For cases:
Step 1: First, identify the existing reporter abbreviation. (Use Bluebook Table 1).
Step 2: Then confirm the jurisdiction and court.
Step 3: Check Table 1 in the Bluebook to identify the preferred reporter; if it is the same as the citation, retrieve the source. If it is different than the citation, you may need to pull the preferred reporter and convert the citation; check with your journal's style guide for instructions.
Step 4: Look to see if a PDF of the correct reporter is available online.
- U.S. Supreme Court cases = U.S. Reports preferred (abbreviated U.S.). If the U.S. Reports version is unavailable, the next option is Supreme Court Reporter; locate the case in Westlaw then look above and to the left of the case name for a PDF icon followed by the words "original image."
- Federal appellate cases = Federal Reporter and Federal Appendix preferred (abbreviated F. and F. App'x). Locate in Westlaw and look above and to the left of the case name for a PDF icon followed by the words "original image."
- Federal district court cases = Federal Supplement preferred (abbreviated F.Supp.). Locate in Westlaw and look above and to the left of the case name for a PDF icon followed by the words "original image."
- State cases = vary, but regional reporter often preferred (abbreviated P., A. N.E., etc.). Check Lexis or Westlaw for PDFs, or the state court websites.
- If the reporter is not available online, search for the print reporter.
Step 5 (if necessary): If you have questions about locating the material, please email referencedesk@law.columbia.edu.