Understanding Legal Writing Citations: Bluebook vs. ALWD

Legal writing uses special rules for citations. These rules help make references clear and consistent. Two common styles for citing legal documents are Bluebook and ALWD (Association of Legal Writing Directors). Knowing the differences between these two is important for students and professionals, especially in a university setting where following citation rules is key for academic credibility.

Both Bluebook and ALWD help writers cite legal documents, cases, laws, and other important sources. Even though they aim for the same goal, they have different formats and styles.

Basic Structure

1. Title and Publishing Info

   • Bluebook: When you cite a case or law, you usually need to include the full title and details about where it was published. This format is strict, often needing details like report numbers and court names.
   • ALWD: This style is more relaxed. It focuses on being clear rather than strict, using a simpler format that still provides necessary information without being overwhelming.

2. Court and Date Details

   • Bluebook: This style has specific rules about how to list court information and dates, which can make it complicated, especially with cases from different courts.
   • ALWD: This style is more flexible. It allows writers to share court and date information without sticking to a rigid format, making it easier to read.

Citation Elements

1. Cases

   • Bluebook: Case citations usually follow this pattern: Name v. Name, Volume Reporter Page (Court Year). For example, Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973).
   • ALWD: It uses a similar format but is less strict about the details. For instance, an ALWD citation could simply be: Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), without all the extra punctuation rules.

2. Laws and Codes

   • Bluebook: When citing laws, you typically need the name of the law, the title number, the code abbreviation, section number, and year. An example would be: 15 U.S.C. § 78 (2010).
   • ALWD: This style is less formal. It focuses on making things clear instead of following a strict structure. For example, it might just say: 15 U.S.C. § 78 (2010), without all the extra details.

3. Secondary Sources

   • Bluebook: For books and articles, the Bluebook style asks for the full name of the author, the title, the publisher, publication year, and page number, while following specific formats.
   • ALWD: This style is easier. It suggests including important details while focusing on clarity instead of strict formatting.

Use of Abbreviations

The use of abbreviations is another area where Bluebook and ALWD differ.

• Bluebook: Offers a long list of legal abbreviations, which can be hard for students to remember.

• ALWD: This style makes it simpler by using commonly known abbreviations. This means ALWD citations might have fewer abbreviations, making them easier to read, especially for those not familiar with legal jargon.

In-Text Citations

There are also differences in how to cite sources in the text.

• Bluebook: This style requires authors to cite cases and laws right in the text, often needing specific page numbers. This can make the writing look cluttered, especially when there are many citations.

• ALWD: This approach is simpler and smoother. It encourages a writing style that flows better, making it easier for readers to engage with the text rather than getting distracted by complicated citations.

Tips for Students

For law students, choosing between Bluebook and ALWD can affect how they write and cite their work. Here are some helpful tips:

• Follow School Rules: Always check which citation style your university prefers. Sticking to these rules is very important.

• Think About Your Audience: If your paper is for court or a professional setting, Bluebook may be better because it's stricter. But for papers for teachers or classmates, ALWD might work well thanks to its flexible style.

• Aim for Clarity and Consistency: Regardless of the style you choose, make sure your citations are clear and consistent. This helps build your credibility in legal writing.

• Use Resources: Look for citation guides and software that can help. Both Bluebook and ALWD have official manuals that can guide you in using their styles correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Bluebook and ALWD offer ways to cite legal documents, each with its own style. Bluebook is known for being precise and strict, while ALWD focuses on making citations easier to read and understand. The differences show how legal writing can change—one side leans towards tradition, and the other towards simplicity. Understanding these citation styles is important for law students, as it helps them choose the best option based on who will read their work. Mastering these styles will help you become a better legal writer, in school and beyond.