LibGuides: Bluebook Citation: Outline

Background

The Bluebook (Twenty-First Edition) is a uniform system of citation. What does this mean?

Legal argument and writing is based on precedent. As such, every thought, sentence and idea must refer to a legal underpinning - be it case law, statute, regulation, book, law review etc. To enable a reader to precisely locate these legal documents, a uniform citation style is required. Over time the Bluebook has become the standard legal citation style (there are others).

Courts, law reviews and other printed legal materials generally employ the bluebook, or a slightly altered version.

For example, see Massachusetts Style Guide for the SJC.

Where are changes to the rules listed?

The preface of each edition of the Blueboook includes a list of changes and additions since the previous edition.

Table of Contents

Areas not covered include Unpublished and Forthcoming Sources (Rule 17).

Keep in mind, if you are on co-op in a foreign jurisdiction, they may have their own citation format (i.e. don't use Bluebook's rules on citing foreign materials in American publications). For example, the United Kingdom uses the Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities.

The Bluebook (Twenty-First Edition) and books on the Bluebook

Along with the bluebook (first entry below), there are some books and guides on how to use the bluebook. Their helpfulness varies, with more citation examples the best element. There is no real substitute for reading the bluebook.