How to Cite a Website in Bluebook (legal)
In Bluebook an internet source is cited with the author, the page or document title, the website name, the full URL, and a date parenthetical, with last updated or last visited used to fix the time the content existed.
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How to cite a website in Bluebook step by step
- Author or owner. Give the author if named, otherwise the organization or owner of the site.
- Title. Provide the title of the specific page or document, italicized where Bluebook calls for it.
- Website name. Name the site itself, since the page sits within a larger web source.
- URL. Give the full and direct URL to the exact page rather than the home page.
- Date parenthetical. Add a date parenthetical using last updated, or last visited when no posting date is shown.
Bluebook website citation format
Bluebook orders an internet source as author, title, site, URL, and a date parenthetical. The choice of last updated versus last visited depends on what the page shows, which the worked example reflects.
Common website citation variations
When do I use last visited versus last modified for a website in Bluebook?
Use the last modified or last updated date when the page shows one. When no posting or update date appears, use last visited with the date you accessed it.
How do I cite a website with no author in Bluebook?
Begin with the owning organization, or with the title if no author or organization is identifiable, then give the site, URL, and date parenthetical.
How do I cite a PDF posted on a government website in Bluebook?
Cite the document by its title and issuing body, then give the direct URL to the file with the appropriate date parenthetical.
Do I need to archive a web source in Bluebook?
Bluebook encourages citing a stable archived URL for sources likely to change or disappear, adding it so the cited content stays retrievable.
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Website citation FAQ
Does Bluebook require an access date for websites?
A date parenthetical is required; you use last updated where the page is dated, and last visited where it is not.
Should the URL appear in the Bluebook web citation?
Yes. The direct URL to the specific page is given so the source can be located.