Introduction to "The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation": Home

This guide is currently being updated to reflect the recent changes made in The Bluebook (20th edition). Please be aware that pages containing this notice may contain out-of-date information.

The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, currently in its 20th edition, is the primary citation manual for American legal documents and publications. Utilized by both law students and practitioners, The Bluebook outlines a uniform system of citation that allows readers to easily locate cited authorities. Although The Bluebook can be intimidating to new users, becoming familiar with its rules is essential to a law student's legal career. Proper application of citation rules reflects on the quality and reliability of legal writing.

This guide is designed to help students master legal citation using The Bluebook with a focus on law review footnote citation form.

CALI lessons are free online tutorials that help students learn the law. There are lessons that will help you with legal research and writing skills, and legal citation.

Before you can access CALI lessons, you will need to create an account using the school's CALI authorization code, found in your orientation packet or available at the library. If you need a code, please email koscieki@udmercy.edu.