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Law Journals: Source Pulling and Cite-Checking Resources for Staff Members

Overview

Cite checking is primarily about making sure the sources cited in the footnotes support the author's associated claims- and also ensuring that each citation conforms to required style standards. 

From Stanford, here are some questions to consider when reviewing a footnote:  

  1. Is a citation needed? 
  2. Does the cited authority support the statement made in the text?
  3. Are the introductory signals and parentheticals appropriate according to Bluebook Rule 1? If none present, are one or both needed?
  4. Does the citation include all necessary content (including pincites) and is it formatted properly? (per Bluebook/your journal's style manual)

Bluebook Resources

Bluebook: Many paper copies are available on reserve at the Circulation Desk.  We also subsidize an online Bluebook subscription for journal members- if you do not yet have an account, reach out to your editor to get added!