How to Cite a Statute or Legislation in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography)

This guide explains how to format a statute or legislation citation in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography). 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 statute or legislation in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography):

Template

Note: Title of Act, Code Abbreviation § Section number (Year). Bibliography: Statutes are typically cited in notes only. If included: Title of Act. Code Abbreviation § Section number. Year.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

1. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 (2009).

Bibliography Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your bibliography:

Bibliography entry

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 42 U.S.C. § 12101. 2009.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the name of the act
Italicize the official name or popular name of the statute (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990).
2
Add the code and section
Include the title number, the abbreviated code name (e.g., U.S.C.), the section symbol (§), and the section number.
3
Include the year of the code edition
In parentheses, include the year of the code edition you consulted, not necessarily the year the statute was enacted.
4
Add a URL if accessed online
If you accessed the statute through an online legal database, include the URL.
5
Decide on bibliography inclusion
Chicago recommends citing statutes in notes only. If required by your instructor, create a bibliography entry following the format shown.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Including statutes in the bibliography — Chicago generally cites them in notes only.
Omitting the section symbol (§) or using 'Section' spelled out instead.
Using the year the act was originally passed instead of the year of the code edition cited.
Forgetting to italicize the name of the act in the note.
Not including the full code abbreviation (e.g., writing 'USC' instead of 'U.S.C.').

Frequently Asked Questions

Do statutes go in a Chicago bibliography?

Generally, no. Like legal cases, statutes are cited in footnotes or endnotes. If a statute is central to your paper and your instructor requires it, you may include it in the bibliography.

What year do I use for the statute — the year it was passed or the code year?

Use the year of the code edition you cited, which reflects the most recent compilation. This may differ from the year the statute was originally enacted.

How do I cite a state statute in Chicago style?

Follow the same format but use the state code abbreviation: Clean Indoor Air Act, N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 1399-n (McKinney 2023).

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your statute or legislation:

Title
Code/Volume
Section
Year
Jurisdiction

Generate citations automatically with CiteDash

Stop formatting citations by hand. CiteDash automatically generates accurate Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography) citations for all your sources while you research and write.

Start Free Trial More Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography) Guides

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a statute or legislation in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography):

Template

Note: Title of Act, Code Abbreviation § Section number (Year). Bibliography: Statutes are typically cited in notes only. If included: Title of Act. Code Abbreviation § Section number. Year.

Step-by-Step Guide

Write the name of the act

Italicize the official name or popular name of the statute (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990).

Add the code and section

Include the title number, the abbreviated code name (e.g., U.S.C.), the section symbol (§), and the section number.

Include the year of the code edition

In parentheses, include the year of the code edition you consulted, not necessarily the year the statute was enacted.

Add a URL if accessed online

If you accessed the statute through an online legal database, include the URL.

Decide on bibliography inclusion

Chicago recommends citing statutes in notes only. If required by your instructor, create a bibliography entry following the format shown.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Including statutes in the bibliography — Chicago generally cites them in notes only.

Omitting the section symbol (§) or using 'Section' spelled out instead.

Using the year the act was originally passed instead of the year of the code edition cited.

Forgetting to italicize the name of the act in the note.

Not including the full code abbreviation (e.g., writing 'USC' instead of 'U.S.C.').