Supra

Definition

The term 'supra' is a Latin word meaning 'above' or 'over,' commonly used in legal citations to refer to a source that has been previously mentioned. It helps streamline legal writing by preventing redundancy, allowing authors to reference earlier sources without repeating full citations. This term plays a vital role in maintaining clarity and conciseness in legal documents, facilitating easy navigation for readers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Supra' is often used in conjunction with page numbers, allowing readers to easily locate the cited source within a longer document.
2. Using 'supra' helps avoid clutter in legal writing, making it easier for judges and attorneys to follow arguments without sifting through excessive citations.
3. 'Supra' is typically employed when a source has already been fully cited previously in the text or footnotes.
4. The use of 'supra' is governed by citation guidelines such as The Bluebook, which provides specific rules for its correct application.
5. Different jurisdictions may have varying rules about how 'supra' is used, so understanding local citation practices is important for effective legal writing.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'supra' improve the clarity and efficiency of legal writing?
  • 'Supra' enhances clarity and efficiency by allowing authors to refer back to previously cited sources without repeating the entire citation. This not only streamlines the text but also helps prevent redundancy, making it easier for readers, such as judges and attorneys, to follow arguments. By using 'supra,' writers can maintain a clean and organized document while ensuring that all necessary references are still accessible.
• Discuss the relationship between 'supra' and other citation forms like footnotes and 'id.' in legal writing.
  • 'Supra' works alongside other citation forms, such as footnotes and 'id.,' to create a comprehensive citation system. While 'id.' refers to the last cited source directly without repetition, 'supra' allows for referencing sources mentioned earlier in a more indirect way. Footnotes often contain detailed citations or explanations that support the main text. Together, these elements help maintain clarity and provide essential references in legal documents.
• Evaluate how variations in the application of 'supra' across different jurisdictions can impact legal research and writing.
  • Variations in the application of 'supra' can significantly impact legal research and writing by necessitating a deep understanding of local citation rules. If an author uses 'supra' incorrectly according to a specific jurisdiction's guidelines, it could lead to confusion or misinterpretation of sources, potentially undermining the credibility of their argument. Therefore, it's crucial for legal professionals to familiarize themselves with jurisdiction-specific practices regarding 'supra,' ensuring their work adheres to established norms while remaining clear and effective.

Related terms

citations: Formal references that credit sources of information or legal precedents used in writing, essential for supporting arguments and providing authority.

footnote: A note placed at the bottom of a page in a document that provides additional information, clarification, or references, often used alongside citations.

id.:

'Id.' is short for 'idem,' meaning 'the same.' It's used in legal citations to refer back to the last cited source without repeating the entire citation.