Bluebook In-Text Citations
Master Bluebook (21st edition) in-text citations with this complete guide. Learn the correct format for every scenario, including single and multiple authors, direct quotes, and sources with missing information.
In-Text Citation Rules
Below are the Bluebook in-text citation rules for every common scenario you will encounter when writing your paper.
Single Author
Law review: footnote with full citation — ¹ Smith v. Jones, 123 U.S. 456, 459 (2024). | Briefs: id. or supra/infra cross-references
Two Authors
Same footnote format — cite both parties for cases, both authors for secondary sources
Three or More Authors
For law review articles with 3+ authors: use all names or first author et al. per convention
Direct Quote
Pinpoint citation required — ¹ Smith v. Jones, 123 U.S. 456, 459 (2024) ('quoted language').
No Author
Cite by document title with signal (e.g., See Memorandum from DOJ, supra note 5, at 3.)
No Date
Include the year of publication or decision; for pending cases use the current year
Quick Examples
Here are real-world Bluebook in-text citation examples for different source types:
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Cite in Bluebook Now →Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I format an Bluebook in-text citation?
- For a single author in Bluebook, use the format Law review: footnote with full citation — ¹ Smith v. Jones, 123 U.S. 456, 459 (2024). | Briefs: id. or supra/infra cross-references. For two authors, use Same footnote format — cite both parties for cases, both authors for secondary sources. For three or more authors, use For law review articles with 3+ authors: use all names or first author et al. per convention.
- How do I cite a direct quote in Bluebook?
- For direct quotes in Bluebook (21st edition), use the format: Pinpoint citation required — ¹ Smith v. Jones, 123 U.S. 456, 459 (2024) ('quoted language')..
- What if there is no author or no date in Bluebook?
- When there is no author in Bluebook, use: Cite by document title with signal (e.g., See Memorandum from DOJ, supra note 5, at 3.). When there is no date, use: Include the year of publication or decision; for pending cases use the current year.