The State of Michigan, like other states, utilizes a standardized citation format for legal documents. Understanding this format is crucial for legal professionals, students, and anyone needing to reference Michigan law accurately. This guide will break down the key components of Michigan uniform law citation, answering common questions and providing clear examples.
While there isn't a single, officially named "Michigan Uniform Law Citation" like there is for some other jurisdictions (e.g., the Bluebook for federal and many state courts), Michigan courts and legal publishers generally adhere to a consistent style, drawing heavily from the principles outlined in The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (commonly known as the Bluebook). This means that understanding the core Bluebook principles is key to properly citing Michigan law.
This guide focuses on the practical application of citation rules for common Michigan legal sources.
What are the key components of a Michigan case citation?
A Michigan case citation generally follows this format:
- Case Name: Plaintiff v. Defendant. (Note: Italicize the case name.)
- Reporter Volume: Number indicating the volume of the reporter.
- Reporter Abbreviation: Shortened name of the reporter (e.g., Mich., Mich. App., N.W.).
- Page Number: The page number where the case begins.
- Year (Optional but Recommended): The year of the decision, usually included in parentheses after the reporter information.
Example: People v. Smith, 472 Mich. 568 (1985).
This example shows a Michigan Supreme Court case. Note the italicization of the case name, the volume number (472), the reporter abbreviation (Mich.), the page number (568), and the year (1985).
How do I cite a Michigan Court of Appeals case?
Citations for Michigan Court of Appeals cases use a similar structure, but the reporter abbreviation changes to reflect the appellate court.
Example: Doe v. Roe, 287 Mich. App. 123 (2010).
Here, "Mich. App." indicates the Court of Appeals.
How do I cite Michigan statutes?
Michigan statutes are cited using the Michigan Compiled Laws (M.C.L.) or Michigan Statutes Annotated (M.S.A.) citation systems. While both refer to the same laws, they have different numbering and organizational schemes. It's crucial to be consistent and use either M.C.L. or M.S.A. throughout your work; mixing them is discouraged.
Example using M.C.L.: M.C.L. § 600.2922
Example using M.S.A.: M.S.A. § 27A.2922 (Note the different section number.)
The "§" symbol indicates "section."
How do I cite Michigan administrative rules?
Michigan administrative rules are cited by referencing the specific rule number within the Michigan Administrative Code (MAC).
Example: Mich. Admin. Code r. 338.3010(2).
What about Michigan Attorney General opinions?
These are cited by referencing the Opinion number and year.
Example: 1998 Mich. AG Op. 123.
What resources can help me with Michigan legal citation?
While there isn't a singular, official Michigan style guide, consulting The Bluebook remains highly recommended. Many Michigan law schools and libraries offer citation guides adapted to Michigan-specific contexts. Check with your local law library or legal research service for additional resources. The Michigan State Bar website may also have helpful information on legal writing and citation.
This guide provides a foundational understanding of Michigan legal citation. Remember that complex legal documents might require more nuanced application of citation rules. Consult a legal style guide or experienced legal professional for assistance with more intricate citation issues.
