A hypothetical legal file contains the following: an authoritative general text, a valid particular exception, uncertain facts about whether the person belongs to the exempted group, and a proposed analogy for an additional exemption. At least four distinct questions remain.
1. How do the general and particular proofs relate?
2. What exactly is the scope of the proven exception?
3. What relevant facts about the person have been established?
4. Does the proposed new analogy establish a valid cause and satisfy its other conditions?
An answer to only one stage does not complete the file. Synthesis: Evaluate proof, indication, preference, causation, and application in the order required by the actual issue.