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Law Review Sources Guide: Cite Checking Algorithm

The Bluebook's rules about sources and the reality of available sources

What's Really Authoritative?

Remember, the author may choose a non-Bluebook-authoritative source for a reason. Before you toss out the author's citation and replace it with the Bluebook's "authoritative" source, ask yourself …

  1. Did the author provide a citation?
    1. Yes
      1. Is it to the authoritative source?
        1. Yes > find the source
        2. No
          1. Did the author intentionally choose to cite a source other than the Bluebook's idea of the authoritative source?
            1. No > change to the authoritative source > find the source
            2. Yes > find the source
    2. No > change to the authoritative source > find the source

Also

If the cited source is quoted, make sure the quote is correct.

If you have questions, please email the library at lawlibrary@northeastern.edu