How to Cite a Legal Case in AMA 11th Edition

This guide explains how to format a legal case citation in AMA 11th 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 AMA 11th Edition:

Template

*Case Name*, Vol Reporter Page (Court Year).

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

superscript 1

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

*Daubert v Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc*, 509 US 579 (Supreme Court 1993).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the case name
Italicise the full case name. Write the opposing parties separated by 'v'. Follow with a comma.
2
Add the reporter details
Write the volume number, the abbreviated reporter name, and the first page number of the case.
3
Include the court and year
In parentheses, write the court name and the year of the decision. Follow with a full stop.
4
Add a URL if applicable
If the case was accessed online, include the URL after the parenthetical. Write 'Accessed' and the date before the URL.
5
Assign the reference number
Use the next sequential superscript number and cite it in the text at the point of reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to italicise the case name — AMA requires the case name in italics.
Omitting the court name in the parenthetical.
Confusing the reporter volume number with the page number.
Not including the year of the decision in the parenthetical.
Using 'versus' instead of 'v' between party names.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AMA italicise case names?

Yes. AMA style requires the case name to be italicised in both the in-text citation and the reference list entry.

How do I cite a case from a non-US jurisdiction in AMA?

Follow the same structure but use the appropriate reporter abbreviation and court name for that jurisdiction. The case name should still be italicised.

Do I need a URL for legal cases in AMA?

A URL is not required if the case is available in a standard print reporter. If you accessed the case online, include the URL along with an 'Accessed' date.

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

Italicise the full case name. Write the opposing parties separated by 'v'. Follow with a comma.

Add the reporter details

Write the volume number, the abbreviated reporter name, and the first page number of the case.

Include the court and year

In parentheses, write the court name and the year of the decision. Follow with a full stop.

Add a URL if applicable

If the case was accessed online, include the URL after the parenthetical. Write 'Accessed' and the date before the URL.

Assign the reference number

Use the next sequential superscript number and cite it in the text at the point of reference.