A textual citation is a method of referencing a particular source of information, like a book or article, to bolster an argument or assertion. It is a way of acknowledging someone’s ideas or research. In legal contexts, it can also be used to refer to a past court case or law that either supports or contradicts a position. Typically, a textual citation includes the author’s name, the title of the work, and the page number where the information is located.
Textual citations are references to legal precedents or authorities, such as cases, statutes, or treatises, that either support or contradict a given position. They are commonly referred to as “cites”. When writing a research paper, it is crucial to include textual citations to indicate the sources of information. In a court case, lawyers may utilise textual citations to bolster their arguments and demonstrate their reliance on legal precedents. Similarly, a patent application may incorporate textual citations to previous patents or publications to establish the lack of novelty or nonobviousness of an invention. These examples exemplify how textual citations serve as evidence and support for specific arguments or positions. By referencing past legal cases, statutes, or publications, individuals can reinforce their arguments and demonstrate their foundation in established legal principles.
A textual citation is a reference to a specific source of information within a legal document or academic paper. It typically includes the author’s name, the title of the source, and the page number or paragraph where the information can be found.
Textual citation is important in legal writing because it allows readers to easily locate and verify the information being referenced. It also helps to give credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism.
Yes, there are specific rules and formats for textual citation depending on the citation style being used. Common citation styles in legal writing include the Bluebook, APA, and MLA. It is important to follow the guidelines of the chosen citation style to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Yes, footnotes can be used as an alternative to textual citations. Footnotes are often used in legal writing to provide additional information or explanations without interrupting the flow of the main text. However, it is still important to include textual citations within the main text to direct readers to the specific sources being referenced.
No, textual citations are not necessary for common knowledge information. Common knowledge refers to information that is widely known and accepted by the general public. However, if there is any doubt about whether the information is common knowledge, it is best to err on the side of caution and include a textual citation.
Yes, online sources can be used for textual citation. However, it is important to ensure that the online source is reliable and reputable. Websites of government agencies, academic institutions, and established organisations are generally considered reliable sources.
If you cannot find the page number for a textual citation, you can use other identifying information such as the paragraph number, section heading, or timestamp (for online sources). If none of these are available, you can use “n.p.” (no page) or “n.d.” (no date) in place of the missing information.
Yes, abbreviations can be used in textual citations as long as they are commonly understood and follow the guidelines of the chosen citation style. For example, “et al.” can be used to abbreviate “et alia” (and others) when citing a source with multiple authors.
No, textual citations are not necessary for your own ideas or analysis. However, if you are referencing or building upon the ideas of others, it is important to provide proper attribution through textual citations.
Yes, block quotes can be used in textual citations when directly quoting a source. Block quotes are indented and formatted differently from the main text to distinguish them. It is important to include the appropriate textual citation after a block quote to indicate the source of the quoted material.
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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- Modern Language Association (MLA):Textual Citation. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/textual-citation/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Textual Citation. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/textual-citation/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Textual Citation. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/textual-citation/
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