How to Cite a State Law in APA Style
When conducting legal research or writing a scholarly paper, it is essential to properly cite state laws to provide accurate references and give credit to the original sources. This article will guide you through the process of citing a state law in APA style.
The Basics of APA Style
APA (American Psychological Association) style is a widely used citation style in the social sciences and other disciplines. It provides guidelines for formatting references and in-text citations to ensure consistency and clarity in academic writing.
Components of a State Law Citation
When citing a state law in APA style, include the following components:
- Name of the Act or Statute: Start by providing the name of the act or statute. This could be the official title of the law or a common name used to refer to it.
- Title Source: Indicate the title source, which refers to the state code or the specific publication where the law can be found. This helps readers locate the law within the appropriate legal source.
- Section Number: Use the section symbol (§) to denote the section number of the law. This helps readers identify the specific provision within the law that is being referenced.
- Year of Publication: Provide the year the law was published or enacted. This information helps establish the temporal context of the law.
- URL (if available): If the law is accessible online, include the URL where it can be accessed. This allows readers to easily retrieve the full text of the law.
Example of a State Law Citation
Here is an example of how to cite a state law in APA style:
Reference List:
Name of Act, Title Source § Section Number (Year). URL.
Parenthetical Citation:
(Name of Act, Year)
Considerations for Citing State Laws
It is important to note that state codes can vary in organization and structure. Some states organize their statutes by title, some by section number, and some use both. Therefore, it is recommended to consult resources such as The Bluebook Manual of Legal Citation or The Indigo Book: An Open and Compatible Implementation of A Uniform System of Citation for specific guidance on citing state statutes.
Conclusion
Accurately citing state laws is crucial for legal research and scholarly writing. By following the guidelines of APA style and including the necessary components in your citations, you can provide proper references and give credit to the original sources. Remember to consult relevant style guides for additional guidance on citing state statutes.
Sources
[1] Legal Sources – APA 7th ed. Style Guide – Research Guides at Wake Forest University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://guides.zsr.wfu.edu/c.php?g=1014307&p=7346633
[2] State Statutes (Laws) – How to Cite U.S. Government Documents in APA Citation Style – LibGuides at Cornell University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://guides.library.cornell.edu/citing_us_gov_docs/stateStatutesLaws
[3] How do I cite a state statute or law in APA style? – FAQS. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/41374
FAQs
What information should be included when citing a state law in APA style?
When citing a state law in APA style, the following information should be included:
- Name of the Act or Statute
- Title Source
- Section Number
- Year of Publication
- URL (if available)
How should the name of the act or statute be formatted in the citation?
The name of the act or statute should be provided as the first element in the citation. It can be the official title of the law or a commonly used name. It should be formatted using sentence case, where only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
What is the title source and why is it important in citing state laws?
The title source refers to the state code or the specific publication where the law can be found. It is important to include the title source in the citation to help readers locate the law within the appropriate legal source. Different states may have different codes or publications, and specifying the title source adds clarity to the reference.
How should the section number of the law be indicated in the citation?
The section number of the law should be indicated using the section symbol (§). It helps readers identify the specific provision within the law that is being referenced. The section symbol should be followed by the section number with no space in between.
Should the year of publication or enactment be included in the citation?
Yes, it is important to include the year of publication or enactment in the citation. This information helps establish the temporal context of the law and allows readers to understand when the law was put into effect or published.
What should be done if the state law is accessible online?
If the state law is accessible online, it is recommended to provide the URL where it can be accessed. Including the URL allows readers to easily retrieve the full text of the law and verify the information.
Are there any specific formatting guidelines for the citation of state laws in APA style?
Yes, when citing a state law in APA style, the citation should follow a specific format:
Reference List:
Name of Act, Title Source § Section Number (Year). URL (if available).
Parenthetical Citation:
(Name of Act, Year)
Are there any resources for additional guidance on citing state statutes?
Yes, for additional guidance on citing state statutes, it is recommended to consult resources such as The Bluebook Manual of Legal Citation or The Indigo Book: An Open and Compatible Implementation of A Uniform System of Citation. These resources provide detailed instructions on citing legal sources and can provide specific guidance on citing state laws according to various citation styles.