How to Cite a Conference Paper in Bluebook (21st Edition)

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a conference paper in Bluebook (21st Edition):

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Write the author name(s)

   Write the full name(s) of the author(s). Use small capitals for law review format.

2. 2

   Write the paper title

   Italicise the title of the paper. Use title case.

3. 3

   Add the conference details

   In parentheses, write the conference name (abbreviating where Bluebook directs), the dates, and the year.

4. 4

   Include page or manuscript number if available

   If the paper has been assigned a page or document number, include it after the title.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not including the conference name and date in parentheses.
• Using the full association name when a Bluebook abbreviation exists.
• Omitting the page or manuscript number.
• Failing to italicise the paper title.
• Not including a URL or repository link for unpublished papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your conference paper:

• Author(s)
• Year of presentation
• Title of paper
• Conference name
• Location
• Date(s) of conference
• Publisher of proceedings (if published)
• Page range (if in proceedings)
• DOI or URL