Overview
This lecture explains how to cite legal references using American Psychological Association (APA) style, covering both statutes and court cases with examples and tips for clarity and consistency.
General Principles of Legal Citation in APA
- Legal citations in APA style often follow the Bluebook format for consistency.
- Essential citation components include the title, source, section numbers, publication date, and for cases, the jurisdiction.
- Consistency and clarity in citation formatting are crucial throughout your document.
Citing Statutes in APA
- Begin with the name of the statute (law).
- Add "United States Code," the title and section number(s), and the publication year.
- Example: Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 (2006).
- If not in the U.S. Code or spans multiple sections, include the public law number and source accessed.
Citing Court Decisions in APA
- Start with the title of the case (e.g., Plessy v. Ferguson).
- Include the volume, reporter, and page number where the case is published.
- Add the jurisdiction and date of decision.
- Example: Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537 (U.S. Sup. Ct. 1896).
- In in-text citations, use the case name and year (e.g., Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896).
Additional Guidelines & Tips
- Cite all legal materials throughout your document using the same style for consistency.
- Present each citation component clearly to avoid confusion.
- For online sources, including a URL is optional but can help readers locate materials.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Statute — A written law passed by a legislative body.
- Jurisdiction — The authority of a court to hear a case.
- Reporter — A publication containing court decisions.
- Bluebook — A citation system used in legal documents.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice formatting citations for statutes and cases using APA style.
- Review actual legal documents for citation examples.
- Ensure consistent citation style in your writing.