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How to Cite in Bluebook Format

The term "blue book exam" refers to a type of in-class examination. In many colleges and universities, blue book exams are administered in a standard format in which the instructor hands out a separate question sheet and booklets containing blank, lined paper. Student write their answers inside the booklets and return the booklets and question sheets to the instructor at the end of the exam period. Because booklets with blue covers are a longstanding tradition in so many institutions, instructors often use the term "blue book" for many types of in-class examinations, even when using booklets of other colors or online examination systems. "Bluebook" citation format is used exclusively in legal writing, to cite court cases, decisions and other statute and case law.

Instructions

  1. Citation Formats

    • 1

      Use the standard citation format employed in the course for open-book exams, whether MLA, APA or another style.

    • 2

      Don't worry about precise citation formats for most closed-book exams. Professors will not expect you to use full MLA or APA format citations during in-class exams. Instead, use simplified parenthetical citations of the author and title of the relevant source. For example, in a blue book exam you might write: "Rhetoric is a counterpart of dialectic." (Aristotle, "Rhetoric").

    • 3

      Use the correct format recommended in the 19th edition of "The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation" for legal writing or exams that test your specific ability to follow standards of law review citations. This reference manual ensures uniformity and clarity when making legal arguments. It is available spiral-bound and as an online subscription.

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