How to Cite a Government Document in OSCOLA (4th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a government document citation in OSCOLA (4th 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 government document in OSCOLA (4th Edition):

Template

Agency, *Title* (Command/Paper No, Year)

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

See footnote 11 (superscript in text).

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Department for Education, *Educational Excellence Everywhere* (Cm 9230, 2016)

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the issuing body
Use the full name of the government department or agency. Do not abbreviate on first reference.
2
Write the document title
Italicise the title. Use title case.
3
Add the series or command paper number and year
In parentheses, write the paper number (e.g., Cm 1234, HC 567) followed by the year.
4
Include a pinpoint page if needed
Write the specific page number after the closing parenthesis.
5
Do not end with a full stop
OSCOLA footnotes do not end with a full stop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding a full stop at the end of the footnote citation.
Not italicising the document title.
Placing the year outside the parentheses.
Omitting the command paper or series number.
Using abbreviations for the issuing body without first introducing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a UK parliamentary paper in OSCOLA?

Use the format: HC Deb Date, vol Volume, col Column. For Command Papers: Issuing Body, Title (Cm Number, Year). OSCOLA has specific guidance in section 4.5.

Do OSCOLA government document citations end with a full stop?

No. Like all OSCOLA footnote citations, government document citations do not end with a full stop.

How do I cite a government report accessed online?

Add the URL in angle brackets and an accessed date after the main citation: <https://example.com> accessed 28 March 2026

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your government document:

Author/Agency
Title
Publication Number
Publisher
Year
URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Write the issuing body

Use the full name of the government department or agency. Do not abbreviate on first reference.

Write the document title

Italicise the title. Use title case.

Add the series or command paper number and year

In parentheses, write the paper number (e.g., Cm 1234, HC 567) followed by the year.

Include a pinpoint page if needed

Write the specific page number after the closing parenthesis.

Do not end with a full stop

OSCOLA footnotes do not end with a full stop.