Anaya Nolan
Merriam-Webster is a popular dictionary used as a reference in many academic papers, including law papers. While some people prefer Black's Law Dictionary for legal terminology, Merriam-Webster is still commonly used in legal writing as precise meanings are crucial in law. There are specific rules for citing Merriam-Webster, such as providing the URL and date accessed, and these can differ depending on whether the source is online or in print.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether it can be cited in a law paper | Yes, but it is generally not preferred. Black's Law Dictionary is a more common source for definitions in legal writing. |
| Whether it can be cited in an academic paper | Yes, but it is generally not preferred. The Oxford English Dictionary is a more common source for definitions in academic papers. |
| How to cite | There is no universally accepted standard for citing online sources. A typical citation would include the author's name, title of the document, title of the complete work in italics, date, and full URL. |
| Online sources | Any online text likely to be cited should be downloaded or printed out and stored on paper with a notation of the date accessed. |
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What You'll Learn
Merriam-Webster is a credible source for law papers
In legal writing, precise meaning is crucial, and including dictionary definitions is fairly commonplace. Sometimes, the court will take "judicial notice" of obvious, commonly known things without the need for a formal definition. However, when a precise definition is required, Merriam-Webster can be a helpful resource.
When citing Merriam-Webster, it is important to follow the appropriate style guide, such as The Bluebook for legal citations. The Bluebook provides rules for citing dictionaries, with specific elements to include in the citation. Additionally, when citing online sources like Merriam-Webster, it is recommended to download or print the page and store it with a notation of the date accessed. This is because online sources are subject to change or deletion.
While Merriam-Webster can be a credible source for definitions, it is important to ensure that the definition provides the necessary context. Some disciplines have specific terminology or references to particular theories or methodologies that may not be adequately covered by a general dictionary. In such cases, a specialized dictionary or resource may be more appropriate.
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Citing the dictionary
When citing the dictionary, it is crucial to follow the appropriate citation format. For law papers, The Bluebook is the authoritative guide for legal citations. Rule 15 of The Bluebook outlines the format for citing dictionaries, which includes the word in italics, followed by the dictionary name in small caps, and the edition and year. For example:
> Replevin, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014).
It is worth noting that while Merriam-Webster is a widely recognised dictionary, Black's Law Dictionary is specifically tailored to legal terminology and is the most commonly used law dictionary in the United States. Therefore, it is generally preferable to use specialised law dictionaries such as Black's when citing definitions in law papers.
Additionally, when citing online sources like the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, it is recommended to include the full URL of the site and the date of access. This is because online sources may change or be deleted over time, and providing the URL and access date helps to create a permanent record of the cited information.
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Citing online sources
Firstly, it is crucial to capture the full URL of the website, including the file name, as online sources are subject to change or deletion. This can be done by downloading the webpage onto a disk or printing it with a notation of the date accessed. Additionally, the date the website was accessed should be included in the citation.
The citation format typically includes the author's name, the title of the document, the title of the complete work (in italics), the date, and the full URL. For example, when citing an online dictionary entry, the format would be as follows:
> "hacker." Merriam-Webster.com. 2011. https://www.merriam-webster.com (8 May 2011). Web. 8 May 2011.
When citing periodicals accessed online, it is generally acceptable to treat them as regular periodicals without acknowledging their online status, provided that the text is unaltered. However, for references to mailing lists or newsgroup postings, it is essential to include the author's name, subject line, and the name and electronic address of the server, along with the date posted.
While Merriam-Webster is a commonly used source for definitions in academic papers, it is generally preferred to use discipline-specific dictionaries in legal writing, such as Black's Law Dictionary. This ensures that the definitions are aligned with the precise meaning required in a legal context.
In-text citations in law papers can vary depending on the style guide being used. Some styles require parenthetical citations, while others use footnotes or endnotes. It is essential to maintain consistency throughout the paper, following the chosen style guide's rules for citing online sources.
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The Bluebook citation guide
The Bluebook guide covers various types of sources, including books, journals, online sources, and specific legal materials such as cases, statutes, and law reviews. It provides detailed instructions on how to structure and format citations, including the order of elements, use of punctuation, and formatting conventions. One of the critical aspects of The Bluebook is its focus on pinpoint citations, which involve providing precise page or paragraph numbers to direct the reader to the exact location of the referenced material.
When citing a dictionary, Rule 15 of The Bluebook outlines the format to follow. Authors should include the word in italics, followed by the dictionary name in small caps, and then the edition and year. For example, "Replevin, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014)". It is worth noting that The Bluebook does not specifically mention Merriam-Webster; however, the general dictionary citation format can be applied.
In addition to print sources, The Bluebook also provides guidance for citing online sources, such as websites and electronic documents. Rule 18 covers these types of citations, and it is essential to include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) to direct readers to the specific web page or document. As online sources can change or be deleted, The Bluebook recommends downloading or printing the material and storing it with a notation of the date accessed.
While The Bluebook is a comprehensive guide, it can be challenging to navigate for those new to legal citation. Supplementary resources, such as user guides and manuals, are available to help students and practitioners understand and apply the rules effectively. These supplementary resources offer step-by-step instructions, examples, and tips for mastering The Bluebook citation rules and applying them to their legal writing and academic papers.
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Alternative dictionary sources
There are several alternative dictionary sources to Merriam-Webster, which is described as 'America's Most Trusted Dictionary'. Founded in 1831 by George and Charles Merriam, the company has a rich history of standardising American English and simplifying its spelling rules.
If you are looking for online alternatives, Google Translate is a free service that instantly translates text and web pages between over 50 languages. GoldenDict is another free alternative, which is an open-source dictionary program for PC that provides translations and phrase definitions in different languages. Wiktionary is also a great free and open-source alternative, which is available on various platforms, including Online/Web-based, iPhone, Android, Windows, and iPad.
For those seeking a more traditional dictionary experience, the eleventh edition of the Collegiate Dictionary, published in 2003, is a comprehensive resource with over 225,000 definitions and more than 165,000 entries. This edition is particularly useful for "general matters of spelling", as recognised by The Chicago Manual of Style.
Finally, for language enthusiasts eager to explore etymology and pronunciation, the Encyclopaedia Britannica could be an intriguing alternative. Merriam-Webster was acquired as a subsidiary by Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. in 1964, so there may be some overlap in content.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is permissible to cite Merriam-Webster in a law paper. Law is a discipline where precise definitions are crucial, and it is commonplace to include dictionary definitions in legal writing. However, it is recommended to use specialised legal dictionaries, such as Black's Law Dictionary, for most terms.
The Bluebook provides the rules for legal citation and is considered the standard for legal writing. It is essential to follow the specific guidelines outlined in The Bluebook for citing dictionaries. Additionally, when citing online sources like Merriam-Webster, it is generally advisable to include the URL and the date of access in the citation.
Yes, there are alternative dictionaries and resources you can use. For legal definitions, Black's Law Dictionary is a widely accepted source in legal writing. Additionally, the Oxford English Dictionary is another reputable option for definitions and the history of words.
When citing Merriam-Webster in a law paper, it is essential to ensure that the definition provided does not omit crucial context specific to the legal domain. Some terms may have unique meanings or references within the field of law, so it is advisable to cross-reference with legal dictionaries or treatises to ensure accuracy. Additionally, always verify the currency and reliability of the definition by checking the publication date and comparing it with other sources.
