NFPA Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE)Legal ResearchMedium
A paralegal is preparing a legal brief and needs to cite a specific page from a state appellate court opinion that was published in a regional reporter. According to Bluebook rules, which of the following is the correct format for a pinpoint citation (pincite) for page 245 of a case beginning on page 230 of Volume 876 of the South Western Reporter, Third Series?
- A876 S.W.3d 230 (2020) p. 245.
- B876 S.W.3d 245 (2020).
- C876 S.W.3d 230, at 245 (2020).
- D876 S.W.3d 230, 245 (2020).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 876 S.W.3d 230, 245 (2020).
Bluebook Rule 3.3(a) dictates that a pinpoint citation to a specific page within a case should immediately follow the first page of the case, separated by a comma. The year of decision is then placed in parentheses at the end.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The 'p.' before the page number and the placement of the year before the pinpoint are incorrect Bluebook formatting.
- B. This only cites the pinpoint page, omitting the first page of the case, which is required.
- C. The use of 'at' before the pinpoint page is incorrect in Bluebook format for cases.
Bluebook Pinpoint Citation (Pincite)
A Bluebook citation that refers to a specific page or pages within a longer source, typically a case or article.
- Follows the first page of the source, separated by a comma.
- Used to direct the reader to the exact location of quoted or referenced material.
- Essential for precise legal argument and research verification.
Memory trick: Cite the start, then the spot, and wrap it with the year.