How to Cite a State Law in APA Style

Citing state laws in APA style is an essential skill for researchers, scholars, and legal professionals. Accurate citations ensure proper attribution and allow readers to locate the specific legal sources referenced. This article provides expert guidance on how to cite state laws in APA style, including the necessary elements and formatting. By following these guidelines, you can create clear and consistent citations for state laws within your academic writing.

Format for APA Citation

The format for citing a state law in APA style follows a specific structure. Here are the key elements to include in your citation:

1. Name of the Law

   livecodeserver

   Copy

   Begin the citation with the name of the law. If the law does not have a popular name, you can start the citation with the abbreviation for the state code.
   

2. Title Number

   livecodeserver

   Copy

   Some state codes organize their statutes by title. If the law is organized by title, include the title number in the citation. This helps readers locate the specific section within the state code.
   

3. Source

   pf

   Copy

   The source refers to the state code where the law can be found. Different state codes may use section numbers, article numbers, or chapter numbers. It is important to adapt the citation to the specific standards of the state code used.
   

4. Section Number

   livecodeserver

   Copy

   Include the section number of the law in the citation. If the law spans multiple consecutive sections, you can add "et seq." (Latin for "and following") after the initial section number to indicate a continuous range.
   

5. Year

   pgsql

   Copy

   The year in the citation represents the publication year of the law in the source consulted, rather than the year it was passed, amended, or supplemented.
   

Example Citation

Below is an example of how to cite a state law in APA style:

Name of the Law. Title number State Code § Section number (Year). URL

For example:

Clean Air Act. Title 42 U.S.C.A. § 7401 (2020). Retrieved from https://www.exampleurl.com

In this citation, “Clean Air Act” is the name of the law, “Title 42 U.S.C.A.” represents the title number and the state code, “§ 7401” indicates the section number, and “(2020)” represents the publication year. The URL is included if the law is available online.

Conclusion

Accurately citing state laws in APA style is crucial for maintaining scholarly integrity and facilitating proper legal research. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create comprehensive and consistent citations for state laws within your academic writing. Remember to consult the specific requirements of the state code being referenced and adapt your citations accordingly.

FAQs

How to Cite a State Law in APA Style

What is the format for citing a state law in APA style?

The format for citing a state law in APA style includes the name of the law, the title number, the source (such as the state code), the section number, and the year. The citation may also include the URL if the law is available online.

How should I start the citation if the state law doesn’t have a popular name?

If the state law doesn’t have a popular name, you can begin the citation with the abbreviation for the state code.

Should I include the title number in the citation?

If the state code organizes its statutes by title, it is recommended to include the title number in the citation. This helps readers locate the specific section within the state code.

What does the source refer to in a state law citation?

The source refers to the state code where the law can be found. Different state codes may use section numbers, article numbers, or chapter numbers. Make sure to adapt the citation to the standards of the specific state code being referenced.

How do I include section numbers in the citation?

Include the section number of the law in the citation. If the law spans multiple consecutive sections, you can add “et seq.” (Latin for “and following”) after the initial section number to indicate a continuous range.

What does the year in the citation represent?

The year in the citation represents the publication year of the law in the source consulted, not the year it was passed, amended, or supplemented.

Are there any specific guidelines for online sources of state laws?

If the state law is available online, you may include the URL in the citation to provide easy access to the law. However, it is important to ensure that the URL is stable and reliable.

How can I ensure accuracy and consistency in citing state laws in APA style?

To ensure accuracy and consistency, consult reputable sources such as the APA Style Guide, the Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, and relevant academic resources. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the state code being referenced and adapt your citations accordingly.