A list of sources mentioned in a book or legal document, organized alphabetically and may have separate sections for cases, statutes, and treatises, is known as an index of authorities or table of authorities. Another name for this list is a table of cases.
An index of authorities is a compiled list of sources that have been referenced in a book or legal brief. Typically, it is organized in alphabetical order and may contain separate sections for cases, statutes, and treatises. The purpose of this index is to assist readers in locating the specific sources that have been utilised to support the arguments or concepts presented in the book or brief. For instance, in the given example, the index of authorities comprises a case (Roe v. Wade), a statute (Americans with Disabilities Act), and a treatise (Black’s Law Dictionary). Each source is accompanied by its appropriate citation format, including the title, author, edition, and year of publication. This facilitates readers in easily locating and referencing the sources that have been referenced in the book or brief.
An Index of Authorities is a legal document that lists all the legal authorities cited in a legal brief, such as cases, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources.
An Index of Authorities is important because it helps the reader easily locate and reference the legal authorities cited in a brief. It provides a comprehensive list of all the sources relied upon by the author.
An Index of Authorities should be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name or the title of the legal authority. Each entry should include the full citation of the authority, including the case name, volume, page number, and year of publication.
It is generally not recommended to omit any authorities from the Index of Authorities. However, if an authority is cited only once and is not of significant importance, it may be excluded. It is best to consult with your legal advisor or follow any specific court rules or guidelines.
The Index of Authorities typically includes only legal authorities, such as cases, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources. Non-legal authorities, such as newspaper articles or academic papers, are usually not included. However, it is advisable to follow any specific court rules or guidelines.
If you are citing multiple authorities from the same source, you can list them separately in the Index of Authorities. Each entry should include the specific page numbers or sections relevant to each authority.
It is generally recommended to include all authorities that were cited in the Index of Authorities, regardless of whether they were relied upon or not. This ensures transparency and allows the reader to verify the accuracy of the citations.
Abbreviations can be used in the Index of Authorities, but they should be consistent and easily understandable. It is advisable to provide a key or legend explaining the abbreviations used.
If you discover any errors or omissions in the Index of Authorities after filing a brief, you may seek permission from the court to file a corrected version. It is important to promptly notify the court and the opposing party about any necessary updates.
The requirement for an Index of Authorities may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific court rules. It is advisable to consult the applicable rules or guidelines to determine whether an Index of Authorities is mandatory for your particular case.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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