Mastering APA Style: How to Cite Legal Documents

Mastering APA Style: How to Cite Legal Documents

Citing legal documents in APA style has its own nuances compared to citing books or articles. Court cases, laws, and statutes follow distinct rules, which might seem puzzling if you're accustomed to the standard author–date format. However, knowing how to cite them correctly enhances the clarity and professionalism of your writing. It also enables readers to quickly locate the exact legal sources you've used.

Why Cite Legal Documents Differently in APA Style

Legal sources don't adhere to the typical author–date system as they're designed for rapid retrieval in legal research. Instead of emphasizing the author, the citation directs readers to the case name, law title, or statute number, which is how legal materials are organized in practice. APA adopts these conventions to suit academic writing while maintaining familiarity for those versed in law.

How to Cite Court Cases in APA Style

Court cases in APA style follow this structure: Format: Name v. Name, Volume Reporter Page (Court Year).

• U.S. Supreme Court: Bartnicki v. Vopper, 532 U.S. 514 (2001). (Bartnicki v. Vopper, 2001)
• Circuit Court: Lawrence v. Heller, 311 F.2d 225 (10th Cir. 1962). (Lawrence v. Heller, 1962)
• District Court: Sohappy v. Smith, 302 F. Supp. 899 (D. Or. 1969). (Sohappy v. Smith, 1969)

How to Cite Laws, Statutes, and Regulations

• Federal statute (U.S. Code): Anti‑Smuggling Act, 19 U.S.C. § 1701 (1935). (Anti-Smuggling Act, 1935)
• Uncodified law (Public Law): Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-2, 123 Stat. 5 (2009). (Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, 2009)
• State law: Code of Virginia § 8.01-243 (2025). (Va. Code § 8.01-243, 2025)

Step-by-Step: Creating a Legal Citation in APA

Legal sources have different formats depending on whether you're citing a court case, statute, or regulation.

1. Identify the type of document.

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