How to Cite a Legal Case in Vancouver

This guide explains how to format a legal case citation in Vancouver. 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 Vancouver:

Template

Case Name, Volume Reporter Page (Court Year).

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(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
Write the names of the opposing parties separated by 'v' (not italicised). 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. Separate with spaces.
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 needed
If the case was accessed online, add 'Available from:' followed by the URL after the parenthetical.
5
Assign the reference number
Use the next sequential number in your numbered reference list and cite it as a superscript or bracketed number in the text.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Italicising the case name — Vancouver does not use italics.
Omitting the court name in the parenthetical.
Confusing the reporter volume with the page number.
Adding 'Available from:' or a URL when citing a print reporter.
Not placing a full stop at the end of the reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vancouver italicise case names?

No. Vancouver style does not use italics for any element, including case names. Write the case name in regular type.

How do I cite a case from a country other than the US in Vancouver?

Follow the same structure but use the appropriate reporter abbreviation and court name for that jurisdiction. For example, a UK case might use [2023] UKSC 1 as the neutral citation.

Should I include a URL for legal cases in Vancouver?

If you accessed the case from an online database (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), include 'Available from:' followed by the URL. For cases cited from print reporters, a URL is not required.

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

Write the names of the opposing parties separated by 'v' (not italicised). Follow with a comma.

Add the reporter details

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

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 needed

If the case was accessed online, add 'Available from:' followed by the URL after the parenthetical.

Assign the reference number

Use the next sequential number in your numbered reference list and cite it as a superscript or bracketed number in the text.