Subsequent citations

Definition

Subsequent citations refer to the abbreviated or short form references used in legal writing to cite sources after the initial full citation has been provided. This practice helps to maintain clarity and conciseness in legal documents while allowing for the ongoing identification of sources without the need to repeat lengthy citations. Utilizing subsequent citations is essential for efficient legal writing and ensures that readers can easily follow references throughout a text.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subsequent citations typically include only the author's last name, a shortened title, and a pinpoint citation if applicable, making them much shorter than the primary citation.
2. Legal writers often use 'Id.' to refer back to the last cited source when there are no intervening sources, streamlining the citation process significantly.
3. When citing multiple works by the same author, subsequent citations may include a shortened version of the titles to distinguish between different works.
4. It's crucial to ensure that subsequent citations are clear and unambiguous so that readers can easily identify which source is being referenced without confusion.
5. Properly formatted subsequent citations enhance the professionalism of legal writing and demonstrate a writer's attention to detail and understanding of citation norms.

Review Questions

• How do subsequent citations improve clarity in legal writing?
  • Subsequent citations improve clarity by allowing writers to refer back to previously mentioned sources without repeating lengthy full citations. They condense information into a more manageable form, making it easier for readers to follow along without losing track of where information originated. This efficiency helps maintain the flow of legal arguments while ensuring that proper attribution is still provided.
• What are some common mistakes made when using subsequent citations, and how can they be avoided?
  • Common mistakes when using subsequent citations include failing to provide enough information for readers to identify sources accurately or misusing 'Id.' when there are intervening sources. To avoid these pitfalls, writers should ensure that each subsequent citation is clear and complete enough for identification. Additionally, careful proofreading can help catch errors related to abbreviation and source reference.
• Evaluate the role of subsequent citations in maintaining ethical standards in legal writing.
  • Subsequent citations play a crucial role in upholding ethical standards in legal writing by ensuring proper attribution of sources and avoiding plagiarism. By using concise forms of citation after the initial reference, writers can maintain transparency about their sources while also adhering to citation conventions. This not only enhances the credibility of their arguments but also fosters respect for intellectual property within the legal community.

Related terms

Primary citation: The first full citation of a source in a document, which provides complete details necessary for locating the source.

Bluebook style: A widely used citation guide in legal writing that provides rules and formats for citing various legal documents and authorities.

Citation signals: Phrases or symbols used in legal writing to indicate how a cited source relates to the argument being made, such as 'see,' 'see also,' or 'cf.'