Health Sciences Division of Health Care Management - Health Law

BRIEF FORMAT

I. Full Case Citation (e.g. Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973))

II. Facts: statement of procedural facts and brief summary of evidentiary facts. How did we get

to court?

III. Issue: is a statement that identifies the question presented? (e.g. Is it a violation of one’s

civil rights to …?). This question will be a question of fact or law and sometimes both.

IV. Rule of Law: what law applies to the situation? This could be common law, statutory law, or

constitutional law. Make sure to include all elements of the law.

V. Analysis: application of the rule of law to the facts.

VI. Conclusion: what was the court’s ruling, holding, or decision? Who won? Did the decision

change or extend the law?

VII. Public Policy: what do you think about the decision? Was it decided wisely? Why/How is the

case important to healthcare administrators?