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In addition to the resources provided electronically through the Library's databases, the following information is provided as a resource to assist the legal research student.

For information on the Law School Preparation Institute, click here.

Introduction to Basic Legal Citation (LII 2007 ed.) by Peter W. Martin

This style manual is maintained online by the Legal information Institute at Cornell University.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed., advises its adherents that, "Legal periodicals and APA journals differ in the placement and format of references.  The main difference is that legal periodicals cite references in footnotes, whereas APA journals locate all references, including references to legal materials, in the reference list....  For more information on preparing these and other kinds of legal references, consult the latest edition of The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (17th ed., 2000).... (APA Manual, page 397).

While the APA has adopted the reference style of not using footnotes, it is clear that the association has chosen to adhere to the citation style of the Bluebook.  The Bluebook is available in the Library at the Reference Desk (KF245 .B58).

Similarly, the Modern Language Association, in its Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, recommends the use of the Bluebook: "The citation of legal documents and case law may be complicated.  If your paper requires many such references, consult the most recent edition of The Blue Book: A Uniform System of Citation (Cambridge: Harvard Law Rev. Assn.), an indispensable guide in this field." (6th ed., page 206).