How to Cite a Legal Case in ACS (3rd Edition)

This guide explains how to format a legal case citation in ACS (3rd Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a legal case in ACS (3rd Edition):

Template

Case Name, Volume Reporter Page (Court Year). URL (accessed Month Day, Year).

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

¹⁵ (superscript number)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954). https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/347/483/ (accessed March 28, 2026).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the case name
List the party names separated by 'v.' Do not italicize in the reference list.
2
Add the reporter information
Include the volume number, reporter abbreviation, and starting page.
3
Include the court and year
In parentheses, add the court abbreviation (if needed) and the year of the decision.
4
Add the URL if accessed online
Provide the URL where the case can be accessed.
5
Include the access date
Add the access date in parentheses after the URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not following standard legal citation format for the reporter information.
Omitting the court name for lower court decisions.
Forgetting to include the access date when citing online.
Italicizing the case name (ACS does not require italicization of case names in the reference list).
Not including the URL when the case was accessed online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ACS handle legal citations?

ACS does not have specific rules for legal citations in chemistry journals. Follow standard legal citation format (similar to Bluebook) and adapt it to ACS's general formatting conventions with superscript numbering.

Are legal cases common in ACS papers?

Legal cases are uncommon in chemistry journals but may appear in policy discussions, patent disputes, or environmental chemistry papers. Follow the standard legal format adapted to ACS conventions.

Do I include an access date for legal cases?

Yes. If the case was accessed online, include the access date in parentheses after the URL, consistent with ACS's requirement for all online sources.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your legal case:

Case Name
Volume
Reporter
Page
Court
Year

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Step-by-Step Guide

Write the case name

List the party names separated by 'v.' Do not italicize in the reference list.

Add the reporter information

Include the volume number, reporter abbreviation, and starting page.

Include the court and year

In parentheses, add the court abbreviation (if needed) and the year of the decision.

Add the URL if accessed online

Provide the URL where the case can be accessed.

Include the access date

Add the access date in parentheses after the URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not following standard legal citation format for the reporter information.

Omitting the court name for lower court decisions.

Forgetting to include the access date when citing online.

Italicizing the case name (ACS does not require italicization of case names in the reference list).

Not including the URL when the case was accessed online.