How to cite Court cases in Court Submitions
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2025 12:01 pm
To cite cases in court submissions, generally follow the format: Case Name, Neutral Citation, Reporter, Parallel Citation (if available), Jurisdiction and Court. Use paragraph numbers (paras) instead of page numbers when available, and include pinpoint references when needed.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Case Name:
This is the official name of the case, often including the names of the parties involved (e.g., R. v. Jones, Smith v. City of Victoria).
2. Neutral Citation:
If a neutral citation (e.g., 2012 BCCA 206) is available, use it as the primary citation. This format typically includes the year, court, and case number.
3. Reporter (If applicable):
If the case is also reported in a printed reporter series, provide the reporter citation as well (e.g., 1 DLR 139).
4. Parallel Citation (Optional):
If a case has both a neutral citation and a printed reporter, include the parallel citation.
5. Jurisdiction and Court:
Clearly indicate the jurisdiction (e.g., BC, Canada) and the court where the case was decided.
6. Pinpoint References:
When citing a specific part of the case, add a pinpoint reference, typically to a paragraph number (e.g., at para. 56).
Example:
Neutral Citation Only: R. v. Baldini, 2012 BCCA 206.
With Paragraph Reference: R. v. Baldini, 2012 BCCA 206 at para 56.
With Reporter: Vancouver (City) v Rhodes, 1 DLR 139, 13 WWR (NS) 378 (BCSC).
Important Considerations:
Consistency: Be consistent with your citation style throughout your submission.
Court-Specific Guidelines: Some courts (like the British Columbia Court of Appeal) may have specific citation guidelines. Check the rules of the court to which you are submitting.
Use of Bluebook or McGill Guide: Many lawyers and legal professionals use the Bluebook or the McGill Guide as a reference for legal citation.