Capitalize Legal Case Citations Like Headings
Capitalization
Rulebase Summary
Capitalize citations of legal cases following the same heading rules used for publication titles — capitalize first and last words and all main words, but not articles, short conjunctions, or short prepositions. The format for citations can vary from transcript to transcript and should be discussed with employers. Use italics for case names where possible.
Examples
A. The ruling in brown versus board of education changed everything.
A. The ruling in Brown versus Board of Education changed everything.
Legal case citations follow heading capitalization rules — capitalize main words.
A. We relied on roe v. wade in our brief.
A. We relied on Roe v. Wade in our brief.
Case names are capitalized like titles. Use italics where the format permits.
Transcript Notes
Capitalize citations of legal cases in the same manner as other headings (capitalize first/last words and main words; lowercase short articles, conjunctions, prepositions). The format for citations can vary from transcript to transcript and requires discussion with employers to determine the preferences of the courts.
Italicize the case name in formal citation style. Example: Smith v. Bureau of Disease Prevention and Environmental Control.
Abbreviate 'versus' as v. or vs. in case citations; write out 'versus' in the body of the transcript when not citing a case.
Style Guide References (4)
Morson's
BGGP
Morson's
Morson's