Legal Studies Research Guide
Writing Guide

The University's policy concerning Academic Honesty sets out the requirements for all students in their academic work. Read the policy on plagiarism and adhere to it when you are writing papers for your classes. You are responsible for fully acknowledging the source of all information you use in your research. The titles listed below will assist you in this process. 

Most disciplines adopt a particular style of citing sources for a research paper. Scholars in law most often use The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. Under Legal Citation Styles, you will find a reference to this title, as well as one that will help you use The Bluebook.  If you are not required to use The Bluebook, ask your instructor if he or she has a preference for a particular style manual. The titles listed under General Citation Guides are or are related to the APA and Chicago style manuals. If you are asked to use another citation style, ask a librarian for more information. Also, under Grammer and Style below, you will find guides to grammar, spelling, punctuation and other writing preferences.

Legal Citation Styles

The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation
(UM Ref. Desk KF 245.B58)

User's Guide to the Bluebook
(KF Ref. Desk KF 245 D853)
This guide helps interpret The Bluebook as some sections can be difficult to follow.

General Citation Guides

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
(Ref. desk BF76.7 .P83 2001) or (Reserve BF76.7 .P83 2001)

See also Electronic References (excerpted from the APA)

Chicago Manual of Style
(Ref. desk Z253 .U69 2003) or (Reserve Z 253. U69 2003)

See also Chicago Manual of Style Citation Guide (from Ohio State University) or the Chicago Manual of Style (from University of Georgia)

Grammar and Style

The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr.
(Ref PE1408 .S772 2000)
Succinctly explains basic rules on writing style, form, composition, capitalization, spelling, and grammar.

The Online English Grammar, Anthony Hughes
Provides many details of English Grammar.

Oxford Reference Online
Contains a large group of English Language reference tools covering usage, style, grammar, language, and etymology.

A Writer's Reference, Diana Hacker
(Ref. PE1408 .H2778 2003) or (Reserve PE1408 .H2778 2003)
A highly recommended guide arranged in a quick-reference format.