Statutes
ALWD Rule 14
Copyright 2003, 2006. Darby Dickerson. Permission given to use for
educational purposes.
Which Source? Rule 14.1
• In most instances, cite a code instead of
a session law.
• When two codes contain the same
statute, usually cite the official code.
– You may use the print or online version.
– Appendix 1 identifies official codes with
green stars.
• If the official code is not available, cite
the unofficial code.
• If a code is not available, site the slip
law.
Full Citation for Federal Statutes
Currently in Force: Rule 14.2
• Title number●Code abbreviation●§●
Section number●(Publisher [only if
commercial]●Date).
• 11 U.S.C. § 2517 (2000).
Common Mistakes
• Forgetting to insert a space after the
section symbol.
• Forgetting to cite to the most specific
subsections possible.
– Citing § 1400 instead of the more
specific § 1400(a)(2).
• Forgetting to close spaces between
the section and subsection.
– Incorrect = § 1400 (a)(2)
More Common Mistakes
• Forgetting to use two section symbols
(§§) when citing multiple sections.
– 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961-1964 (2000).
• Forgetting to use only one section symbol
when citing multiple subsections.
– 18 U.S.C. § 1961(a)-(d) (2000).
• Remember to consult ALWD Rule 6 for
details about citing sections and
subsections.
Publisher: Rule 14.2(e)
• Do not include a publisher for the official code
(U.S.C.).
• Include the publisher for the unofficial codes:
– U.S.C.A. = (West)
– U.S.C.S. = (Lexis)
Date: Rule 14.2(f)
• Include the year of the volume you
are citing.
• Typically use the date on the
copyright page.
– Special note: The U.S.C. is published
every six years. All volumes are now
from the 2000 edition.
– But 2006 volumes should start
appearing soon.
Dates and Supplements
• Consult Rule 8 about citing main volumes
and supplements. Cite whichever the
material at issue is found.
– Main only:
• U.S.C. = (2000)
• U.S.C.A. = (West 2006)
– Supp. only:
• U.S.C. = (Supp. 2005)
• U.S.C.A. = (West Supp. 2006)
– Both:
• U.S.C. = (2000 & Supp. 2004)
• U.S.C.A. = (West 1998 & Supp. 2006)
Federal Statutes No Longer in Force:
Rule 14.3
• Same format, but add the reason why the
statute is no longer in force.
– 26 U.S.C. § 1071(a) (repealed 1995).
– The date is the year the statute lost effect.
State Statutes: Rule 14.4
• Each state has a slightly different
format.
– Always consult Appendix 1.
– Always try to cite the official code.
– Sometimes you must insert additional
words into the title (such as the Texas
Agriculture Code). In these situations,
abbreviate words that appear in Appendix
3.
Electronic Statutes: Rule 14.5
• You may use, but check for
accuracy.
• Format:
– Ga. Stat. Ann. § 7-1-841 (Westlaw
current through 2005 Extraordinary 2d
Gen. Assembly).
– Use whatever designation for the
legislative session that appears on the
database.
Short Citations for Federal and
State Statutes: Rule 14.6
• If id. is appropriate, use id.
– 18 U.S.C. § 1965 (2000).
– Id. at § 1961.
– Id.
• If id. is not appropriate, retain all
components of the full citation except the
publisher and date parenthetical.
– 18 U.S.C. § 1965 (2000).
– Smith, 289 U.S. at 41.
– 18 U.S.C. § 1965.
• Best not to use the other short form
options.
Statutes in Text: Sidebar 14.2
• When a statute is referred
to in textual material, do not
abbreviate the code name,
except for U.S.C.
• You may use the word
“section” or “Section,” or
use a section symbol; just
be consistent throughout
the paper.
• Example: Arizona Revised
Statutes Annotated Section
13-4304(4)(b) provides . . . .