Unlocking the Secrets of Referencing Government Documents in APA Style
As a law student or practitioner, the ability to reference government documents in APA style is an essential skill. Whether you`re citing laws, regulations, court cases, or other official publications, it`s important to follow the APA guidelines to ensure accuracy and credibility in your work.
Understanding Basics
Before diving into the specifics of referencing government documents in APA style, it`s important to understand the basic principles. APA style is a widely used citation style in the social sciences and is designed to provide clear and consistent guidelines for citing sources.
When referencing government documents, the key elements to include in your citation are:
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Author | United States Congress |
| Date | (2019) |
| Title | Public Law No. 115-97 |
| Source | Federal Register, 84(1), 1-105 |
Specific Guidelines for Government Documents
When citing specific types of government documents, such as laws, regulations, court cases, or executive orders, there are additional guidelines to consider.
For example, when citing a federal statute, you should include the title of the statute, the publication in which it appears (e.g., United States Code), the section number, and the year it was enacted. Similarly, when citing a court case, you should include the case name, the volume and page number of the reporter, and the year the decision was issued.
Case Study: Referencing a Supreme Court Decision
Let`s take a look at a real-life example of referencing a Supreme Court decision in APA style:
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Case Name | Brown v. Board Education |
| Reporter | 347 U.S. 483 |
| Year | (1954) |
In case, citation would appear follows: Brown v. Board Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
Referencing government documents in APA style may seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of the basic principles and specific guidelines for different types of documents, it becomes much more manageable. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, credible, and compliant with APA style.
Top 10 Legal Questions About Referencing Government Documents in APA
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. How do I reference a government report in APA format? | When referencing a government report in APA format, include the author, publication date, title, and source. For example: Author, A. (Year). Title of report (Report No. Xxx). Publisher Name. DOI URL |
| 2. What information do I need to include when referencing a federal statute in APA? | When referencing a federal statute in APA, include the title of the statute, the publication date, the title of the code, and the section number. For example: Title of Statute, 123 U.S.C. ยง 456 (Year). |
| 3. Can I use government websites as sources in my legal research paper? | Yes, you can use government websites as sources in your legal research paper. Just make sure to properly reference them according to APA guidelines. |
| 4. How should I cite a presidential speech in APA format? | When citing a presidential speech in APA format, include the name of the speaker, the date of the speech, the title of the speech, and the source. For example: Last, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title speech. Address. |
| 5. What is the correct way to reference a government website in APA? | When referencing a government website in APA, include the author (if available), publication date, title of the document or page, and the URL. For example: Author. (Year, Month Date). Title web page. Site Name. URL |
| 6. Can I reference a government document without an author in APA? | If a government document does not have a specific author, you can use the name of the organization or agency as the author in your reference list. |
| 7. How do I cite a government publication with an unknown author in APA? | When referencing a government publication with an unknown author in APA, use the title of the publication in place of the author in the reference list. For example: Title of Publication. (Year). Publisher Name. |
| 8. Can I use a government report as a primary source in my legal writing? | Yes, can use government report primary source legal writing, long properly cite relevant argument. |
| 9. How should I reference a legislative bill in APA format? | When referencing a legislative bill in APA format, include the title of the bill, the bill number, the publication date, and the source. For example: Title of Bill, Bill Number, Publication Date. |
| 10. Is it necessary to include the publication date when referencing government documents in APA? | Yes, it is important to include the publication date when referencing government documents in APA, as it helps the reader locate the source and verify the information. |
Professional Legal Contract: How to Reference Government Documents APA
This Contract (“Contract”) is entered into as of the date signed below (“Effective Date”) by and between the Parties identified below, with reference to the proper format for referencing government documents in the American Psychological Association (APA) style.
| Party 1 | Party 2 |
|---|---|
| Legal References, Inc. | Government Documents Association |
WHEREAS, Party 1 is a legal consulting firm specializing in the provision of guidance on referencing legal documents and Party 2 is an association focused on the proper citation of government documents;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Definitions
For the purposes of this Contract, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“APA Style” means the citation style established by the American Psychological Association for referencing sources in academic and research writing.
“Government Documents” means any publication, report, or other written material issued by a government entity or agency.
2. Obligations
Party 1 shall provide guidance and advice to Party 2 on the proper formatting and citation of government documents in accordance with the APA Style.
Party 2 shall adhere to the guidance and advice provided by Party 1 and shall ensure that its members and affiliates also follow the proper referencing guidelines for government documents in APA Style.
3. Term Termination
This Contract shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated by either Party upon written notice to the other Party.
In the event of termination, both Parties shall continue to adhere to the obligations set forth in this Contract with respect to government document referencing in APA Style.
4. Governing Law
This Contract shall governed construed accordance laws state Party 1 located.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Contract as of the Effective Date.
| Party 1 Signature | Party 2 Signature |
|---|---|
| ______________________ | ______________________ |