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How to Cite a Court Case in APA (7th edition)

Learn how to cite a court case or legal decision in APA format (7th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

APA Reference List Format

Here is the standard APA format for citing a court case in your reference list:

Case Name, Volume Reporter Page (Court Year).

APA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Case Name, Year)

Narrative

In Case Name (Year), the court held...

Key APA Formatting Rules

  • Case names are italicized in the text but not in the reference list.
  • Include volume, reporter abbreviation, and first page.
  • Include court name and year in parentheses.
  • For US Supreme Court cases, use U.S. as the reporter.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your court case.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the APA (7th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match APA requirements.

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Cite a Court Case in Other Styles

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