Rulebase

Capitalize Court Names; Do Not Capitalize Jury Types

Capitalization

Rulebase Summary

Capitalize the specific names of courts when using their full official name. Do not capitalize the names of the two kinds of juries — grand jury and petit jury — unless preceded by a specific location. In the salutation of a jury charge, capitalize only the first word. Capitalize Court when it refers to the presiding judge or serves as a short form of a superior court already cited. Do not capitalize court when used in a general way.

Morson's Rule 225 · p.135-136 Morson's Rule 226 · p.136 Morson's Rule 227 · p.136 BGGP Capitalization.13 · p.296 BGGP Capitalization.15 · p.297 BGGP Capitalization.16 · p.297 BGGP Capitalization.17 · p.297 BGGP Capitalization.18 · p.297

Examples

A. The case was heard in the superior court of New Jersey.

A. The case was heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey.

The specific name of a court is capitalized.

A. The Grand Jury returned an indictment.

A. The grand jury returned an indictment.

Grand jury is not capitalized unless preceded by a specific location name.

Transcript Notes

Capitalize the specific names of courts when using their full official name. Do NOT capitalize the names of the two kinds of juries — 'grand jury' and 'petit jury' — when standing alone. Note: if 'grand jury' is preceded by a specific location, 'Grand Jury' IS capitalized. In the salutation of a jury charge, capitalize only the first word; capitalize 'Mr. Foreman' or 'Madam Forelady' if used.

Style Guide References (8)

Morson's

Rule 225 Page 135-136

Morson's

Rule 226 Page 136

Morson's

Rule 227 Page 136

BGGP

Capitalization.13 Page 296

BGGP

Capitalization.15 Page 297

BGGP

Capitalization.16 Page 297

BGGP

Capitalization.17 Page 297

BGGP

Capitalization.18 Page 297
See also (3)