How to Cite a Legislation

Acts, statutes, laws, and legislative codes.

What You'll Need

Act/Statute Name
Legislative Body
Jurisdiction
Code
Title/Volume
Section
Date Enacted

Cite the public law number for U.S. federal laws, or the statute citation (e.g., U.S.C. section). Include the enactment date for recent legislation.

Example Citations

APA
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S. Code § § 12101 et seq. (1990).
In-text (Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 1990)
MLA Handbook (in-text citations)
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. U.S. Code, vol. 42, 26 July 1990.
In-text (Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990)
CMOS 17e with Bluebook (notes and bibliography [14.19])
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S. Code § § 12101 et seq. (1990).
Footnote Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S. Code § § 12101 et seq. (1990).

Other Source Types

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Article Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication