The State Bar of Wisconsin has recently released a revised edition of the Wisconsin Guide to Citation. The new Tenth Edition contains the following updates:
- Table T2 (Foreign Jurisdictions) has moved online (http://www.legalbluebook.com) with the 21st edition of The Bluebook. This provides two benefits: (1) the material can be updated more frequently online, and (2) the book is substantially thinner. (p. 5)
- While it is easier to look to one table for citations to case names, institutional names, and periodical titles, be sure to check the revised table: familiar abbreviations might have changed, and many more terms are included in Bluebook table T6. (p. 12)
- As of the 21st edition of The Bluebook, rule 1.4 “no longer dictates an order of authorities within a signal.” Per the revised rule, “[a]uthorities should be ordered in a logical manner.” Bluebook R. 1.4. (p. 21) (Examples continue to illustrate the prior practice for ordering string citations based on the 20th edition of The Bluebook)
- Generally “[c]ite to the docket number of a case exactly as it appears on court documents. However, an initial digit preceding a colon and a judge’s initials at the end of the docket number may be omitted.” Bluebook R. 10.8.1. (p. 34)
- Include a timestamp for an internet citation whenever applicable. Bluebook R. 18.2.2(c). (p. 37)
- “If the online resource has been updated or corrected on a date different from the online publication date, use that date in lieu of the original online publication date.” Id. (p. 37)
- A note regarding a statute’s amendment should be included even if the subsection cited was not affected by the amendment. Bluebook R. 12.7.3. (p. 63)
- Citations to online official statutes or ordinances can be directly cited regardless if they are also available in print. Bluebook R. 12.5(b). (p. 70)
Thanks to Margie DeWind, Attorney Editor at the State Bar of Wisconsin for this list of updates.
The Wisconsin Guide to Citation is available from PINNACLE in print or electronically via Books Unbound.
As a practical resource for Wisconsin attorneys, support staff, law clerks, and other legal professionals, the Guide emphasizes Wisconsin authorities. This fills the gaps left by The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, the publication that sets the citation standards nationally, and the standard adopted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
In addition, you’ll find examples of citations to Wisconsin administrative proceedings and appeals, and sources for copies of such decisions.
This short video explains how Wisconsin’s guide works in conjunction with the Bluebook.