Citing legal cases in MLA (Modern Language Association) style requires attention to detail and adherence to specific formatting guidelines. While MLA is primarily used in the humanities, it can be adapted for legal citations. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to cite cases in MLA, including step-by-step instructions, examples, and best practices.
General Structure for Citing Legal Cases in MLA
MLA does not have a specific format for legal cases, so citations are often adapted from other styles like Bluebook. The general structure includes:
- Name of the case (in italics or underlined).
- Volume number of the reporter (if applicable).
- Abbreviated name of the reporter (if applicable).
- Page number where the case begins.
- Court abbreviation (if applicable).
- Year the decision was issued.
MLA-Adapted Format:
Case Name, Volume Reporter Page (Court Year).
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify the Case Information
Gather the following details:- Full name of the case (e.g., Brown v. Board of Education).
- Volume and page numbers from the reporter (e.g., 347 U.S. 483).
- Court and year (e.g., Supreme Court, 1954).
- Full name of the case (e.g., Brown v. Board of Education).
Format the Citation
- Italicize the case name.
- Use standard abbreviations for reporters (e.g., U.S. for United States Reports).
- Include the court and year in parentheses.
- Italicize the case name.
Examples of MLA Case Citations
Supreme Court Case
Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (Supreme Court 1954).State Court Case
Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. 137 (Supreme Court of the United States 1803).Online Database Citation
Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (Supreme Court 1973), Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/410/113.
Tips for MLA Legal Citations
- Consistency: Ensure all citations follow the same format throughout your document.
- Abbreviations: Use standard legal abbreviations for reporters and courts (e.g., U.S. for United States Reports).
- Online Sources: If citing a case from an online database, include the URL in the citation.
- Works Cited Page: Legal cases should be included in the Works Cited page if referenced in your work.
Comparative Analysis: MLA vs. Bluebook
| Element | MLA Style | Bluebook Style |
|---|---|---|
| Case Name | Italicized | Italicized or underlined |
| Reporter | Volume Reporter Page | Volume Reporter Page |
| Court and Year | (Court Year) | (Year) |
| Online Citations | Includes URL | Includes pinpoint citation and URL |
Historical Evolution of Legal Citations
Legal citation formats have evolved over centuries, with the Bluebook becoming the standard in U.S. legal writing. MLA, while not traditionally used for legal citations, has been adapted to accommodate interdisciplinary research. Understanding this evolution helps writers navigate the nuances of citing cases in non-legal contexts.
Expert Insight
FAQ Section
Can I use MLA for legal citations?
+Yes, MLA can be adapted for legal citations, though it is not the standard. Ensure consistency and clarity in your formatting.
How do I cite a case without a reporter?
+If a case lacks a reporter, include the court and year, e.g., *Smith v. Jones* (District Court 2020).
Should I include the URL for online cases?
+Yes, include the URL for online sources to ensure accessibility and credibility.
What if I’m unsure about abbreviations?
+Refer to standard legal abbreviation guides or use full names for clarity.
Key Takeaway
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to cite legal cases effectively in MLA style, bridging the gap between legal and humanities writing.
