What Is Citation? Understanding the Legal Meaning of Citation When entering into a legal process, it is important to understand the full meaning of each term you encounter. One such term is citation, which has a precise legal meaning. Here, we will clarify the meaning of citation and explore the ways it is used in the legal system. What Is Citation in the Legal System? In legal terms, a citation is a reference to a source of legal authority. This could include case law, statutes, regulations, legal treatises, and general legal resources. This citation is necessary for legal arguments, as parties must refer to the relevant sources of authority in order to make their arguments. How Is Citation Used in a Legal Argument? When a legal issue arises in a dispute, the parties involved generally must argue which of the applicable sources of authority (case law, statutes, etc.) should be used to determine the outcome. This typically involves each party presenting their own citations and then attempting to prove how the authority supports their position. Depending on the facts of the case, a decision can be made based on a single authority or multiple sources. Example of Citation in Action Let’s say that Company A and Company B are involved in a dispute over a contract. Company A believes that the contract was not legally valid, as it was not properly executed. To make their case, Company A’s attorney must cite to the relevant authority. In this case, the attorney might cite to case law to support the contention that the contract is not valid. Conclusion Understanding the term “citation” is critical for legal parties. Citation is the process by which parties cite to relevant sources of authority in order to determine the outcome of a legal dispute. Armed with the knowledge of this crucial legal term, you will be prepared to face any legal process with greater confidence.