Kara Sears
Citing a law review comment is a critical skill for legal scholars, practitioners, and students, as it ensures proper attribution and enhances the credibility of legal research. Law review comments, typically written by law students or junior scholars, provide in-depth analysis of legal issues and are published in prestigious law journals. To cite a law review comment correctly, one must follow specific formatting guidelines, which vary depending on the citation style being used, such as Bluebook, APA, or MLA. Generally, the citation includes the author’s name, the title of the comment, the volume and page number of the law review, and the year of publication. Accurate citation not only acknowledges the original work but also facilitates access to the source for readers, making it an essential practice in legal writing and research.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Include the full name(s) of the author(s) of the law review comment. |
| Title of Comment | Provide the full title of the law review comment, enclosed in quotation marks. |
| Volume Number | Indicate the volume number of the law review where the comment was published. |
| Journal Name | Include the full name of the law review journal in italics. |
| Page Number | Specify the starting page number of the comment, followed by a pinpoint page if citing a specific section. |
| Publication Year | Provide the year the law review volume was published in parentheses. |
| Bluebook Format | Follow the Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation for precise formatting, including spacing, punctuation, and order of elements. |
| Pinpoint Citation | If citing a specific page within the comment, include the pinpoint page number after the main page reference, separated by a comma. |
| Online Sources | If accessed online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or stable URL, and the date of access in parentheses. |
| Jurisdiction (if applicable) | For comments specific to a jurisdiction, include the jurisdiction in brackets after the title. |
| Example | Doe, Jane, "The Impact of Climate Change on Property Law" 45 *Harvard Environmental Law Review* 123, 130 (2023). |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding Law Review Comments
Law review comments are a unique and valuable component of legal scholarship, offering insights, critiques, and analyses of existing laws, judicial decisions, or legal trends. Understanding how to cite a law review comment is essential for legal researchers, students, and practitioners who wish to engage with these scholarly works effectively. When citing a law review comment, it is crucial to recognize its distinct structure and purpose. Unlike full-length articles, comments are typically shorter, student-authored pieces that focus on a specific legal issue or case. As such, citations must accurately reflect the comment’s place within the broader legal discourse while adhering to established citation formats, such as The Bluebook or ALWD.
To cite a law review comment, begin by identifying the key elements of the source. These include the author’s name, the title of the comment, the volume and page numbers of the law review in which it appears, the name of the law review, and the year of publication. For example, a basic citation might look like this: *Author’s Name*, *Title of Comment*, *Volume Number* Law Review *Page Number* (Year). It is important to italicize the title of the comment and the law review, while the volume number should be in bold or underlined, depending on the citation style. Precision in these details ensures that readers can locate the source with ease.
In addition to the basic citation format, certain nuances must be considered. If the law review comment is accessed online, include a stable URL or DOI to ensure accessibility. For instance, the citation might be followed by “available at [URL]” or “doi:[DOI number].” If the comment is part of a larger symposium or special issue, this should be noted in the citation to provide context. Furthermore, if the author is not listed (though rare), the citation should begin with the title of the comment. Understanding these variations ensures that the citation is both accurate and informative.
Another critical aspect of citing law review comments is consistency with the chosen citation style. The Bluebook, widely used in legal writing, provides specific rules for citing law review articles and comments. For example, it requires the use of small caps for the author’s name and dictates the order of elements in the citation. ALWD (Association of Legal Writing Directors) offers a similar but slightly different approach, emphasizing clarity and simplicity. Whichever style is used, adherence to its guidelines is essential to maintain professionalism and credibility in legal writing.
Finally, understanding law review comments extends beyond citation mechanics to appreciating their role in legal scholarship. Comments often provide fresh perspectives on emerging issues, making them valuable resources for legal research. By citing them properly, writers not only acknowledge the contributions of student authors but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue within the legal community. Mastery of citation techniques, therefore, is a skill that enhances both the readability and scholarly impact of legal writing.
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Basic Citation Format (Bluebook Style)
When citing a law review comment using the Bluebook style, it is essential to follow a specific format that ensures clarity and consistency. The basic citation format for a law review comment in Bluebook style consists of several key elements, including the author's name, the title of the comment, the volume and page numbers of the law review, the year of publication, and the pinpoint page number if applicable. This format is designed to provide readers with the necessary information to locate the source quickly and accurately.
The first element of the citation is the author's name, which should be listed in normal font and followed by a comma. If there are multiple authors, list their names in the order they appear on the comment, separated by commas, and include an ampersand before the last author's name. After the author's name, include the full title of the comment, capitalized using headline-style capitalization, and followed by a comma. The title should be enclosed in quotes, and any subtitle should be included after a colon, also capitalized using headline-style capitalization.
Next, provide the volume number of the law review, followed by the abbreviation of the law review's name in small caps and the page number where the comment begins. The volume number and law review abbreviation should be separated by a space, and the page number should be preceded by a space and followed by a comma. After the volume and page information, include the publication year of the law review in parentheses, followed by a pinpoint page number if you are referring to a specific page within the comment. The pinpoint page number should be preceded by a comma and the word "at" or "at."
In addition to the basic format, it is crucial to consider any special circumstances or variations that may apply to your citation. For example, if the law review comment is available on an electronic database, you may need to include additional information such as the database name and the URL or DOI. Similarly, if the comment is part of a symposium or special issue, you should include this information after the volume number, followed by the page number. By following these guidelines and paying attention to detail, you can create accurate and consistent citations for law review comments in Bluebook style.
When citing a law review comment in a footnote, the format remains largely the same, but with a few minor adjustments. In a footnote, the citation should begin with a full citation, including all the elements mentioned earlier. However, in subsequent citations, you can use a shortened form, omitting the author's name and the title of the comment, and instead using the author's last name and a shortened version of the title, followed by the phrase "supra note" and the note number of the previous citation. This shortened form helps to conserve space and avoid repetition while still providing sufficient information to locate the source. By mastering the basic citation format for law review comments in Bluebook style, you can ensure that your legal writing is both professional and academically rigorous.
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Author and Title Elements
When citing a law review comment, the Author and Title Elements are foundational components that must be accurately captured to ensure clarity and proper attribution. The author’s name is typically the first element in the citation and should be listed in the order of the first name (or initial) followed by the last name. For example, if the author is John Doe, the citation would begin with "Doe, John." If the comment has multiple authors, include all authors’ names in the same format, separated by commas, and precede the final author’s name with an ampersand (&). For instance, "Smith, Jane, John Doe & Sarah Brown." It is crucial to spell the authors’ names correctly and to use the exact names as they appear in the publication.
The Title Elements follow the author’s name and include the title of the law review comment. The title should be capitalized using title case, meaning the first word, the first word after a colon, and all major words are capitalized. For example, "The Impact of Climate Change on Property Law: A Critical Analysis." If the comment has a subtitle, it should be included after a colon and formatted in the same manner. The title should be enclosed in quotation marks to distinguish it from the title of the law review itself, which is typically italicized. For instance, "Doe, John. 'The Evolution of Contract Law: A Comparative Study.'"
In cases where the author’s name is not provided or the comment is published anonymously, the citation should begin with the title of the comment instead. The title is then followed by a period, and the citation proceeds with the subsequent elements, such as the volume and page numbers. For example, "'The Role of Technology in Legal Practice.' 50 Harv. J.L. & Tech. 123 (2021)." This ensures that the citation remains complete and identifiable even in the absence of an author’s name.
It is important to note that the Author and Title Elements must be separated by a period and a single space before the title begins. This formatting ensures consistency and adheres to the standards set by citation manuals like The Bluebook. Additionally, if the author’s name includes a suffix (e.g., Jr., III), it should be included after a comma following the last name. For example, "Doe, John, Jr." This attention to detail reinforces the credibility of the citation and respects the author’s identity.
Finally, when citing a law review comment, ensure that the Author and Title Elements are free from errors and accurately reflect the source material. Double-check the spelling of names, the capitalization of titles, and the use of punctuation. Properly formatted citations not only facilitate easy retrieval of the source but also demonstrate the writer’s commitment to scholarly integrity. By meticulously handling the author and title elements, you lay a strong foundation for the rest of the citation, making it a reliable reference for readers and researchers alike.
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Volume, Page Numbers, and Year
When citing a law review comment, the volume, page numbers, and year are critical components of the citation, as they provide precise location information for the reader. According to the *Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation*, the standard guide for legal citations, the volume number of the law review should be included in boldface or italicized, followed by the abbreviated name of the law review. For example, if citing a comment from the *Harvard Law Review*, the citation would begin with "123 Harv. L. Rev.", where "123" represents the volume number. This element is essential for identifying the specific issue of the law review in which the comment appears.
The page numbers are equally important, as they pinpoint the exact location of the comment within the volume. Page numbers should be included immediately after the volume number, separated by a space. For instance, if the comment starts on page 500, the citation would read "123 Harv. L. Rev. 500". If the comment spans multiple pages, include the ending page number as well, such as "123 Harv. L. Rev. 500–520". Accuracy in page numbers is crucial, as it allows readers to locate the cited material quickly and efficiently.
The year of publication is another key element, providing temporal context for the citation. It should be placed in parentheses immediately after the page numbers. For example, the full citation might appear as "123 Harv. L. Rev. 500 (2020)". The year is typically the year in which the volume was published, not necessarily the year the comment was written. Including the year helps readers understand the currency of the source and its relevance to the legal discourse at the time of publication.
In some cases, law reviews may include additional information, such as the issue number, but the volume, page numbers, and year remain the core elements for citing a law review comment. It is important to ensure consistency and adherence to the *Bluebook* guidelines when formatting these components. For example, the volume number should always be in bold or italics, and the year should always be enclosed in parentheses. Properly citing these elements not only enhances the credibility of the citation but also facilitates access to the source for readers.
Finally, when citing a law review comment in a footnote or bibliography, the volume, page numbers, and year should be presented in a clear and standardized format. For instance, a complete citation might look like this: "Jane Doe, Comment, The Impact of Technology on Privacy Law, 123 Harv. L. Rev. 500 (2020)". Here, the volume ("123"), page numbers ("500"), and year ("2020") are prominently displayed, allowing readers to identify and locate the source with ease. Mastery of these citation elements is essential for legal scholars and practitioners to ensure their work is both accurate and accessible.
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Electronic vs. Print Source Variations
When citing a law review comment, one of the critical considerations is whether the source is accessed electronically or in print, as this distinction affects the citation format. Electronic vs. Print Source Variations require careful attention to ensure accuracy and adherence to citation manuals like The Bluebook or ALWD. For print sources, the citation generally includes the author’s name, article title, volume number, journal title, page number, and publication year. For example: *Author, Article Title, Volume Journal Title Page (Year)*. In contrast, electronic sources necessitate additional elements to account for the digital medium, such as the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier), and often the date of access, as electronic content can change or become unavailable over time.
The primary difference lies in how the source is identified and accessed. For print sources, the focus is on the physical publication details, such as volume, page numbers, and the journal’s title. Electronic citations, however, must include a stable locator to ensure the reader can retrieve the exact version of the article. For instance, if using The Bluebook, an electronic law review comment citation might include the DOI or a permalink in place of traditional print elements. If a DOI is unavailable, the URL of the journal’s homepage or database should be provided, along with the date the source was last accessed, formatted as *(last visited Date)*.
Another variation is the treatment of parallel citations, which are common in legal writing. For print sources, parallel citations—such as referencing both the official reporter and a regional reporter—are straightforward and follow established rules. However, electronic sources may complicate this process, as the availability of parallel citations can differ across databases. In such cases, cite the version most likely to be accessible to the reader, and include a note if necessary to clarify the source’s origin.
Furthermore, the presentation of electronic citations often includes optional elements to enhance clarity. For example, if the electronic source includes a paragraph or section identifier (e.g., para. 10), this can be added to the citation to pinpoint the exact location within the article. Print citations, on the other hand, rely solely on page numbers for specificity. This distinction highlights the need to adapt citation practices to the medium while maintaining consistency with the chosen citation manual.
Lastly, it is essential to verify the requirements of the specific citation manual being used, as rules can vary slightly between The Bluebook, ALWD, or other style guides. For instance, The Bluebook may emphasize the use of DOIs for electronic sources, while ALWD might prioritize URLs. Understanding these nuances ensures that citations for both electronic and print law review comments are accurate, accessible, and compliant with legal writing standards. Always cross-reference examples provided in the manual to confirm the correct format for your source type.
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Frequently asked questions
A law review comment is a student-written analysis or critique of a specific legal issue, often published in a law school's law review journal. It differs from articles written by professors or practitioners and typically focuses on a narrow, timely topic.
In Bluebook format, cite a law review comment as follows: *Author’s Name*, *Title of Comment*, *Volume Number* *Abbreviated Law Review Title* *Page Number* (Year). Example: *Jane Doe*, *The Impact of AI on Privacy Law*, 50 Harv. L. Rev. 1234 (2023).
Yes, the author’s name is typically included in the citation, as it is standard practice in legal citations to attribute the work to its creator.
Yes, in APA style, cite a law review comment as follows: Author’s Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of comment. *Abbreviated Law Review Title, Volume Number*(Issue Number), Page range. Example: Doe, J. (2023). The impact of AI on privacy law. *Harvard Law Review, 50*(2), 1234-1250.
Volume and page numbers are usually found on the first page of the comment or in the journal’s table of contents. Online databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, or HeinOnline also provide this information.
