A paralegal is drafting a legal brief and needs to cite a specific page from a state appellate court opinion. The opinion is published in a regional reporter. According to Bluebook rules, which of the following is the correct format for a pinpoint citation (pincite) to page 45 of a case beginning on page 30?
- A123 S.W.3d 45 (Tex. App. 2020)
- B123 S.W.3d 30, 45 (Tex. App. 2020)
- C123 S.W.3d 30, at 45 (Tex. App. 2020)
- D123 S.W.3d at 45 (Tex. App. 2020)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 123 S.W.3d at 45 (Tex. App. 2020)
Bluebook Rule 3.3(a) states that when citing to a specific page or pages within a document, you should include the page number(s) after the first page of the case and a comma, followed by 'at' if necessary for clarity, but generally just the page number if immediately following the reporter volume and page. However, for a pinpoint citation, the 'at' is typically omitted when the page number follows directly after the volume and first page number, but the question implies the full citation, so 'at' is used before the specific page.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This format incorrectly omits the starting page of the case and only provides the pinpoint page as if it were the case's starting page.
- B. This format incorrectly places the pinpoint page immediately after the starting page, suggesting a page range or general reference.
- C. The 'at' should not be preceded by a comma when used in this context.
Bluebook Pinpoint Citation
A specific reference to a particular page or pages within a larger legal source, typically a case or statute.
- Indicates the exact location of cited material.
- Often denoted by 'at' before the page number(s).
- Crucial for precision in legal writing.
Memory trick: Case name, Reporter, Pinpoint, Court, Year—that's the order clear.