Library Guides: Bluebook Citation Guide: Statutes

STATUTES: Rule 12

Rule 12 covers how to cite to statutory decisions. T The exact format for statutory citations depends on various factors. A review of this section on citing statutes and the pertinent rules in The Bluebook should provide guidance in creating proper citations for statutes. See R12, pp. 120-34. Pay particular attention to the typeface.

While most statutory code citations follow a similar cadence, there are slight variations for state statute citations. These are attributed to the various forms of publication and codes structure in different jurisdictions. Additionally, there is information included on special citation forms for certain "statutory" materials. [See examples below.]

STATUTES: Tables

When citing to statutes, you may need to reference the Bluebook tables at the back of the style guide.

For statutes, use T1 to help guide you to the official code, as well as to provide examples for different jurisdictions.

STATUTES: Examples

Special Citation for Certain "Statutory" Materials

The Bluebook provides direction and examples on other codes, local legislation, court rules, and other material in its section on statutes.

Internal Revenue Code (R12.9.1, p. 130)
- 26 U.S.C. § 61. > I.R.C. § 61.

Ordinances (R12.9.2, p. 130)
- Montgomery, Ala., Code § 3A-11 (1971). • Chi., Ill., Ordinances, § 4-8-065 (2022).

Rules of Evidence & Procedure (R12.9.3, pp. 130-31)
- Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). • Fed. R. Evid. 410. • Sup. Ct. R. 17.

Model Codes, Principles, Restatements, Standards, Sentencing Guidelines & Uniform Acts (R12.9.4, pp. 131-33)
- Restatement (Third) of Unfair Competition § 3 (Am. L. Inst. 1995).
- U.C.C. § 2-314 (Am. L. Inst. & Unif. L. Comm'n 1977).
- U.S. Sent’g Guidelines Manual § 2D1.1(c) (U.S. Sent’g Comm’n 2004).

ABA Code of Professional Responsibility & Opinions on Ethics (R12.9.5, p. 133)
- Model Code of Pro. Resp. Canon 2 (Am. Bar Ass’n 1980).
- ABA Comm. on Pro. Ethics & Grievances, Formal Op. 35 (1931).