
Rosa's Law, enacted in 2010, replaced outdated and offensive terminology in federal law with the terms intellectual disability and individual with an intellectual disability, reflecting a more respectful and accurate representation of individuals with disabilities. When citing Rosa's Law, it is essential to reference it properly to ensure clarity and credibility. In academic or professional writing, you can cite it using the Bluebook or APA style, depending on your discipline. For instance, in APA format, you would cite it as: Rosa's Law, Pub. L. No. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643 (2010). This citation includes the law's public law number, statute volume, and year of enactment, providing a precise and authoritative reference for readers to locate the legislation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Law Name | Rosa's Law |
| Official Title | S.2781 - Rosa's Law |
| Enacted Year | 2010 |
| Signed by President | Barack Obama |
| Date Signed | October 5, 2010 |
| Purpose | To replace outdated and offensive terms with "intellectual disability" and "individual with an intellectual disability" in federal law |
| Key Change | Replaced "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded individual" with "intellectual disability" and "individual with an intellectual disability" |
| Citation Format (APA) | Rosa's Law. (2010). Public Law 111-256, 111th Congress. |
| Citation Format (MLA) | "Rosa's Law." Public Law 111-256, 111th Congress, 2010. |
| Citation Format (Chicago) | "Rosa's Law," Public Law 111-256, 111th Congress (2010). |
| Named After | Rosa Marcellino, a young girl with Down syndrome who advocated for the change |
| Sponsored by | Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) |
| Public Law Number | 111-256 |
| Congress | 111th |
| Effect on Federal Law | Amended various federal statutes to reflect the updated terminology |
| Significance | Recognized the dignity and respect of individuals with intellectual disabilities |
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What You'll Learn
- Understanding Rosa's Law: Brief overview of the law's purpose and significance in disability rights
- APA Citation Format: Guidelines for citing Rosa's Law in APA style for academic papers
- MLA Citation Format: Instructions for referencing Rosa's Law in MLA style for research
- Chicago Citation Format: Steps to cite Rosa's Law using Chicago style for publications
- Legal Citation Basics: Key principles for citing laws and legislation in legal contexts

Understanding Rosa's Law: Brief overview of the law's purpose and significance in disability rights
Rosa's Law, enacted in 2010, is a pivotal piece of legislation that reflects a significant shift in language and perception regarding individuals with intellectual disabilities. The law, officially known as Public Law 111-256, replaces the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" with "intellectual disability" and "individual with an intellectual disability" in federal health, education, and labor policy. This change was championed by Rosa's family, particularly her mother, who advocated for more respectful and accurate terminology to describe her daughter and others with similar disabilities. Understanding Rosa's Law requires recognizing its purpose: to promote dignity and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities by modernizing federal language to align with current societal norms and medical terminology.
The significance of Rosa's Law extends beyond mere semantics; it represents a broader movement toward inclusivity and human rights in disability advocacy. By removing outdated and stigmatizing language, the law acknowledges the inherent worth of individuals with intellectual disabilities and seeks to reduce the prejudice and discrimination they often face. This legislative change underscores the importance of language in shaping public attitudes and policies, emphasizing that words matter in the fight for equality. For educators, policymakers, and advocates, Rosa's Law serves as a reminder to approach disability with sensitivity and accuracy, fostering environments that are more welcoming and supportive.
In the context of disability rights, Rosa's Law is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy. The law was inspired by Rosa Marcellino, a young girl with Down syndrome, whose family worked tirelessly to bring attention to the harmful impact of outdated terminology. Their efforts highlight the critical role of individuals and families in driving systemic change. By citing Rosa's Law, one not only acknowledges its legal implications but also honors the personal stories and struggles that led to its enactment. This law is a milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure that people with disabilities are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
To cite Rosa's Law properly, it is essential to reference it as Public Law 111-256 in legal or academic contexts. For example, in APA style, the citation would appear as: *Rosa's Law, Pub. L. No. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2773 (2010)*. This ensures clarity and accuracy, allowing readers to locate the legislation easily. When discussing the law in educational or advocacy materials, it is also helpful to provide context about its origins and impact, linking it to the broader disability rights movement. Proper citation not only gives credit to the legislative effort but also educates others about the law's purpose and significance.
Finally, Rosa's Law serves as a foundation for future advancements in disability rights by setting a precedent for inclusive language in policy and practice. Its implementation encourages institutions and individuals to reevaluate their own use of language and adopt more respectful alternatives. As society continues to evolve in its understanding of disability, laws like Rosa's Law play a crucial role in dismantling barriers and promoting equality. Understanding and citing Rosa's Law is not just about compliance; it is about actively participating in a cultural shift toward greater empathy and inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
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APA Citation Format: Guidelines for citing Rosa's Law in APA style for academic papers
When citing Rosa's Law in APA style for academic papers, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA). Rosa's Law, officially known as Public Law 111-256, amended the term "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" in federal health, education, and labor policy. To cite this law accurately, begin by identifying the key elements required for the citation, including the law's title, year of enactment, and the source where you accessed the information.
In APA format, the in-text citation for Rosa's Law should include the short title of the law and the year it was enacted. For example, the in-text citation would appear as (Rosa's Law, 2010). If you are directly quoting or referencing a specific section of the law, include the section number or relevant details after the year. The in-text citation is crucial for acknowledging the source within the body of your paper and directing readers to the corresponding entry in the reference list.
The reference list entry for Rosa's Law in APA style requires specific formatting. Start with the full title of the law, followed by the year of enactment in parentheses. Next, include the identifier for the law, such as "Public Law 111-256." If you accessed the law through a specific source, such as a government website or database, provide the retrieval information, including the URL. For example, a reference list entry might look like this: Rosa's Law (2010). Public Law 111-256. Retrieved from [insert URL]. Ensure the entry is double-spaced and follows the alphabetical order of your reference list.
If you are citing a secondary source that discusses Rosa's Law, such as an article or book, adjust the citation accordingly. In this case, the in-text citation would include the author's last name and the year of publication, e.g., (Smith, 2020). The reference list entry would then provide the full bibliographic details of the secondary source, following APA guidelines for the specific type of source (e.g., journal article, book chapter). Always verify the accuracy of your citations and ensure they align with the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual.
Lastly, consistency and attention to detail are key when citing Rosa's Law in APA style. Double-check the spelling of the law's title, the accuracy of the year, and the correctness of the identifier. If you are unsure about any aspect of the citation, consult the APA manual or a reliable citation guide. Properly citing Rosa's Law not only adheres to academic standards but also demonstrates respect for the legislative process and the importance of using updated terminology in intellectual disability discourse.
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MLA Citation Format: Instructions for referencing Rosa's Law in MLA style for research
When citing Rosa's Law in MLA (Modern Language Association) style, it's essential to follow the specific guidelines for referencing legislation. Rosa's Law, officially known as S.3927, is a federal statute that changed references to "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" in various federal laws. To cite this law accurately in your research, you must include key elements such as the law's title, jurisdiction, and publication information. Begin by identifying the official title of the law and the year it was enacted, which is crucial for creating a precise citation.
In MLA format, the citation for Rosa's Law should start with the full name of the legislation. For instance, it would be titled "Rosa's Law" followed by the official designation, such as "S.3927." Next, include the jurisdiction responsible for the law, which in this case is the United States Congress. The year of enactment, 2010, should also be prominently featured. The citation should then provide the source where you accessed the law, typically a government database or official publication. For example, if you accessed the law through the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), include this information to ensure the citation is traceable.
The MLA citation for Rosa's Law should be structured as follows: *Rosa's Law. S.3927, 111th Cong.* (2010). This core element includes the law's title, its designation, the congressional session, and the year. If you are referencing a specific section or provision of the law, add this detail after the main citation. For instance, if you are focusing on Section 2 of the law, the citation would be: *Rosa's Law. S.3927, 111th Cong.* (2010), § 2. This ensures clarity and precision in your reference.
When including Rosa's Law in your works cited page, maintain consistency with MLA formatting rules. The entry should be alphabetized by the title of the law, and the entire citation should be double-spaced. If you accessed the law through an online database, include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) at the end of the citation. For example: *Rosa's Law. S.3927, 111th Cong.* (2010). U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-111s3927pcs/pdf/BILLS-111s3927pcs.pdf. This ensures that readers can locate the source easily.
Finally, when citing Rosa's Law within the text of your research, use a parenthetical citation that corresponds to the works cited entry. For example, you might write: "Rosa's Law marked a significant shift in federal terminology (Rosa's Law, 2010, § 2)." This in-text citation should be brief, directing readers to the full citation in your works cited page. By following these MLA guidelines, you ensure that your reference to Rosa's Law is both accurate and compliant with academic standards, enhancing the credibility of your research.
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Chicago Citation Format: Steps to cite Rosa's Law using Chicago style for publications
When citing Rosa's Law in Chicago style for publications, it's essential to follow the specific guidelines outlined by the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). Rosa's Law, officially known as S.3943, is a federal statute that replaced outdated terms with "intellectual disability" in federal law. To cite this law accurately, you must identify the key components required for a Chicago-style citation, including the title of the law, its designation, and the year it was enacted. Below are the steps to ensure your citation is both accurate and compliant with Chicago style.
First, determine the specific format you need: either the notes-bibliography system or the author-date system. For most legal citations, the notes-bibliography system is preferred. In this system, you will create a footnote or endnote for Rosa's Law, followed by a shortened form for subsequent references. Begin by locating the official title and designation of the law. Rosa's Law is formally known as "S.3943 – Rosa’s Law." The citation should include this designation, the full title of the law, and the year it was enacted (2010). The basic structure in the footnote will include the title of the law, its designation, and the year, followed by the source where you accessed the law, if applicable.
Next, format the citation in the footnote. Start with the phrase "Rosa’s Law," followed by the designation "S.3943" in parentheses. Then, include the year of enactment in parentheses as well. For example: "Rosa’s Law (S.3943, 2010)." If you are referencing a specific section or provision of the law, add this information after the year. For instance, if you are citing Section 2 of the law, your footnote would read: "Rosa’s Law (S.3943, 2010), § 2." This ensures clarity and precision in your citation, directing readers to the exact part of the law you are discussing.
If you are using an online source to access Rosa's Law, such as the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) or a legal database, include this information in your citation. After the basic citation, add a comma and then provide the URL or the name of the database and the date you accessed the information. For example: "Rosa’s Law (S.3943, 2010), § 2, GPO, https://www.gpo.gov (accessed October 15, 2023)." This additional detail ensures that your citation is comprehensive and allows readers to locate the source easily.
Finally, if you reference Rosa's Law multiple times in your publication, use a shortened form for subsequent citations. In the notes-bibliography system, this typically involves using the first few words of the title and the designation. For example, after the first full citation, subsequent references can be shortened to: "Rosa’s Law (S.3943), § 2." This maintains consistency and brevity while still providing sufficient information for readers to identify the source. By following these steps, you can accurately cite Rosa's Law in Chicago style, ensuring your publication adheres to the rigorous standards of academic and legal writing.
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Legal Citation Basics: Key principles for citing laws and legislation in legal contexts
Citing laws and legislation accurately is a critical skill in legal writing, ensuring clarity, authority, and adherence to established conventions. When referencing specific laws, such as Rosa’s Law, it is essential to follow key principles of legal citation. The first principle is to identify the correct legal authority. Rosa’s Law, officially known as *S.3942 – Rosa’s Law*, is a federal statute enacted in the United States. To cite it properly, begin by locating the law in its official source, such as the United States Code (U.S.C.) or the Statutes at Large. For instance, Rosa’s Law can be found in *Pub. L. No. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643 (2010)*, which provides the public law number and the year of enactment. Understanding the hierarchy of legal sources—from statutes to session laws—is fundamental to accurate citation.
The second principle involves using the appropriate citation format, which varies depending on the jurisdiction and the style guide being followed. In the United States, *The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation* is the most widely used guide for legal citations. For Rosa’s Law, the citation should include the title of the law, the public law number, the volume and page number of the Statutes at Large, and the year of enactment. For example: *Rosa’s Law, Pub. L. No. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643 (2010)*. If citing the codified version, reference the United States Code, such as *42 U.S.C. § 15001 (2018)*. Consistency in format is crucial to maintaining professionalism and readability in legal documents.
A third key principle is to ensure the citation is up-to-date and reflects any amendments or revisions to the law. Rosa’s Law, for instance, amended the term "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" in federal law. When citing this law, it is important to verify whether the referenced section has been updated or renumbered. Legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis can assist in confirming the current status of the law. Including the year of the cited code or statute helps readers understand the temporal context of the law being referenced.
The fourth principle emphasizes clarity and accessibility. Legal citations should be concise yet informative, allowing readers to locate the referenced law easily. When citing Rosa’s Law, avoid unnecessary abbreviations or jargon that might confuse non-expert readers. Additionally, if the law is being discussed in a specific context, such as its impact on education or disability rights, consider including a pinpoint citation to the relevant section or subsection. For example, *42 U.S.C. § 15001(b) (2018)* directs the reader to the specific provision within the statute.
Finally, always consider the audience and purpose of the citation. In academic writing, detailed citations are expected to demonstrate thorough research. In court filings or legal memoranda, precision and adherence to local court rules are paramount. For Rosa’s Law, the citation style may vary slightly depending on whether it is being referenced in a law review article, a judicial brief, or a legislative history analysis. By adhering to these key principles—identifying the correct authority, using the proper format, ensuring currency, prioritizing clarity, and tailoring the citation to the audience—legal writers can effectively and accurately cite laws like Rosa’s Law in any context.
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Frequently asked questions
Rosa's Law is a federal law in the United States that replaces the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in federal law and policy. It was named after Rosa Marcellino, a girl with Down syndrome, and was signed into law in 2010.
To cite Rosa's Law in APA format, use the following template: Rosa's Law, 42 U.S.C. § 15001 et seq. (2010). Note: Since Rosa's Law is a federal law, it does not require a traditional APA citation with authors or publication dates.
Yes, to cite Rosa's Law in MLA format, use the following template: "Rosa's Law." 42 U.S.C. § 15001 et seq. (2010). Again, since it's a federal law, the citation is straightforward and does not require additional information.
No, it is not necessary to include the full text of Rosa's Law when citing it. Simply provide the citation (e.g., 42 U.S.C. § 15001 et seq. (2010)) and ensure that your audience can access the law through official sources if needed.
A: You can find the official text of Rosa's Law on the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) website (www.gpo.gov) or through legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis. Additionally, the law is codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.) under Title 42, Chapter 144.





























