When you cite a case you start with the last name of the first party. Then you place a “v.” After
the “v.” you cite the name of the second party. After the second party, place a comma, then the
reporter volume number. Following
the reporter volume number you place the reporter
abbreviation (see T1, starting on page 233, for reporter abbreviations). After the reporter
abbreviation you place the first page of the case, followed by a comma, and the specific page
referred to in the information cited. If it is not clear in what court the case was decided then
include the court abbreviation (T1). Finally, include the date of the decision.
Citing a Law Review Article: See page 23, Section B16
Richard A. Posner, Goodbye to the Bluebook, 53 U.Chi.L.Rev. 1343, 1345 (1986).
Always start with the full name of the author, followed by a comma. Then, cite the full name of
the article (underlined or italicized), followed by a comma. Then, the volume number of the law
review, followed by the abbreviation of the law review (see T13, starting on page 510). Then, the
first page of the article, followed by a comma, then the specific page referred to in the
information cited. Finally, the year of the publication of the article should be placed at the end in
parenthesis.
Citing the Holy Bible: See page 156
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 (King James).
Notice that the book of the Bible is italicized (or underlined – see below). Also, please note the
version of the Bible in parenthesis.
Citing an Internet Source: See page 26, Section B18
Eric Posner, More on Section 7 of the Torture Convention, The Volokh Conspiracy (Jan. 29,
2009, 10:04 AM), https://www.volokh.com/posts/1233241458.html
The author's name, then the title of the specific page of the website (underlined OR italicized),
then the title of the main page of the website, the date and time the website was last updated, and
the URL (make sure to remove the hyperlink, blue font, and underlining of the URL).
Underlining and Italics:
One of the hallmarks of a great “Bluebooker” is consistency. You will notice that the Bluebook
method sometimes uses underlining and other times uses italics. These two are interchangeable –
you may underline or italicize. But, you want to be consistent throughout the document. For
example, in your discussion board thread you will include multiple sources. If you cite the
Chrisman blog and the Bible you may choose to underline or italicize the appropriate parts of the
citation, but be consistent and only do one or the other throughout the document.
Short Citation Forms:
There are several short citation forms that can be used once a full citation has been provided.
*See the next page for how to use short citation forms.