Citation Guides/a Restatement

How to Cite a Restatement in Bluebook Format

Learn the correct Bluebook format for citing Restatements of the Law published by the American Law Institute, including the Restatement (Second) and Restatement (Third) across all subjects.

Citation Format

Restatement ([Number]) of [Subject] § [Section] ([Year]).

Citation Components

Restatement Designation

The word 'Restatement' followed by the series number in parentheses. The series is written as an ordinal word: Second, Third, etc. Omit the series number for the original Restatement.

Example: Restatement (Second)

Subject

The area of law covered by the Restatement. Capitalize all principal words.

Example: of Torts

Section

The section symbol followed by the specific section number. Use '§§' for multiple sections.

Example: § 402A

Year

The year the Restatement (or the specific volume) was published by the American Law Institute, in parentheses.

Example: (1965)

Examples

Restatement (Second) of Torts, strict products liability

Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A (1965).

Restatement (Second) of Contracts, consideration

Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 71 (1981).

Restatement (Third) of Torts, physical and emotional harm

Restatement (Third) of Torts: Phys. & Emot. Harm § 3 (2010).

Restatement citing a comment

Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A cmt. i (1965).

Restatement (Third) of Agency

Restatement (Third) of Agency § 2.01 (2006).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Arabic numerals for the series number ('Restatement (2d)' is incorrect -- write 'Restatement (Second)')
Omitting the subject name -- always include 'of Torts,' 'of Contracts,' etc.
Citing a comment or illustration without specifying it -- use 'cmt.' for comment and 'illus.' for illustration after the section number
Italicizing 'Restatement' -- Restatement titles are set in large and small capitals, not italics
Using the wrong year -- the year refers to when the ALI published the specific Restatement volume, not when a court cited it

Tips for Getting It Right

To cite a specific comment, add 'cmt.' and the comment letter after the section: § 402A cmt. i
To cite an illustration, add 'illus.' and the illustration number: § 402A cmt. i, illus. 1
The Restatement (Third) of Torts is published in multiple volumes with subtitles -- include the subtitle (e.g., 'Phys. & Emot. Harm')
Restatements are frequently cited in torts, contracts, and property exam answers -- knowing the correct format helps your credibility
When a state has adopted a Restatement section, note this in a parenthetical: (adopted in [State Name])