Legal Reasoning

Input: $ARGUMENTS

Disclaimer: This is a structured thinking exercise, not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For actual legal matters, consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.

Step 1: Identify the Legal Domain

Legal issues rarely live in a single domain. Map all that apply.

PRIMARY DOMAIN: [contract / tort / employment / IP / regulatory / criminal / property / corporate / tax / privacy / other]

RELATED DOMAINS:
- [domain] — because: [connection]
- [domain] — because: [connection]

JURISDICTION(S): [where does this take place? federal/state/country]
CROSS-JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES: [any conflicts of law?]

Step 2: Find Relevant Rules

Identify the legal rules, statutes, regulations, or principles that apply.

APPLICABLE RULES:
1. [rule/statute/regulation] — Source: [where it comes from]
   Key provision: [the specific language that matters]
2. [rule/statute/regulation] — Source: [where it comes from]
   Key provision: [the specific language that matters]

APPLICABLE STANDARDS:
- [standard of proof / standard of care / standard of review]

KEY DEFINITIONS:
- [legal term]: [how the law defines it in this context]

Step 3: Analyze Facts Against Rules

Apply the rules to the specific situation.

FACT PATTERN:
- [relevant fact 1]
- [relevant fact 2]
- [relevant fact 3]

ANALYSIS:
For each rule, assess:
1. [Rule 1]: [How do the facts satisfy or fail to satisfy each element?]
   - Element A: [met / not met / unclear] — because: [reason]
   - Element B: [met / not met / unclear] — because: [reason]

FACTS THAT ARE DISPUTED OR UNKNOWN:
- [fact] — Impact if true: [X] / Impact if false: [Y]

Step 4: Identify Risks and Obligations

OBLIGATIONS (things you must do):
1. [obligation] — Source: [rule/contract/regulation] — Deadline: [if any]
2. [obligation] — Source: [rule/contract/regulation] — Deadline: [if any]

RISKS:
| Risk | Likelihood | Severity | Basis |
|------|-----------|----------|-------|
| [risk 1] | Low/Med/High | Low/Med/High | [legal basis] |
| [risk 2] | Low/Med/High | Low/Med/High | [legal basis] |

EXPOSURE: [what is the worst-case outcome?]

Step 5: Assess Enforceability

Not every legal right is practically enforceable.

ENFORCEABILITY FACTORS:
- [ ] Is there a clear legal basis?
- [ ] Is there a forum (court, arbitration, agency) to bring a claim?
- [ ] Is there a statute of limitations issue?
- [ ] Are damages provable?
- [ ] Is the opposing party reachable and solvent?
- [ ] Is enforcement cost-effective relative to the stakes?

PRACTICAL ENFORCEABILITY: [Strong / Moderate / Weak / Impractical]
REASON: [brief explanation]

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
1. [action] — Priority: [high/med/low] — Timeline: [when]
   Rationale: [why this matters legally]
2. [action] — Priority: [high/med/low] — Timeline: [when]
   Rationale: [why this matters legally]

ESCALATION TRIGGERS (consult an attorney if):
- [trigger condition]
- [trigger condition]

DOCUMENTATION TO PRESERVE:
- [document/evidence to keep]
- [document/evidence to keep]

Reminder: This analysis identifies legal dimensions for structured thinking. It is not a substitute for professional legal counsel.

Integration

Use with:

/ctan -> Analyze a specific contract in detail
/rgc -> Assess regulatory compliance obligations
/rtas -> Evaluate rights of all parties involved

leg - Legal Reasoning