How to Cite a Legal Case

Court decisions, case law, and judicial opinions.

What You'll Need

Case Name
Court
Docket or judgment number
Judge or judges
Jurisdiction
Reporter
Volume
Page
Date Decided

Use the official case citation from the court reporter. Note the court name, docket number, and decision date. Parallel citations may be required.

Example Citations

APA
Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (U.S. Supreme Court 1954).
In-text (Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 1954)
MLA Handbook (in-text citations)
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. U.S., vol. 347, 17 May 1954, p. 483.
In-text (Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka)
CMOS 17e with Bluebook (notes and bibliography [14.19])
Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (U.S. Supreme Court 1954).
Footnote Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (U.S. Supreme Court 1954).

Other Source Types

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