Judicial Law Clerk how-to

How to Cite-Check an Opinion

Citations must be perfect.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Citations must be perfect. In short: check; confirm; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Check each case.

  2. Confirm quotes.

  3. Check pin cites.

  4. Verify Bluebook format.

  5. Confirm good law.

  6. Mark corrections.

Safety reminders for judicial law clerks

  • Keep case information confidential
  • Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Follow judicial ethics
  • Don’t discuss pending cases

Bench memo · Opinion · Chambers · Docket · Record · Oral argument: see the full judicial law clerk glossary.

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