To all:
I do like the idea of adding the paragraph or section number to a
case citation, making it easier to find the quote. However, I think that
the volume and page numbers should be kept as well. This would enable a
researcher to zero in on a specific phrase, from jurisdiction to case to
phrase. For example, when I quickly write down a cite in my notes, I
just give the volume, series, page (e.g. 87 F3 192), because I have the
full cite written down somewhere above. It seems to me that constantly
writing the name or date would be a bit inefficient or confusing. Also,
it would be less of jolt to the "system" (not to mention the Blue Book)
to simply add a par. or sec. symbol to new case citations than to have a
dual system-one for "old" cases and one for "new" cases. Still, the idea
of adding a quicker way to find a phrase is good.
Robert Jacoby
Law library student
U of Washington
Seattle, WA
On Fri, 19 Nov 1993, Lynn Foster, UALR Law Library wrote:
> Isn't it time to start citing cases a new way? Courts could assign
> each paragraph of the case a number, so a pinpoint cite would look like
> this: United States v. Green, [par symbol] or [sec. symbol] 3 (8th Cir.
> April 1, 1993). Citing the complete date would enable researchers to
> find cases with no problem, and it would enable paper compilations of cases
> to be arranged in date order.
>
> Now that so many courts have their opinions on electronic bulletin boards,
> maybe this idea's time has come. Rita Reusch (at University of Utah) and I
> have been discussing this sporadically for years, and she alerted me to a
> Judicial Conference proposal at 56 Fed. Reg. 38457 (Aug. 13, 1991). It
> appears to have bitten the dust. Right now, the Judicial Electronic Data
> and Document Interchange Committee of the ABA Science and Technology Section
> is circulating a proposed resolution that calls for just this type of change
> in case citation form. Rita was kind enough to fax me this resolution, and
> she and I would be happy to fax a copy to anyone who contacts us. Maybe
> someone who has a scanner could put the text onto LAWLIB.
>
> Think about it: if paragraphs were numbered, you could cite a case using
> ANY version--the EDOS electronic bulletin board version, WESTLAW, LEXIS,
> CD ROM, looseleaf--you name it.
>
> We think AALS and AALL should enact similar resolutions. How about it?
>
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