Citing a Court Case: A Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Legal Writing

I. Introduction

Citing a court case means acknowledging the source of information used in legal writing. It is important to cite correctly to avoid plagiarism and give credit where credit is due. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to cite a court case in different citation formats, offer tips on legal writing style, and answer common questions to ensure accuracy in your legal writing.

II. Step-by-step Guide: How to Cite a Court Case in Different Citation Formats

There are different citation formats such as APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles. What distinguishes each format is how the source material is cited. Let’s take a look at each one in detail:

A. APA citation style

To cite a court case in APA citation style, follow these steps:

1. Include the name of the case and year of the decision in parentheses in the body of the text
2. List the full citation in the references section at the end of the document, which should include:
   • Case name, in italics
   • Volume number, in italics
   • Reporter abbreviation
   • First page of the case
   • URL or DOI (if accessed online)
3. Example: Johnson v. Smith (2020) is a landmark case that ruled…
4. Example: Johnson v. Smith, 215 F.3d 783 (6th Cir. 2020). https://doi.org/xxxx

B. MLA citation style

To cite a court case in MLA citation style, follow these steps:

1. Include the name of the case in the body of the text, followed by the year and the page number(s) in parentheses after a comma
2. Include the full citation in the works cited section at the end of the document, which should include:
   • Case name, in italics
   • Volume number, in italics
   • Reporter abbreviation
   • Year
   • First page of the case
3. Example: The Johnson v. Smith case (2020, 783) ruled that…
4. Example: Johnson v. Smith. 215 F.3d 783. 2020.

C. Chicago citation style

To cite a court case in Chicago citation style, follow these steps:

1. Include the name of the case in the body of the text, followed by the year and section number in parentheses, with no comma between
2. Include the full citation in the bibliography section at the end of the document, which should include:
   • Case name, in italics
   • Volume number, in italics
   • Reporter abbreviation
   • First page of the case
   • Year
   • Court name and location
3. Example: The Johnson v. Smith case (Johnson v. Smith 2020, sec. 2) ruled that…
4. Example: Johnson v. Smith, 215 F.3d 783 (6th Cir. 2020) (en banc).

III. Video Tutorial: Demonstrating Each Step of Citing a Court Case

For those who prefer visual learning, a video tutorial can be an efficient way to learn how to cite a court case. In this video tutorial, we will walk you through each step of citing a court case in APA citation style:

The steps demonstrated in this video tutorial include:

1. Introduction to the Johnson v. Smith case and the importance of citing sources
2. Step-by-step guide to citing the case in APA citation style
3. Tips for double-checking your citation for accuracy

IV. Infographic: Describing the Process of Citing a Court Case

An infographic can serve as an alternative way to visualize and remember the process of citing a court case. Here is an infographic that outlines the steps in citing a court case in MLA citation style:

The pieces included in this infographic are:

• Title of the case
• Volume number
• Reporter abbreviation
• Year
• First page of the case

V. Case Study Analysis: How to Cite Legal Cases Found in United States Reports

United States Reports is the official reporter of the Supreme Court of the United States. It includes all the published opinions of the Court, as well as orders, bench opinions, and other materials. When citing legal cases found in United States Reports, follow these guidelines:

1. List the case name, in italics
2. Include the volume number, in italics
3. Include the abbreviation for United States Reports, in italics
4. Include the first page of the case
5. Example: Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954)
6. Special considerations:
   • Omit the year if it is the same year as the volume number
   • Include the docket number if available, in parentheses after the first page number

VI. Legal Writing Tips: Aspects of Legal Cases and Legal Writing Style

Legal writing is different from other forms of writing, and it is important to understand various aspects of legal cases and legal writing style. Here are some tips:

Structure of legal citations

Legal citations include the name of the case, the volume number, the reporter abbreviation, and the page number. They can appear in the text or in footnotes.

Legal writing style

Legal writing style should be clear, concise, and objective. Avoid using colloquial language, slang, or biased language. Use legal terms and principles correctly and accurately.

Here are some additional tips:

• Use active voice
• Avoid long sentences
• Be consistent in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation
• Cite sources accurately and consistently

VII. Q&A Format: Answering Common Questions About Citing Court Cases

Here are some common questions and answers about citing court cases:

1. When should I use different citation styles?

You should use different citation styles depending on the requirements of your instructor, publisher, or personal preference. APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles are the most commonly used citation styles in legal writing.

2. How do I cite a court case that is ongoing?

Cite an ongoing court case by including the party names and docket number in the citation, and indicate that the case is ongoing.

3. How do I cite a legal brief?

Cite a legal brief by including the name of the case, the abbreviation for the court, the docket number, and the year of the decision, followed by “Brief of [Party Name] “

VIII. Conclusion

Citing a court case is an important aspect of legal writing that requires accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail. By following the step-by-step guide, video tutorial, and infographic, as well as incorporating legal writing tips and answering common questions, you can confidently cite court cases in different citation formats. Remember to double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency. Additional resources for legal writing can be found on various online databases and law school websites.