I. Case Names
A. When a case is referenced in a textual sentence, the names should conform to the
rules listed below. For example, In Southern Pacific Co. v. Jensen, 244 U.S. 205
(1917), Justice McReynolds stressed the value of uniform laws.
B. When a case is referenced in a separate citation clause or sentence, follow all rules
below, use ordinary roman type, and abbreviate any word contained in T.6 and T.10 of
the Bluebook. Any word over eight letters may also be abbreviated if “substantial
space” is saved and the result is clear. For example, S. Pac. Co. v. Jensen, 244 U.S.
205, 225-26 (1917) (Pitney, J., dissenting).
C. Use only the first listed party on each side
D. Omit “the” as the first word of a party’s name unless it is a part of the commonly
known name. E.g., The Civil Rights Cases.
E. Omit words indicating multiple parties, e.g., “et al.”
F. Phrases like “on the relation of,” “for the use of,” and “on behalf of” should be
abbreviated as ex rel.
G. Phrases like “in the matter of,” “petition of,” “application of,” and similar expressions
should be abbreviated as In re.
H. Abbreviate widely known acronyms (see Rule 6.1(b)), such as N.L.R.B.. C.I.A., etc.,
Also use the following abbreviations: “&,” “Ass’n,” “Bros.,” “Co.,” “Corp.,” “Inc.,” “Ltd.,”
and “No.”
I. Omit terms like “administrator,” “appellee,” “executor,” and “licensee.”
J. Where states are parties:
If:
1. the case name contains “People of,” “State of,” or “Commonwealth of,”
and
2. the court deciding the case is the same as the named state,
Then:
retain the word “People,” “State,” or “Commonwealth.”
E.g., “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Ferrone” becomes Commonwealth v.
Ferrone if a Pennsylvania court decided the case.
If the court deciding the case is not the same as the named state, retain the
name of the state only and drop the preceding phrase.
E.g., Pennyslvania v. Ferrone if the U.S. Supreme Court decided the
case.
K. Never abbreviate “United States.”