Constitution citations follow Bluebook Rule 11. The U.S. Constitution is cited by article, section, or amendment using standard abbreviations. For example: U.S. Const. art. I, § 8, cl. 3 or U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1.
State constitutions are cited with the state abbreviation followed by "Const." and the relevant article, section, or amendment. For example: Cal. Const. art. I, § 7. Always verify the correct state abbreviation in Bluebook Table T1.
When citing a specific clause or section, include it after the article or amendment. Use section and clause abbreviations as shown in Bluebook Rule 11.
U.S. Constitution Article
U.S. Const. art. I, § 8, cl. 3.
U.S. Constitution Amendment
U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1.
State Constitution
N.Y. Const. art. I, § 11.
State Constitution Amendment
Tex. Const. amend. I.
Use U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1. The clause is part of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Yes. Add the clause number after the section, such as U.S. Const. art. I, § 8, cl. 3.
Use the state abbreviation followed by Const., then the article and section, such as Cal. Const. art. I, § 7.
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Master Bluebook citation format for federal statutes (U.S.C.), state codes, and session laws with proper section symbols, date parentheticals, and code abbreviations.
Learn the Bluebook rules for citing cases from federal and state courts with correct reporter, court, and year format.
Cite books, treatises, and hornbooks with the right author, title, edition, and page format.
Cite websites, online reports, and digital sources with proper author, title, and URL format.
Cite federal and state court rules with correct rule numbers, abbreviations, and parentheticals.
Cite agency decisions, administrative opinions, and guidance documents using Bluebook Rule 14 and 15 conventions.
Format citations for law review articles, journal essays, and academic legal publications following Bluebook Rule 16 conventions.
Format citations for the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Federal Register rules, and state administrative regulations following Bluebook Rule 14.
Format citations for bilateral and multilateral treaties, international agreements, and conventions following Bluebook Rule 21.4.
Disclaimer: While this guide follows Bluebook 21st edition rules, always verify citations with official Bluebook resources or your institution's requirements. This content is for educational assistance only.
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