better Legal Questions .

2. IRAC

IRAC stands for:

• Issue – Identify the legal issue
• Rule – State the governing rule
• Application – Apply the rule to the facts
• Conclusion – Draw a conclusion

When to Use IRAC

IRAC is best suited for:

• Legal research and doctrinal analysis
• Issue-focused legal reasoning
• Internal legal notes and study-oriented analysis
• Situations where step-by-step reasoning is important

IRAC emphasises a logical progression from issue identification to conclusion.

3. CRAC

CRAC stands for:

• Conclusion – Begins with a clear conclusion
• Rule – States the governing rule
• Application – Applies the rule to the facts
• Conclusion – Reiterates the conclusion for emphasis

When to Use CRAC

CRAC is best suited for:

• Client-facing legal explanations
• Professional memoranda
• Situations where the reader prefers the answer first
• Communications focused on outcomes rather than process

CRAC prioritises clarity and efficiency by leading with the conclusion.

4. CREAC

CREAC stands for:

• Conclusion – Starts with the conclusion
• Rule – States the governing rule
• Explanation – Explains the rule’s reasoning or context
• Application – Applies the rule to the facts
• Conclusion – Ends with a reinforced conclusion

When to Use CREAC

CREAC is best suited for:

• Complex or nuanced legal issues
• Matters involving interpretation or exceptions
• Detailed research memoranda
• Situations where explanation is required before application

CREAC provides greater depth by explicitly separating explanation from application.

5. Choosing the Right Format

6. How Report Formats Work in Ask

When using Ask:

• You select a report format before submitting your question
• Lexlegis structures the response according to the selected format
• Legal sources and citations remain consistent across formats
• Outputs can be copied, downloaded, or printed

7. Important Notes

• Report formats affect structure, not the underlying legal analysis
• All formats include verifiable citations linked to the Sources panel
• Outputs are intended for research and drafting support

8. What Happens Next

Once you submit your question:

• Lexlegis applies the selected report format
• A structured answer is generated with sources and citations
• You can review the output and ask follow-up questions

Next step: Understanding the Ask Result Page