Kara Sears
Citing Pennsylvania law requires adherence to specific formatting and citation standards to ensure accuracy and clarity. Pennsylvania's legal system is structured around its Constitution, statutes (codified in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes), administrative regulations, and case law from state courts. When citing Pennsylvania statutes, the standard format includes the title, section number, and year of the statute, often abbreviated as Pa. Cons. Stat. § X (year). For case law, citations typically follow the Bluebook style, including the case name, volume number, reporter abbreviation, page number, court, and year (e.g., *Commonwealth v. Smith*, 500 A.2d 114, 116 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1985)). Administrative regulations are cited using the Pennsylvania Code, with references to the title, part, chapter, and section number. Understanding these citation rules is essential for legal professionals, researchers, and students to properly reference Pennsylvania law in academic, judicial, or professional contexts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Citation Format | Pennsylvania Statutes are cited as: Title Pa. Cons. Stat. § section (year) |
| Official Code | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Pa. Cons. Stat.) |
| Publisher | Pennsylvania General Assembly |
| Online Access | Pennsylvania Legislature Website |
| Citation to Uncodified Laws | Acts of the General Assembly are cited as: Act No. of year, § section |
| Court Rules | Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, etc. are cited with their specific rule number and year. |
| Local Ordinances | Cited by municipality name, ordinance number, and year. |
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What You'll Learn
APA Style for Pennsylvania Statutes
When citing Pennsylvania statutes in APA style, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by the American Psychological Association (APA) for legal references. Pennsylvania statutes, also known as the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, are a compilation of laws enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. To cite these statutes accurately, you must include specific elements such as the title, section, and year of the statute, as well as the official citation format.
In APA style, the general format for citing a Pennsylvania statute includes the name of the statute, the title number, the section number, and the year of the statute. The citation should begin with the abbreviated title of the statute, followed by the title and section numbers. For example, the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes can be abbreviated as "Pa. Cons. Stat." The title and section numbers should be separated by a section sign (§), and the year of the statute should be included in parentheses. The official citation format for Pennsylvania statutes is typically found in the Purdon's Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated or the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
When citing multiple sections of a Pennsylvania statute, you can list the sections separately, each with its own section sign and number. For instance: *Pa. Cons. Stat.* § 1831 (2020); *Pa. Cons. Stat.* § 1832 (2020). Alternatively, you can use a hyphen to indicate a range of sections: *Pa. Cons. Stat.* §§ 1831-1832 (2020). This format is useful when referring to consecutive sections of the statute.
In addition to the basic citation format, APA style also requires you to include a reference list entry for the Pennsylvania statute. The reference list entry should provide more detailed information about the statute, including the full title, the publisher, and the publication date. For example: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. (2020). *Title 18, Crimes and Offenses*. Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania General Assembly. This entry provides a comprehensive overview of the statute, making it easier for readers to locate the source. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations of Pennsylvania statutes in APA style are accurate, clear, and consistent.
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Bluebook Citation of PA Cases
When citing Pennsylvania cases using the Bluebook citation format, it is essential to follow specific rules to ensure accuracy and consistency. The Bluebook, widely regarded as the definitive style guide for legal citations, provides detailed instructions for citing state court decisions, including those from Pennsylvania. For Pennsylvania Supreme Court cases, the basic format includes the volume number, the reporter abbreviation (A.2d for Atlantic Reporter, Second Series, or A.3d for Atlantic Reporter, Third Series), the page number, the state abbreviation (Pa.), and the year of decision. For example, a citation to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case would appear as follows: *Commonwealth v. Smith*, 500 A.2d 123, 125 (Pa. 1985). This format ensures clarity and uniformity in legal writing.
For Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Court cases, the citation format is similar but includes the court name in parentheses after the page number. The Superior Court is abbreviated as "Pa. Super.," while the Commonwealth Court is abbreviated as "Pa. Commw." For instance, a citation to a Superior Court case would look like this: *Doe v. Jones*, 750 A.2d 912, 915 (Pa. Super. 2000). It is crucial to verify the correct reporter series (A.2d or A.3d) and ensure the case name, volume, and page numbers are accurate. The Bluebook also emphasizes the importance of pinpoint citations, which direct the reader to the specific page containing the relevant material within the case.
When citing Pennsylvania cases that are unpublished or available only through electronic databases, the Bluebook provides alternative formats. For unpublished opinions, the citation includes the court name, the case name, the docket number, and the date of the decision, followed by an indication that the opinion is unpublished. For example: *Brown v. Green*, No. 1234 WDA 2020, 2021 WL 1234567 (Pa. Super. Mar. 15, 2021) (non-precedential). If the case is available on an electronic database like Westlaw or LexisNexis, the citation should include the database name and the date of access, as required by Bluebook Rule 18.7. For example: *White v. Black*, 2022 Pa. LEXIS 1234 (Pa. Oct. 1, 2022).
In addition to the basic citation elements, the Bluebook allows for optional inclusions, such as the court’s jurisdiction or the judge’s name, if it adds value to the citation. However, these additions are not mandatory and should be used judiciously. It is also important to note that the Bluebook’s rules may be supplemented by local court rules or journal requirements, so always consult additional guidelines when necessary. Proper citation of Pennsylvania cases not only adheres to legal writing standards but also enhances the credibility and professionalism of the document.
Finally, when citing Pennsylvania statutes or administrative regulations alongside case law, ensure that each type of authority follows its respective Bluebook format. While this section focuses on case citations, understanding the interplay between different legal authorities is crucial for comprehensive legal research and writing. Mastery of Bluebook citation rules for Pennsylvania cases is a valuable skill for legal practitioners, students, and scholars, ensuring that their work meets the highest standards of legal scholarship.
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MLA Format for PA Laws
When citing Pennsylvania laws in MLA format, it is essential to provide clear and accurate information to allow readers to locate the referenced legislation. MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities and does not have a specific section dedicated to legal citations, so it is often adapted from other styles like *The Bluebook* or *ALWD Citation Manual*. However, the core principle remains the same: clarity and consistency. To cite a Pennsylvania law in MLA, begin with the official title of the statute, followed by the specific section or subsection being referenced. For example, if citing the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the citation would start with the title of the statute, such as "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes."
Next, include the specific section or subsection of the law. This is typically denoted by a section number or title. For instance, if referencing a law about vehicle codes, the citation might read: "Title 75, Section 3361." After identifying the section, provide the year of the statute’s enactment or the most recent update. This ensures the citation is current and relevant. The year should be placed in parentheses, followed by a period. For example: "(2020)." If the law is part of a larger code or compilation, include the name of the compilation, such as "Purdon’s Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated."
In MLA format, the citation should also include the jurisdiction, which in this case is Pennsylvania. This is typically abbreviated as "Pa." and placed after the title of the statute. For example: "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3361 (2020) Pa." If the citation is part of an academic paper, it should be included in the works cited page. The entry should follow the standard MLA format for a book or reference work, with the title of the statute in italics and the publisher or source of the law provided. For instance: *Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes*. Title 75, Section 3361. Purdon’s Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated, 2020.
When citing Pennsylvania laws within the text of a document, use a parenthetical citation that includes the abbreviated title of the statute and the section number. For example: (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3361). If the citation refers to a specific subsection, include the subsection number as well, such as (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3361(a)). This in-text citation should correspond to a full citation in the works cited page, ensuring consistency and clarity for the reader.
Finally, if the law is accessed online, include the URL or database information in the works cited entry. For example: *Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes*. Title 75, Section 3361. Purdon’s Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated, 2020. Legis.pa.gov, https://www.legis.state.pa.us. This ensures that readers can locate the exact source of the citation. While MLA format is flexible, adhering to these guidelines will help create accurate and professional citations for Pennsylvania laws.
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Chicago Style PA Legal Citations
When citing Pennsylvania law in Chicago style, it’s essential to follow the guidelines outlined in *The Chicago Manual of Style* (17th edition) and adapt them to legal citation conventions. Chicago style does not have a separate legal citation guide, so it often borrows from *The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation* for legal materials. For Pennsylvania statutes, the citation should include the title of the statute, the section or chapter number, and the year of the compilation. For example, to cite the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the format would be: "42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8301 (2023)." Here, "42" refers to the title number, "Pa. Cons. Stat." denotes the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, "§ 8301" is the specific section, and "(2023)" indicates the year of the statute’s compilation.
For Pennsylvania court cases, Chicago style citations follow a similar structure to *Bluebook* rules. The basic format includes the case name in italics, the volume number, the reporter abbreviation, the page number, the court, and the year. For instance, a citation to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case would look like: "*Commonwealth v. Smith*, 625 Pa. 1, 89 A.3d 483 (2014)." Here, "*Commonwealth v. Smith*" is the case name, "625 Pa. 1" is the volume and page number, "A.3d" is the reporter abbreviation for Atlantic Reporter Third Series, and "(2014)" is the year of the decision. If citing a lower court, such as the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, the court abbreviation "Pa. Super." would replace "Pa."
Administrative regulations in Pennsylvania are cited by referencing the Pennsylvania Code. The citation includes the title number, the abbreviation "Pa. Code," the section number, and the year. For example: "25 Pa. Code § 271.1 (2023)." Here, "25" is the title number, "Pa. Code" denotes the Pennsylvania Code, "§ 271.1" is the specific section, and "(2023)" indicates the year of the regulation. It’s crucial to ensure the year reflects the most current version of the regulation.
For Pennsylvania constitutional provisions, the citation includes the article, section, and clause numbers, followed by the year of the constitution. For example: "Pa. Const. art. I, § 1 (1874)." Here, "Pa. Const." refers to the Pennsylvania Constitution, "art. I" is Article I, "§ 1" is Section 1, and "(1874)" denotes the year of the constitution’s adoption. If citing an amendment, include the amendment number and year, such as "(as amended 1968)."
Finally, when citing Pennsylvania local ordinances, the format includes the municipality, the code or ordinance title, the section number, and the year. For example: "Philadelphia Code § 9-200 (2023)." Here, "Philadelphia Code" identifies the local code, "§ 9-200" is the specific section, and "(2023)" indicates the year. Ensure the citation is precise and reflects the most up-to-date version of the ordinance. Consistency and accuracy are key when citing Pennsylvania law in Chicago style, as they ensure clarity and credibility in legal research and writing.
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OSCOLA Pennsylvania Law References
When referencing Pennsylvania law using the OSCOLA (Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities) style, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. OSCOLA is primarily designed for UK legal citations, but its principles can be adapted for citing laws from other jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania. The key is to provide clear and precise information that allows readers to locate the cited authority easily. Below is a detailed guide on how to cite Pennsylvania law in accordance with OSCOLA principles.
For Pennsylvania statutes, the citation should include the title of the statute, the year of the statute (if applicable), the volume and page number of the official codification, and the jurisdiction. Pennsylvania statutes are primarily found in Purdon's Pennsylvania Statutes and Consolidated Statutes. For example, a citation to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes would appear as follows: *42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8301* (2020). Here, "42" refers to the title of the statute, "Pa. Cons. Stat." indicates the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, "§ 8301" is the specific section, and "(2020)" denotes the year of the edition or the year the statute was last amended. If citing a specific subsection, include it after the section number, e.g., *42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8301(a)*.
When referencing Pennsylvania administrative regulations, the citation should include the title of the regulation, the volume and page number of the Pennsylvania Code, and the year. For instance, a citation to a Pennsylvania regulation would look like this: *37 Pa. Code § 1.1* (2021). Here, "37" refers to the title of the regulation, "Pa. Code" indicates the Pennsylvania Code, "§ 1.1" is the specific section, and "(2021)" denotes the year of the edition or the year the regulation was last amended. Administrative regulations are often updated frequently, so ensuring the correct year is crucial.
For Pennsylvania case law, OSCOLA principles can be adapted to include the case name, the year of the decision, the volume and page number of the official reporter, and the jurisdiction. Pennsylvania cases are typically reported in the Atlantic Reporter (A.2d or A.3d) or the Pennsylvania State Reports. For example, a citation to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case would appear as follows: *Commonwealth v. Smith, 625 Pa. 408, 93 A.3d 835 (2014)*. Here, "Commonwealth v. Smith" is the case name, "625 Pa. 408" refers to the volume and page number of the Pennsylvania State Reports, "93 A.3d 835" is the citation in the Atlantic Reporter, and "(2014)" denotes the year of the decision.
Finally, when citing Pennsylvania constitutional provisions, include the specific article, section, and clause, followed by the jurisdiction abbreviation. For example, a citation to the Pennsylvania Constitution would look like this: *Pa. Const. art. I, § 1*. Here, "Pa. Const." indicates the Pennsylvania Constitution, "art. I" refers to Article I, and "§ 1" is the specific section. If citing a specific clause, include it after the section number, e.g., *Pa. Const. art. I, § 1, cl. 1*. Consistency and clarity are paramount in OSCOLA citations, ensuring that legal authorities are easily identifiable and verifiable.
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Frequently asked questions
Pennsylvania statutes are cited using the format: "Title Number Pa. Cons. Stat. § Section Number (Year)." For example, "42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8301 (2023)."
Pennsylvania appellate court decisions are cited using the format: "Volume Number A.2d/A.3d Page Number (Pa. Year)." For example, "Smith v. Jones, 625 A.2d 119 (Pa. 1993)."
Pennsylvania administrative regulations are cited using the format: "Title Number Pa. Code § Section Number." For example, "28 Pa. Code § 201.1."
Official resources include *The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation*, the *Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes*, and the *Pennsylvania Code*. Additionally, the Pennsylvania General Assembly's website and the Pennsylvania Bulletin provide authoritative references.
