How to Cite a State Law in APA Style
Citing legal materials in academic writing requires adhering to specific guidelines. In the context of the American Psychological Association (APA) style, legal citations follow the principles outlined in The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to cite state laws in APA style, ensuring accuracy and conformity to established citation standards.
APA Style and Legal Citations
APA style acknowledges the authority of The Bluebook when citing legal materials. When citing state laws, the reference list entry should follow a specific format:
Format
Name of Act, Title Source § Section Number (Year). URL.
It is important to note that the reference list citation should include the name of the act, the title source, the section number, the year, and a URL if available.
In the parenthetical citation, it is sufficient to include the name of the act and the year. This allows readers to locate the full reference in the reference list if further information is needed.
Organizing State Statutes
State statutes, also known as state laws, are typically published in state-specific publications. However, the organization of state statutes may vary from state to state. Some states organize their statutes by title, some by section number, and some use a combination of both. To ensure accuracy when citing state laws, it is crucial to consult reliable sources such as legal guides or official state websites.
Using Reliable Sources
When citing state laws, it is essential to consult reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information. Legal guides and official state websites are reliable sources for accessing state laws and obtaining the necessary information for citation purposes. These sources provide up-to-date and authoritative information on state statutes, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your citations.
Conclusion
Citing state laws in APA style requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. By following the format provided and consulting reliable sources, such as legal guides or official state websites, you can accurately and effectively cite state laws in your academic writing. Remember to consult The Bluebook for further guidance on citing legal materials in APA style.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries. (n.d.). Legal Citations: APA Style. Retrieved from https://guides.zsr.wfu.edu/c.php?g=1014307&p=7346633
- Purdue University Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). APA Legal References. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_legal_references.html
- Rasmussen University Library. (n.d.). How do I cite a state statute or law in the APA style? Retrieved from https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/41374
FAQs
Introduction
Citing legal materials in academic writing requires adhering to specific guidelines. In the context of the American Psychological Association (APA) style, legal citations follow the principles outlined in The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to cite state laws in APA style, ensuring accuracy and conformity to established citation standards.
APA Style and Legal Citations
APA style acknowledges the authority of The Bluebook when citing legal materials. When citing state laws, the reference list entry should follow a specific format:
What is the format for citing a state law in the APA reference list?
The format for citing a state law in the APA reference list is as follows:
Name of Act, Title Source § Section Number (Year). URL.
What information should be included in the APA parenthetical citation for a state law?
The APA parenthetical citation for a state law should include the name of the act and the year.
Organizing State Statutes
State statutes, also known as state laws, are typically published in state-specific publications. However, the organization of state statutes may vary from state to state. Some states organize their statutes by title, some by section number, and some use a combination of both. To ensure accuracy when citing state laws, it is crucial to consult reliable sources such as legal guides or official state websites.
How are state statutes typically organized?
State statutes can be organized by title, section number, or a combination of both, depending on the state.
Why is it important to consult reliable sources when citing state laws?
Consulting reliable sources such as legal guides or official state websites is important to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information when citing state laws.
Conclusion
Citing state laws in APA style requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. By following the format provided and consulting reliable sources, you can accurately and effectively cite state laws in your academic writing. Remember to consult The Bluebook for further guidance on citing legal materials in APA style.