Law Journals' Guide to Source & Cite

This guide is intended to help journal members locate sources for cite-checking assignments.

The Bluebook has a strong preference for citation to print sources because they are stable over time and not subject to changes in format or pagination, or to "link rot." In many cases PDF images of print sources are the best substitute for the original print source and are readily available on free Web sites or through library databases.  Note that it may be necessary or appropriate to cite to a more preferred source than the author cited. For example, a case may have become available in a source preferred by The Bluebook.  If you have any questions about any of the citations, sources, or databases used in source and cite, please ask a reference librarian for assistance.

This guide is intended to provide tips on finding the most frequently cited types of sources:

• Books
• Journal Articles
• Newspapers
• Cases & Court Documents
• Legislative Materials (Statutes and Congressional materials)
• Administrative Materials (Regulations)

Last updated: 8/04/2022