Small caps

Definition

Small caps are a typographic style where lowercase letters are designed to appear as uppercase but are smaller in height. This style is commonly used in legal writing, particularly in the context of citations, to provide clarity and consistency while distinguishing certain elements of the text.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Small caps are typically used for case names and other significant elements in legal citations, helping to visually separate them from the surrounding text.
2. In the Bluebook citation system, small caps help convey authority and importance, particularly for parties involved in a case.
3. Using small caps can enhance readability by ensuring that certain terms stand out without being overly distracting.
4. When formatting documents, small caps should be distinct from regular capital letters, maintaining proportionality in size and spacing.
5. Many word processing programs offer a function to easily convert text to small caps, streamlining the citation process for legal writers.

Review Questions

• How does the use of small caps enhance clarity in legal citations?
  • The use of small caps enhances clarity in legal citations by making important elements like case names visually distinct from regular text. This differentiation allows readers to quickly identify key references without confusion. By employing small caps, legal writers create a structured presentation of information that guides readers through complex citations more effectively.
• Discuss the role of small caps within the Bluebook citation system and how they affect the overall presentation of legal documents.
  • Within the Bluebook citation system, small caps play a crucial role by emphasizing case names and parties involved in legal matters. This typographic choice not only aligns with established formatting standards but also reinforces the authority of the cited cases. As a result, the overall presentation of legal documents becomes more professional and consistent, ultimately improving their credibility.
• Evaluate how small caps contribute to effective communication in legal writing compared to other typographic styles like italicization.
  • Small caps contribute to effective communication in legal writing by providing a unique visual emphasis that differs from italicization. While italicization is often used for titles or to highlight terms, small caps specifically denote importance within citations. This targeted approach allows legal writers to maintain focus on critical references while ensuring that other parts of the text remain readable and engaging. By employing both styles strategically, writers can enhance their document's clarity and professionalism.

Related terms

Citation: A reference to a source used in legal writing, which provides the necessary information to locate that source.

Italicization: A typographic style used to emphasize specific words or phrases, often indicating titles of works or terms defined within the text.

Footnote: A reference note placed at the bottom of a page, providing additional information or citations related to the text above.