How to Bluebook Cite a Website: A Journey Through the Labyrinth of Legal Citation

How to Bluebook Cite a Website: A Journey Through the Labyrinth of Legal Citation

Citing a website in Bluebook format can feel like navigating a labyrinth, where every turn presents a new rule or exception. The Bluebook, a uniform system of citation, is the bible for legal professionals and students alike. It provides a structured way to reference sources, ensuring clarity and consistency in legal writing. However, when it comes to citing websites, the rules can be particularly intricate, often leaving even seasoned legal scholars scratching their heads.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics of citing a website, it’s essential to grasp the foundational principles of Bluebook citation. The Bluebook is divided into several sections, each addressing different types of sources, from cases and statutes to books and periodicals. Websites fall under the category of “Electronic Media,” which includes online sources like blogs, databases, and, of course, websites.

The general format for citing a website in Bluebook style includes the following elements:

  1. Author: If available, the author’s name should be listed first, followed by a comma.
  2. Title of the Webpage: The title of the specific webpage or article should be in italics.
  3. Website Name: The name of the website should be in regular font, followed by a comma.
  4. URL: The full URL of the webpage should be included, enclosed in angle brackets.
  5. Date of Access: The date you accessed the website should be in parentheses, followed by a period.

The Author Conundrum

One of the first challenges in citing a website is determining the author. Unlike books or journal articles, websites often do not have a clear, single author. In such cases, the Bluebook allows for the use of the website’s name as the author. However, if the website is a collaborative effort or if the author is an organization, the rules become more nuanced.

For example, if you’re citing a webpage from the American Bar Association (ABA) website, and no individual author is listed, you would use “American Bar Association” as the author. But if the webpage is authored by a specific individual within the ABA, you would list that person’s name instead.

The Title Tango

The title of the webpage is another area where precision is key. The Bluebook requires that the title be italicized, but only if it is a standalone work. If the webpage is part of a larger website, the title should be in regular font, and the website name should be italicized.

For instance, if you’re citing an article titled “The Future of Legal Education” on the Harvard Law Review website, the citation would look like this:

However, if the article is part of a larger section, such as a blog post within the Harvard Law Review website, the title would not be italicized, and the website name would be.

The URL Quandary

The URL is perhaps the most straightforward element of a website citation, but even here, there are nuances. The Bluebook requires that the full URL be included, but it also allows for the use of a shortened URL if the full URL is excessively long. However, this is generally discouraged unless the shortened URL is provided by the website itself.

Additionally, the Bluebook specifies that the URL should be enclosed in angle brackets, which can be a point of confusion for those unfamiliar with the format. For example:

The Date of Access Dilemma

The date of access is a critical component of a website citation, as it indicates when the information was retrieved. This is particularly important for websites that are frequently updated or that may change over time. The Bluebook requires that the date of access be included in parentheses, followed by a period.

For example:

  • Date of Access: (Oct. 15, 2023).

However, if the website provides a publication date, that should be included as well, typically in the format of “last updated” or “published on.” This helps to provide context for the information being cited.

Special Cases and Exceptions

As with any set of rules, there are exceptions and special cases when it comes to citing websites in Bluebook format. For example, if you’re citing a webpage that is part of a larger database or online resource, the citation may need to include additional information, such as the name of the database or the specific section of the website.

Similarly, if you’re citing a webpage that is no longer available online, the Bluebook allows for the use of an archived version, such as those provided by the Wayback Machine. In such cases, the citation should include the URL of the archived version, along with the date it was archived.

Practical Tips for Bluebook Website Citations

  1. Double-Check the Author: Always verify whether the webpage has a clear author or if the website name should be used instead.
  2. Be Consistent with Italics: Ensure that the title of the webpage is italicized only if it is a standalone work.
  3. Use Full URLs: Whenever possible, use the full URL, and only shorten it if absolutely necessary.
  4. Include the Date of Access: Always include the date you accessed the website, as this is crucial for verifying the information.
  5. Consult the Bluebook: When in doubt, refer to the Bluebook for specific guidance on citing websites and other electronic sources.

Conclusion

Citing a website in Bluebook format may seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of the rules and a bit of practice, it becomes a manageable task. By paying close attention to the author, title, URL, and date of access, you can create accurate and consistent citations that meet the rigorous standards of legal writing. Remember, the goal of citation is not just to give credit where it’s due, but also to provide a roadmap for others to follow in your research.

Q: What if the website doesn’t have an author? A: If the website doesn’t have a clear author, you can use the name of the website or organization as the author.

Q: How do I cite a webpage that is part of a larger website? A: If the webpage is part of a larger website, the title of the webpage should not be italicized, and the website name should be italicized instead.

Q: Can I use a shortened URL in my citation? A: While the Bluebook allows for shortened URLs, it is generally recommended to use the full URL unless the shortened version is provided by the website itself.

Q: What if the webpage I want to cite is no longer available online? A: If the webpage is no longer available, you can cite an archived version, such as one from the Wayback Machine, and include the URL of the archived version along with the date it was archived.

Q: Do I need to include the date of access in every website citation? A: Yes, the date of access is a crucial component of a website citation, as it indicates when the information was retrieved, which is particularly important for websites that may change over time.