Short Cite v. Id.
Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:22 pm
Can someone please explain to me when to use short cite instead of Id.? I've read the sections of the Understanding Bluebook book what feels like 20 times and I'm still confused. I know you use both only after you've already fully cited to the case previously, but I'm confused on when to use which.
I know I use "Id." when I am citing to the same case as the immediately previous cite, and I use "Id. at page number" if it is the same case as the previous cite but a different page number. But then the text says you use the short form (Pfeifer, 985 A.2d at 987) when there is an intervening case, instead of Id. My main question is if I've cited to a case (full cite) in the first paragraph of my discussion section of my memo would I then use the short cite for that case for the REST of my memo, even if there are 10 cases and 5 paragraphs in between? Second question, if I use a short cite can I immediately follow it with an Id. if I am citing to the same case or would I stick to the short cite?
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!
I know I use "Id." when I am citing to the same case as the immediately previous cite, and I use "Id. at page number" if it is the same case as the previous cite but a different page number. But then the text says you use the short form (Pfeifer, 985 A.2d at 987) when there is an intervening case, instead of Id. My main question is if I've cited to a case (full cite) in the first paragraph of my discussion section of my memo would I then use the short cite for that case for the REST of my memo, even if there are 10 cases and 5 paragraphs in between? Second question, if I use a short cite can I immediately follow it with an Id. if I am citing to the same case or would I stick to the short cite?
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!