Citation, n. "A reference to a legal precedent or authority, such as a case, statute, or treatise, that either substantiates or contradicts a given position. -- Often shortened to cite." Citation, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014).
There are several different legal citation systems (see Legal Citation Manuals/Guides below); whichever one you're using, keep in mind these main tenets:
- cite to what you are looking at in the format you are looking at it (online or print);
- provide enough information so your reader can find the resource you used; and
- be consistent!
When citing a source using The Bluebook, these steps will help you develop a properly formatted citation:
- Determine what type of material you are looking at (is it a book, periodical, case, statute, etc.),
- Use The Bluebook's Index or Table of Contents to determine the general rule for citing that type of material,
- Review the introductory part of the rule and develop a citation as best you can with the information you have,
- For any uncertainties, delve deeper into the applicable rule, or search the index for additional entries that may address your questions,
- If you need help figuring out a citation, check with a research librarian.
Pro Tip - if you are unsure how to cite a particular source, search for it in the law reviews and journals databases on Lexis or Westlaw to see how others have cited it.
