Applicable Statute
Any problem that involves the application of a statute, a section of a constitution, or an administrative regulation, set out the exact language of the pertinent parts in this section of the memorandum.
The Bluebook 21st edition lists instructions for using block quotes when there are 50 or more words within a quotation.
There are four rules to remember when creating a block quote:
- This quote needs to be indented on the right and on the left.
- There are no quotation marks included in this quote.
- This quote needs to be single-spaced.
- Use proper Bluebook citation after the quote, outside of the block quote.
Ex –
Upon the filing of the certificate of incorporation by the department of state, the corporate existence shall begin, and such certificate shall be conclusive evidence that all conditions precedent have been fulfilled and that the corporation has been formed under this chapter, except in an action or special proceeding brought by the attorney-general. Notwithstanding the above, a certificate of incorporation may set forth a date subsequent to filing, not to exceed ninety days after filing, upon which date corporate existence shall begin.
If your quote is fewer than 50 words, you will not need to use block quote form. Instead, use quotation marks, double spacing, no additional indents, and cite at the end of the quote. This will be written to look much like any other part of the memorandum.
Ex –
Below is a video about the Applicable Statute section:
