When composing a research paper or academic essay, proper citation of sources, including laws and legal documents, is crucial. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style, widely used in humanities and liberal arts disciplines, offers guidelines for citing various source types, including laws. MLA citations for laws serve two primary purposes: they provide appropriate credit to the original source and enable readers to locate the specific laws referenced.
This article examines the following aspects of MLA citations for laws:
1. Formatting MLA citations for laws
2. In-text citation guidelines
3.
Creating a Works Cited page
4. Examples of MLA citations for laws
5. Common mistakes to avoid
6.
Additional resources for further guidance
By adhering to MLA citation standards for laws, authors ensure academic integrity and facilitate the verification of their sources by readers and other researchers.
Key Takeaways
- MLA citations for laws follow a specific format to properly credit and reference legal sources in academic writing.
- When formatting MLA citations for laws, include the title of the law, the code or statute number, the name of the publisher, and the publication date.
- In-text citations for laws in MLA format should include the title of the law and the section or paragraph number.
- When creating a Works Cited page for laws in MLA format, list the laws alphabetically by title and include all the necessary publication information.
- Examples of MLA citations for laws can include federal laws, state laws, and international treaties, each with their own specific formatting requirements.
- Common mistakes to avoid in MLA citations for laws include missing publication information, incorrect formatting, and improper in-text citations.
- Additional resources for MLA citations for laws can be found in the MLA Handbook, legal citation guides, and online databases for legal sources.
Formatting MLA Citations for Laws
Basic Format for Federal Laws
When citing a federal law, the basic format is as follows: “Title of the Act.” Title of the Code, U.S. Code, Publisher, Year of publication. For example: “Americans with Disabilities Act.” United States Code, Government Printing Office, 1994.
Citing State Laws
The format for citing a state law is similar, with the state abbreviation included: “Title of the Act.” Title of the Code, State abbreviation, Publisher, Year of publication. For example: “California Education Code.” Cal. Educ. Code, West, 2018.
Citing Specific Sections or Paragraphs
When citing a specific section or paragraph within a law, it is important to include the section symbol (§) followed by the section number. For example: “Americans with Disabilities Act.” United States Code, Government Printing Office, 1994, §12101. This allows readers to locate the exact portion of the law being referenced. When citing multiple sections or paragraphs, use an en dash to indicate a range of sections, such as: “Americans with Disabilities Act.” United States Code, Government Printing Office, 1994, §§12101–12213.
In-text Citations for Laws in MLA format
In-text citations for laws in MLA format should include the title of the law or the abbreviated title if it is long, followed by the section symbol (§) and the section number. For example: (Americans with Disabilities Act §12101). If you are referencing multiple sections within a law, you can use an en dash to indicate a range of sections in your in-text citation.
For example: (Americans with Disabilities Act §§12101–12213). In-text citations are essential for providing immediate information about the source of your information within the body of your paper. They allow readers to quickly identify the specific law being referenced and locate it in the Works Cited page for further details.
In some cases, you may need to cite multiple laws within the same sentence or paragraph. In such instances, it is important to separate each citation with a semicolon and maintain a clear and consistent format. For example: (Americans with Disabilities Act §12101; Civil Rights Act §703).
This format ensures that each law is properly credited within the text and allows readers to easily identify each source being referenced.
Creating a Works Cited page for Laws in MLA format
| Law | Author | Title | Publication Date | Publisher | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Rights Act | United States Congress | Civil Rights Act of 1964 | 2 July 1964 | U.S. Government Printing Office | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-78/pdf/STATUTE-78-Pg241.pdf |
| Environmental Protection Act | United States Congress | Environmental Protection Act of 1970 | 2 December 1970 | U.S. Government Printing Office | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-84/pdf/STATUTE-84-Pg845.pdf |
When creating a Works Cited page for laws in MLA format, it is important to include all the necessary elements in a specific order. The basic format for citing a federal law on a Works Cited page is as follows: Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Act.” Title of the Code, U.S.
Code, Publisher, Year of publication. For example: Smith, John. “Americans with Disabilities Act.” United States Code, Government Printing Office, 1994.
When citing a state law, the format is similar: Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Act.” Title of the Code, State abbreviation, Publisher, Year of publication. For example: Smith, John.
“California Education Code.” Cal. Educ. Code, West, 2018.
It is important to note that the author’s name should be listed in reverse order (last name, first name), followed by a period. The title of the act should be italicized and followed by a period. The title of the code should be in plain text and followed by a comma.
The publisher and year of publication should also be included to provide specific details about the source. Additionally, if you are citing a specific section or paragraph within a law on the Works Cited page, you should include the section symbol (§) followed by the section number.
Examples of MLA Citations for Laws
Here are some examples of MLA citations for laws: Federal Law:
Smith, John. “Americans with Disabilities Act.” United States Code, Government Printing Office, 1994. State Law:
Doe, Jane. “California Education Code.” Cal. Educ. Code, West, 2018. In-text citation:
(Americans with Disabilities Act §12101) In-text citation for multiple sections:
(Americans with Disabilities Act §§12101–12213) Works Cited page citation for specific section:
Smith, John. “Americans with Disabilities Act.” United States Code, Government Printing Office, 1994.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in MLA Citations for Laws
Italicizing the Title of the Act
When citing federal or state laws, one common mistake is failing to italicize the title of the act. It is essential to remember that the title of the act should be italicized to indicate that it is a standalone work.
Omitting Essential Details
Another common mistake is omitting essential details such as the publisher and year of publication when citing laws on a Works Cited page. Including these details provides specific information about the source and allows readers to locate it easily.
Formatting In-Text Citations Correctly
In-text citations can also be problematic if not formatted correctly. It is crucial to include the section symbol (§) followed by the section number when citing specific sections within a law in MLA format. Failing to include this symbol can lead to confusion about which part of the law is being referenced. Additionally, it is important to use an en dash to indicate a range of sections when citing multiple sections within a law.
Additional Resources for MLA Citations for Laws
For further guidance on MLA citations for laws, there are several resources available to help you navigate the complexities of legal citations. The MLA Handbook provides detailed guidelines for citing various types of sources, including laws and legal documents. Additionally, online resources such as Purdue Owl and EasyBib offer comprehensive guides and examples for formatting MLA citations for laws.
These resources can provide valuable assistance in understanding and implementing proper MLA citations for laws in your research papers and academic essays. In conclusion, MLA citations for laws are essential for providing proper credit to legal sources and allowing readers to locate specific laws referenced in your writing. By following the guidelines for formatting MLA citations for laws, including in-text citations and creating a Works Cited page, you can ensure that your legal sources are accurately and consistently cited in your research papers and academic essays.
Avoiding common mistakes and utilizing additional resources can further enhance your understanding and implementation of MLA citations for laws in your writing endeavors.
If you are looking for information on how to cite a law in MLA format, you may also be interested in learning more about employment law. Legal Getaway offers a comprehensive article on employment law, which can provide valuable insights into the legal aspects of the workplace. You can find more information on this topic here.
FAQs
What is MLA format?
MLA format is a style guide for writing and citing sources in the humanities, particularly in the fields of literature and language studies. It provides guidelines for formatting papers, citing sources, and creating a works cited page.
How do I cite a law in MLA format?
When citing a law in MLA format, include the title of the law, the public law number, the source where it can be found, and the publication date. For example: Title of the Law. Public Law Number. Source, Publication Date.
What is the proper format for citing a federal law in MLA?
When citing a federal law in MLA format, include the title of the law, the public law number, the title of the source where it can be found (e.g., United States Code), the section number, and the publication date. For example: Title of the Law. Public Law Number. United States Code, Section Number, Publication Date.
How do I cite a state law in MLA format?
When citing a state law in MLA format, include the title of the law, the state code or statute number, the title of the source where it can be found (e.g., State Code), the section number, and the publication date. For example: Title of the Law. State Code or Statute Number. State Code, Section Number, Publication Date.
Where can I find more information about citing laws in MLA format?
For more detailed information on citing laws in MLA format, refer to the MLA Handbook or consult the official MLA website. Additionally, your academic institution’s writing center or library may provide resources and guidance on citing legal sources in MLA format.
