Where should 'et seq.' be placed in a statute citation?

Study for the Bluebook Citation Test. Access comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Where should 'et seq.' be placed in a statute citation?

Explanation:
et seq. means “and the following,” and it is placed after the first cited section to show that the reference includes that section and the sections that come after it. In a statute citation you attach et seq. to the initial section number (and any subdivisions you’re including) so readers understand the citation covers the continuing parts of the statute, not just the single section. That makes the placement after the first cited section the best choice. For example, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 et seq. signals that you’re referring to § 1983 and the subsequent sections of that title. If you only meant § 1983, you would omit et seq. It wouldn’t be placed in the caption, before the title of the statute, or at the end of the citation in brackets, because those positions would not conform to standard Bluebook practice for signaling continuation of statutory text.

et seq. means “and the following,” and it is placed after the first cited section to show that the reference includes that section and the sections that come after it. In a statute citation you attach et seq. to the initial section number (and any subdivisions you’re including) so readers understand the citation covers the continuing parts of the statute, not just the single section.

That makes the placement after the first cited section the best choice. For example, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 et seq. signals that you’re referring to § 1983 and the subsequent sections of that title. If you only meant § 1983, you would omit et seq.

It wouldn’t be placed in the caption, before the title of the statute, or at the end of the citation in brackets, because those positions would not conform to standard Bluebook practice for signaling continuation of statutory text.