Parallel Citations

Definition

Parallel citations refer to the practice of providing multiple citations for the same legal authority from different sources. This often occurs when a case is reported in more than one reporter, allowing researchers and practitioners to find the same case in various formats. By providing parallel citations, legal professionals ensure that they are accessing comprehensive information about the case and can reference it according to different citation systems used in legal writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parallel citations typically include both the official reporter citation and any unofficial reporters where the case may also be published.
2. This practice is essential in jurisdictions where multiple reporters exist, making it easier for legal professionals to find and cite cases accurately.
3. When using parallel citations, it's important to understand which citation format is preferred by the court or legal authority you are dealing with.
4. In addition to cases, parallel citations can also apply to statutes and regulations when they are published in different collections.
5. Providing parallel citations helps avoid confusion and ensures comprehensive research by allowing access to varying editions or interpretations of a legal decision.

Review Questions

• How do parallel citations enhance legal research and writing?
  • Parallel citations enhance legal research and writing by providing multiple references to the same legal authority, ensuring that researchers can locate a case across different reporting systems. This allows legal professionals to verify information from various sources and enhances the accuracy of their work. By understanding which reporter might be more authoritative or accessible, practitioners can use parallel citations to better support their arguments and conclusions.
• Discuss the importance of knowing which citation formats are preferred in different jurisdictions when using parallel citations.
  • Knowing which citation formats are preferred in different jurisdictions is crucial when using parallel citations because it ensures compliance with local legal standards and conventions. Each jurisdiction may have specific rules about which reporters are deemed official or authoritative, and using the correct format helps maintain professionalism and credibility in legal documents. Failing to adhere to these preferences could lead to confusion or misinterpretation of cited authorities.
• Evaluate the impact of parallel citations on the accessibility of case law across different reporting systems.
  • The impact of parallel citations on the accessibility of case law across different reporting systems is significant. By providing multiple avenues for finding a case, parallel citations democratize access to legal information, allowing users from various backgrounds to locate relevant cases regardless of their familiarity with specific reporters. This approach not only aids legal professionals but also empowers individuals seeking justice by broadening their ability to find pertinent legal precedents that might influence their situation.

Related terms

Case Law: Case law consists of the law established by the outcomes of former court cases, which are used as precedents in future legal proceedings.

Legal Citation: Legal citation is a standardized way of referencing legal documents, including cases, statutes, and regulations, allowing readers to locate the original source.

Reporter: A reporter is a published series of volumes that contains judicial opinions from a specific jurisdiction, often organized chronologically or by case.