Citing Legal Resources

Internet Resources | Print Resources and Other Electronic Resources | Other Choices

Internet Resources

A writer who gives only a Internet address as a citation in a footnote, endnote or bibliography provides the reader with very little basis for evaluating the authority of the reference. Imagine a footnote for a book that lists only the call number of the item and the address of the library where it was found. An Internet address is very similar.

Such brief information might enable an extraordinarily motivated and resourceful reader to locate the book in question, but no reader should have to expend such effort without knowing what they will find. The citation should help the reader know what material is being cited, not just how to locate it. To the extent possible, include the following information in references to Internet resources.

Traditional Elements
Example: Cipollone v. Liggett Group, 505 U.S. 504 (1992).
Use traditional elements of citation, just as though you were citing a print resource. For example, if you are citing a case, include the case name, reporter reference or docket number, court and date. For legal resources, The Bluebook, a Uniform System of Citation is an appropriate guide for determining the elements to include in the citation.

Who is Responsible?
Example: Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
Maybe the U.S. Supreme Court made the decision, but did you find it on Cornell's web page? Be sure that the reader knows where you found it. Furthermore, if you used Cornell, Cornell deserves the credit.

Method of Access
Example: The Web
Web browsers enable users to view web pages. They also allow users to view information via FTP transfers, TELNET connections, and, occasionally, direct FILE access. Perhaps the information was found in an E-mail message, or posted on a newsgroup. Specify the method of access to minimize the reader's confusion.

Correct Internet Address
Example: http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/90-1038.ZS.html
In many instances, the exact address of a particular document is not readily apparent. Web pages often utilize a frames format or other display devices in which the exact address (URL) is not prominently displayed on the browser. Be sure to verify the address using VIEW, DOCUMENT INFO or VIEW, FRAMES INFO.

Date of Access
Example: Accessed: May 3, 1998.
The amount of information on the Internet that is here today, but gone tomorrow is rather astonishing. Show the exact day, month, and year when the information was retrieved. This date, in combination with other information in the reference, will help the reader.

Put it All Together
Example: Cipollone v. Liggett Group, 505 U.S. 504 (1992). Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, Web: http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/90-1038.ZS.html. Accessed: May 3, 1998.

Print and Other Electronic Resources

Bluebook
Most jurisdictions (courts, etc.), most legal publishers, and most Penn State faculty expect references to be cited according to rules spelled out in The Bluebook, a Uniform System of Citation

Introduction to Basic Legal Citation (1997-98 edition) by Peter W. Martin (Cornell Law School)
This Internet-accessible guide is based on The Bluebook, a Uniform System of Citation

Other Choices

No single style manual is accepted across all academic disciplines, including The Bluebook, a Uniform System of Citation. Although the Bluebook is the most detailed and comprehensive of citation guide for legal resources. Most other style manuals do offer some treatment of legal materials, however brief. On the other hand, the Bluebook does not offer much help for citing other types of materials.

For government information resources, a good citation guide is The Complete Guide to Citing Government Information Resources : a Manual for Writers & Librarians