Overview
This lecture explains how to properly cite legal references in American Psychological Association (APA) style, including court cases, statutes, and related materials.
General Principles of Legal Citation in APA
- Legal citations in APA style often use Bluebook format for consistency.
- Consistency and clarity are important when citing legal materials in academic writing.
- Legal citations require attention to detail and correct structure for effective communication.
Citing Statutes
- Start with the name of the law.
- Add “United States Code,” the title and section number, and the publication year.
- Example: Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 (2006).
- If a law is not codified or spans multiple sections, include the public law number and the source used.
Citing Court Cases
- Begin with the case name (italicized).
- Include volume and page number from the reporter, jurisdiction, and date of decision.
- Example: Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537 (U.S. Supreme Court, 1896).
- For in-text citations, use the case name and year, e.g., Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).
Citing Online Legal Sources
- Including a URL can help readers locate online materials, but it is optional.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Bluebook — A widely used guide for legal citation formatting.
- Statute — A written law passed by a legislative body.
- United States Code (U.S.C.) — Compilation of federal statutes organized by subject.
- Reporter — A publication of court decisions and opinions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice citing statutes and court cases using the outlined APA format.
- Ensure all legal references in your writing follow a consistent citation style.