U.S.

Definition

The abbreviation 'U.S.' stands for the United States, a federal republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district, and several territories. In legal writing and citation, the term 'U.S.' is particularly significant as it relates to the official reports of the Supreme Court of the United States, commonly cited in case law, short form citations, and structured according to recognized citation manuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'U.S.' is used in legal writing as shorthand for citing cases from the Supreme Court, providing clarity and efficiency in references.
2. When citing cases from the U.S. Supreme Court, writers often use 'U.S.' followed by the volume number and page number to ensure precise identification.
3. 'Short form citations' allow for brevity in legal writing by using 'U.S.' after the first full citation has been provided, making it easier for readers to follow without redundancy.
4. The ALWD Citation Manual includes specific rules regarding how to correctly use 'U.S.' in citations, emphasizing consistency and adherence to established standards.
5. Understanding how to utilize 'U.S.' properly is essential for effective legal communication and is critical for maintaining credibility in legal writing.

Review Questions

• How does the abbreviation 'U.S.' facilitate effective communication in legal writing?
  • 'U.S.' serves as a convenient shorthand in legal writing to reference Supreme Court cases efficiently. By allowing authors to cite these cases succinctly after an initial full citation, it streamlines legal discussions and helps maintain clarity throughout a document. This practice is particularly useful in lengthy documents where case law references are frequent, helping to avoid redundancy while ensuring accurate attribution.
• In what ways do the guidelines of the ALWD Citation Manual assist writers in using 'U.S.' correctly in their citations?
  • The ALWD Citation Manual provides comprehensive rules for citing various legal sources, including Supreme Court cases referenced with 'U.S.'. It emphasizes format consistency, proper order of information, and clear distinction between different sources. By following these guidelines, writers ensure that their use of 'U.S.' is both accurate and standardized, which enhances the credibility and professionalism of their legal documents.
• Evaluate how the use of short form citations involving 'U.S.' impacts legal research and scholarship.
  • Short form citations that include 'U.S.' significantly impact legal research by promoting efficiency and accessibility. They allow scholars and practitioners to reference multiple Supreme Court decisions without overwhelming readers with lengthy citations each time. This practice not only aids in navigating dense legal texts but also fosters a clearer understanding of case law relationships. Moreover, it supports rigorous academic standards by ensuring that original sources remain identifiable while enhancing overall readability.

Related terms

Supreme Court Reporter: The official reporter that publishes opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States, specifically known as 'U.S.' which provides the authoritative text of Supreme Court decisions.

Citation: A reference to a source that provides necessary details about legal cases, statutes, or other authorities used in legal writing, ensuring proper attribution and allowing readers to locate the original sources.

ALWD Citation Manual: A comprehensive guide for legal citation that offers rules and examples for properly citing legal documents and authorities, including how to cite Supreme Court cases correctly.