Quotations

Abstract

Because law relies so heavily on precedent and stare decisis, it often is tempting to string together a collection of quotes to support an argument. This is a lazy method of writing, and is ineffective as a method of persuasion. This essay provides four guidelines to help the legal writer use quotes effectively: (1) minimizing quotes (especially block and full-sentence quotes), (2) using correct punctuation with quotes, (3) formatting block quotes, and (4) avoiding plagiarism.

Keywords: legal writing, quotation, quote, block quote, punctuation, plagiarism, stare decisis, precedent

JEL Classification: K00