Anaya Nolan
Citing session laws in APA style requires attention to detail and adherence to specific formatting guidelines. Session laws, which are statutes enacted by a legislative body during a particular session, are unique sources that often lack traditional publication elements like authors or page numbers. To cite them correctly, begin with the jurisdiction (e.g., state or country), followed by the legislative body, the session law’s title or description, the session year, and the law’s chapter or act number. For example, in APA format, a citation might appear as: *State of California, Legislature. (2023). An act to amend Section 1234 of the Education Code relating to student funding (Chapter 456).* Additionally, include the source where the session law was accessed, such as a database or official government website, to ensure completeness and accessibility. Proper citation ensures clarity and credibility in academic or professional writing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Citation Format | Author (if available), Year of Publication, Title of Act (Session Law), Volume Number (if applicable), Session Law Citation (e.g., 123rd Leg., 1st Sess., ch. 456 (State Abbreviation)), URL (if accessed online) |
| Author | Often the legislative body (e.g., State Legislature) |
| Year of Publication | Year the session law was enacted |
| Title of Act | Official title of the session law |
| Volume Number | Volume number of the session laws publication (if applicable) |
| Session Law Citation | Includes legislative session information (e.g., 123rd Leg., 1st Sess.), chapter number, and state abbreviation |
| State Abbreviation | Standard two-letter state abbreviation (e.g., CA for California) |
| URL | Required if accessed online, preferably a stable URL or DOI |
| Example | California Legislature. (2023). An act to amend Section 1234 of the Education Code, relating to student fees. 2023 Cal. Stat. ch. 456. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240X456 |
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What You'll Learn
APA Format Basics for Session Laws
When citing session laws in APA format, it's essential to understand the basic structure and components required. Session laws, also known as slip laws, are individual laws passed by a legislature and published in chronological order. To cite a session law in APA style, you'll need to include specific elements such as the jurisdiction, law title, public or private law number, and enactment date. The general format for citing a session law is: *Name of Jurisdiction (Level of Jurisdiction, if needed). Title of Law, Law Number, Enactment Date*. For example: *United States (Federal). An Act to Provide for the Management of Public Lands, Pub. L. No. 116-20, 134 Stat. 44 (2020)*.
In APA format, the in-text citation for a session law typically includes the jurisdiction abbreviation (if applicable), the law title or a shortened version, and the enactment year. For instance: (An Act to Provide for the Management of Public Lands, 2020). If the law title is lengthy, you can use a shortened version or the popular name of the law, if it has one. Be sure to include the full citation in the reference list, following the format mentioned earlier. It's crucial to note that the jurisdiction should be spelled out in the reference list, but abbreviations can be used in the in-text citation for brevity.
The reference list entry for a session law in APA style should be single-spaced, with a hanging indent, and follow the specific formatting guidelines. After the jurisdiction and law title, include the public or private law number, which can be found in the law's text or in legal databases. The enactment date should be in parentheses, followed by the source information, such as the volume and page numbers of the Statutes at Large or other official publication. For example: *United States. An Act to Provide for the Management of Public Lands, Pub. L. No. 116-20, 134 Stat. 44 (2020)*. If accessing the law through an online database, include the DOI or URL, as per APA's guidelines for electronic sources.
When citing session laws from state or local jurisdictions, the format remains similar, but you'll need to include the specific state or local abbreviation in the in-text citation. For example: (CA, An Act to Regulate Water Usage, 2022). In the reference list, spell out the state or local jurisdiction, followed by the law title, law number (if applicable), and enactment date. Be sure to consult the APA Manual or a reputable legal citation guide for specific rules regarding state or local session law citations, as formatting may vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction.
In addition to the basic format, consider the context in which you're citing the session law. If you're referencing a specific section or provision within the law, include the section number or other relevant identifier after the law title. For example: *United States. An Act to Provide for the Management of Public Lands, Pub. L. No. 116-20, § 101, 134 Stat. 44 (2020)*. This provides a more precise citation and helps readers locate the exact portion of the law you're referencing. By following these APA format basics for session laws, you'll ensure accurate and consistent citations in your academic or professional writing. Remember to double-check your citations against the APA Manual or a trusted legal citation guide to ensure compliance with the latest formatting rules.
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Identifying Key Components of Session Laws
When identifying key components of session laws for APA citation, it is essential to understand the structure and elements that make up these legal documents. Session laws, also known as slip laws, are the initial publication of a legislative enactment, typically organized chronologically by session. To accurately cite session laws in APA style, one must first recognize and extract specific details from the document. The primary components include the jurisdiction (e.g., state or federal), the legislative body, the session year or number, the law's title or chapter number, and the page or section within the session laws publication. These elements are crucial for creating a precise and verifiable citation.
The jurisdiction is the first critical component to identify. Session laws are enacted by specific legislative bodies, such as a state legislature or the U.S. Congress. Determining whether the law originates from a state or federal level is fundamental, as it influences the citation format. For instance, federal session laws are published in the *United States Statutes at Large*, while state session laws are found in state-specific publications. The legislative body’s name, such as the "California State Legislature" or the "117th Congress," provides context and ensures the citation’s accuracy.
Next, the session year or number is a key identifier. Legislative sessions are typically annual or biennial, and each session produces its own set of laws. The session year (e.g., "2023") or session number (e.g., "1st Regular Session") helps pinpoint the exact legislative period during which the law was enacted. This information is usually found on the cover or title page of the session laws publication or within the law’s preamble. Including the session year or number in the citation ensures that the reader can locate the law within the correct chronological context.
The law's title or chapter number is another vital component. Session laws are often assigned a public or private law number (e.g., "Pub. L. No. 117-123") or a chapter number (e.g., "Chapter 456"). These identifiers distinguish individual laws within a session. For state laws, the chapter number or act number is commonly used. The title of the law, if available, can also provide additional clarity. Both the title and chapter number should be included in the citation to precisely reference the specific legislation.
Finally, the page or section within the session laws publication is necessary for completeness. Session laws are compiled in volumes, and each law is assigned a specific page range or section number. For example, a citation might include "Stat. 1234" or "Session Laws 2023, p. 567." This detail allows readers to locate the exact text of the law within the larger publication. When citing session laws in APA style, combining these components—jurisdiction, legislative body, session year, law title or chapter number, and page or section—ensures a thorough and accurate reference.
In summary, identifying key components of session laws involves recognizing the jurisdiction, legislative body, session year or number, law title or chapter number, and page or section. These elements are essential for constructing an APA citation that is both precise and verifiable. By carefully extracting and organizing this information, researchers and writers can effectively reference session laws in their work, maintaining academic integrity and facilitating access to primary legal sources.
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In-Text Citation Rules for Session Laws
When citing session laws in APA style, the in-text citation rules are designed to clearly and concisely direct readers to the corresponding entry in the reference list. Session laws, which are individual laws passed by a legislature during a specific session, require a unique citation format. In-text citations for session laws typically include the abbreviated jurisdiction, the year of the session law, and the specific statute or chapter number. For example, if citing a California session law from 2020, the in-text citation would appear as (Cal. Stats. 2020, ch. 123). This format ensures that the reader can easily locate the full citation in the reference list.
The jurisdiction abbreviation is a critical component of the in-text citation for session laws. APA style provides specific abbreviations for U.S. states and territories, which should be used consistently. For instance, California is abbreviated as "Cal.," Texas as "Tex.," and New York as "N.Y." When citing federal session laws, use "U.S." as the jurisdiction abbreviation. The year of the session law follows the jurisdiction abbreviation and is enclosed in parentheses. This year corresponds to the legislative session during which the law was enacted, not necessarily the year of publication.
Following the year, include the specific statute or chapter number of the session law. This identifier is crucial for pinpointing the exact law being referenced. For example, if citing Chapter 456 of the 2021 Texas session laws, the in-text citation would be (Tex. Gen. Laws 2021, ch. 456). If the session law is part of a codified statute, include the section number as well. For instance, (Cal. Stats. 2019, ch. 789, § 5) would direct the reader to Section 5 of Chapter 789. This level of detail ensures accuracy and ease of reference.
In cases where multiple session laws are cited from the same jurisdiction and year, differentiate them by their chapter numbers. For example, if referencing two California session laws from 2020, the citations would appear as (Cal. Stats. 2020, ch. 123) and (Cal. Stats. 2020, ch. 456). If the same session law is cited multiple times within a document, use the shortened form after the first full citation. For instance, the first citation would be (Cal. Stats. 2020, ch. 123), and subsequent citations would be (Cal. Stats. 2020, ch. 123).
Finally, when session laws are cited in the narrative of a sentence, follow the same structure but integrate the year and jurisdiction abbreviation naturally. For example, "The California Legislature enacted significant education reforms in 2021 (Cal. Stats. 2021, ch. 789)." If the chapter or statute number is not mentioned in the narrative, include it in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Consistency in applying these in-text citation rules ensures clarity and adherence to APA style guidelines for session laws.
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Reference List Entry Structure for Session Laws
When creating a reference list entry for session laws in APA style, it is essential to follow a structured format that ensures clarity and consistency. Session laws, which are statutes enacted by a legislative body during a specific session, require specific elements to be included in their citation. The general structure for citing session laws in APA style begins with the name of the jurisdiction responsible for the law, followed by the year of enactment in parentheses. This is then followed by the title of the session law, which should be italicized. For example, the entry might start as follows: *State of [Jurisdiction] (Year). Title of the Session Law*.
The next critical component in the reference list entry is the volume and session information. Session laws are often published in volumes specific to the legislative session, so including this detail is crucial. The format for this part typically includes the volume number, abbreviated as "vol." followed by the session number, if applicable. For instance, it could appear as: *vol. [Volume Number], [Session Number]*. This information helps readers locate the exact law within the published session documents. After the volume and session details, the page or section number where the law appears should be provided. This is formatted as "p." for a specific page or "§" followed by the section number, ensuring precision in referencing the law's location.
In addition to the core elements, APA style requires the inclusion of the publisher or source of the session law. This is particularly important when the law is accessed through a specific database or compilation. The publisher's name should be provided, followed by the URL or DOI if the law is retrieved online. For example, if the session law is accessed via a legal database, the entry might conclude with: *LexisNexis. http://www.lexisnexis.com*. This ensures that readers can trace the source of the citation accurately. If the law is from a print source, the publisher's location and name should be included instead.
Another important consideration is the handling of public or private laws within session laws. If the citation refers to a specific public or private law, this should be indicated clearly. For public laws, the format typically includes the abbreviation "Pub. L." followed by the law number and the year of enactment. For private laws, "Priv. L." is used instead. This distinction helps differentiate between the types of laws being cited. For example, a public law citation might appear as: *Pub. L. [Law Number]-[Year]*.
Finally, consistency and attention to detail are paramount when structuring reference list entries for session laws in APA style. Each element, from the jurisdiction and year to the volume, page, and publisher, must be accurately represented. This ensures that the citation is both reliable and useful for academic or professional purposes. By adhering to the prescribed format, researchers and readers can easily locate and verify the session laws referenced in a document, thereby upholding the integrity of the citation process.
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Examples of Citing Federal and State Session Laws
When citing federal and state session laws in APA style, it is essential to include specific elements that clearly identify the law, its jurisdiction, and its publication details. Below are detailed examples to guide you through the process.
Example 1: Citing a Federal Session Law
To cite a federal session law, begin with the popular name of the law (if applicable), followed by the year of enactment in parentheses. Next, provide the volume and page numbers from the United States Statutes at Large (Stat.), the official source for federal session laws. For instance:
"Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010). 124 Stat. 119."
This citation includes the law's name, year, and its location in the Statutes at Large. If the law is commonly referred to by its popular name, it can be used in the text, but the full citation should appear in the reference list.
Example 2: Citing a State Session Law with a Popular Name
For state session laws with a popular name, follow a similar structure to federal laws but include the state abbreviation after the title. Use the state's official session law publication for the volume and page numbers. For example:
"California Clean Air Act (2015). Cal. Stat. 2015, ch. 123 (Vol. 1, p. 456)."
Here, "Cal. Stat." indicates California Statutes, followed by the year, chapter number, and volume and page information. This format ensures clarity and completeness.
Example 3: Citing a State Session Law Without a Popular Name
If a state session law does not have a popular name, cite it using the chapter and session information. Include the state abbreviation, year, chapter number, and session law publication details. For instance:
"New York Laws 2020, ch. 56 (Vol. 2, p. 789)."
This citation directly references the chapter and volume/page numbers from the New York session laws, making it easy to locate the specific law.
Example 4: Citing a Federal Session Law Without a Popular Name
When a federal session law lacks a popular name, cite it using the public law number and Statutes at Large reference. For example:
"Pub. L. No. 116-136 (2020). 134 Stat. 654."
Here, "Pub. L. No." stands for Public Law Number, followed by the congressional session number, year, and Statutes at Large citation. This format is concise and adheres to APA guidelines.
Example 5: Citing a State Session Law with a Codified Reference
If a state session law has been codified, you may include both the session law and codified references for added clarity. For example:
"Texas Open Beaches Act (2017). Tex. Stat. 2017, ch. 45 (Vol. 3, p. 234); codified at Tex. Nat. Res. Code § 61.011."
This citation provides the session law details and the codified section, allowing readers to trace the law's origin and current location in the state code.
By following these examples, you can accurately cite federal and state session laws in APA style, ensuring your references are both precise and accessible. Always verify the specific publication details for the jurisdiction in question to maintain accuracy.
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Frequently asked questions
Session laws are the published laws enacted by a legislative body during a specific session. They differ from codified laws (e.g., U.S. Code) because they are cited by session, year, and page number. In APA, session laws are treated as reports or documents, requiring specific elements like the jurisdiction, session number, and law title.
To cite a session law in APA, use the following format:
*Jurisdiction, Legislature. (Year). Title of the Act, *Session Laws* Session Number, Page Number. Example: *United States, Congress. (2020). Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, *Session Laws* 116th Cong., 123 Stat. 1313.*
While the public law number is often included in legal citations, APA style focuses on the session law format. If the public law number is essential for clarity, it can be added after the session information, but it is not required.
Session laws are typically available through government databases, such as the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) or state legislative websites. Online legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis also provide access to session laws.
For in-text citations, use the short title of the act and the year in parentheses. Example: (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, 2020). If the title is long, use a shortened version and include the full title in the reference list.
