LSAT Explanation PT 23, S3, Q19: Legal rules are expressed in general

LSAT Question Stem

The passage provides the most support for which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The passage discusses the nature of legal rules and their application to specific cases. It explains that legal rules are expressed in general terms and involve classifying persons and actions, prescribing legal consequences for those that fall into the relevant categories. When applying a rule to a case, a decision is made on whether the facts of the case fall within the categories mentioned in the rule. This decision establishes the legal effect of what happened, rather than any matter of fact.

To make this concept more accessible, let's use a simple example. Imagine a rule that states, "All drivers must stop at red traffic lights." This rule classifies "drivers" and "red traffic lights" and prescribes a legal consequence (i.e., stopping) for drivers encountering a red light. When applying this rule to a specific case, the decision involves determining if the driver in question encountered a red light and if they stopped or not. This decision establishes the legal effect (e.g., whether the driver broke the law), not the matter of fact (e.g., whether the light was actually red).

Now, let's examine each answer choice in light of the passage and question type, which is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question.

Answer choice (A): This choice is incorrect because the passage distinguishes between legal rules and matters of fact, not their similarities.

Answer choice (B): This choice is also incorrect because the passage differentiates legal rules from matters of fact, rather than pointing out similarities.

Answer choice (C): This choice is attractive but ultimately incorrect. While making a legal decision does involve matters of fact (e.g., determining if the case's facts fall into the appropriate categories), the decision itself does not establish fact but rather utilizes it.

Answer choice (D): This choice is incorrect because it does not address the fact that a judge or another person must decide whether the rule applies to a particular case, even if the rule provides relevant instructions.

Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice. The passage states that applying a rule to a case establishes the legal effect rather than a matter of fact. Therefore, determining whether the facts of a case fall into a relevant category is not itself a matter of fact. The passage provides the most support for this statement.