REFERENCING GUIDE 2006 - SOL

Introduction

• Guidebook Title: USP School of Law Guidebooks: Legal Referencing

• Author: Anita Jowitt (2006)

• Copyright Notice: All content is © Anita Jowitt.

• Use of Content: Students can print off copies for personal use.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction to Legal Referencing

1. Why is Referencing Important? (Page 4)

   • Reasons for referencing: avoid plagiarism, allow audience to find sources, show idea support.

   • Definition of referencing: attributing contributions to your work.

2. Good Sources (Page 6)

   • Primary vs Secondary Sources: Primary sources are laws (cases, statutes); secondary sources comment on law (books, articles).

   • CARS Framework: Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support when evaluating sources.

3. Footnotes, Endnotes, Style Guides, Bibliographies (Page 12)

   • Importance of footnotes/endnotes over in-text referencing in law.

4. When and How to Reference (Page 15)

   • Guidelines on quoting, paraphrasing, and inserting referencing.

5. Typing an Assignment (Page 23)

   • Instructions on inserting reference marks and formatting text in Word.

6. Common "Referencing Crimes" (Page 26)

   • Types: dishonest practice, plagiarism, poor referencing.

Section 2: The Style Guide

7. Using the Style Guide (Page 30)

8. Books (Page 31)

   • Requirements for referencing books.

9. Journal Articles (Page 32)

   • Requirements for referencing journal articles.

10. Online Material (Page 33)

11. Cases (Page 34)

12. Statutes (Page 36)

Appendices

1. Quick Reference (Page 37)

   • Examples of referencing major primary and secondary sources.

2. Pacific Law Report Series (Page 39)

3. Law Report Abbreviations (Page 40)

Acknowledgements

• Thanks to the USP School of Law for research funding and to a team of law students for their contributions.

Key Points on Referencing

Importance of Referencing

• Good referencing enhances credibility and substance.

CARS Framework

• Credibility: Can you trust the source?

• Accuracy: Is the content correct?

• Reasonableness: Is it fair or objective?

• Support: Are claims backed by references?

Plagiarism Consequences

• Serious academic offense leading to penalties including loss of marks or suspension.

• Ethical implications for law students regarding integrity in practice.

Effective Quoting and Paraphrasing

• Always credit original authors when quoting or paraphrasing.

• Short quotes (less than 50 words) use inline; long quotes should be indented.

Use of Style Guides

• Necessary for maintaining consistency in referencing.

• Follow specific applicable guidelines based on the type of material cited.