Block Quotation Legal Writing6 min read
A block quotation (also called a block quote) is a section of text that is set off from the main text as a quotation. Quotations are typically set off from the main text by indenting the quotation one inch from the margin on the left side of the text.
Block quotations are used to provide extra information or to highlight a particularly important point from the main text. When using a block quotation, it is important to include the author’s name, the title of the work, and the page number where the quotation can be found.
Legal writing often includes block quotations to provide case law or statutes that support the argument being made. When including a block quotation in legal writing, it is important to use the correct formatting to ensure that the quotation is correctly cited.
The following is an example of a block quotation from a legal document:
“The Fourth Amendment protects ‘the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.’ U.S. Const. amend. IV. A search occurs when the government violates a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy. Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347, 361 (1967). A warrantless search is presumptively unreasonable. Illinois v. McArthur, 531 U.S. 326, 330 (2001).”
The Fourth Amendment protects “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” U.S. Const. amend. IV. A search occurs when the government violates a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy. Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347, 361 (1967). A warrantless search is presumptively unreasonable. Illinois v. McArthur, 531 U.S. 326, 330 (2001).
Table of Contents
What is a block quotation in legal writing?
In legal writing, a block quotation is a quotation that is set off from the surrounding text by quotation marks and indented. Block quotations are used to provide a longer quotation than can fit within the margins of a document or to provide a quotation that is too complex to be included in the surrounding text.
What is an example of a block quotation?
A block quotation is a quotation that is set off from the main text by indentation or by a blockquote style. Block quotations are used to highlight a particularly important or lengthy quotation, or to display a quotation that is in a different style from the main text.
When using a block quotation, it is important to include a citation to show where the quotation came from. The citation should include the author’s name and the page number where the quotation can be found.
Are block quotes single spaced in legal writing?
Are block quotes single spaced in legal writing?
That’s a good question. The answer, as with most things legal, is “it depends.”
Generally, block quotes are single spaced in legal writing. This is because block quotes are used to set off text that is quoted or excerpted from another source, and spacing them out makes the text easier to read.
However, there may be occasions when you want to double space a block quote. This can be done for aesthetic reasons, or to distinguish a block quote from the rest of the text.
If you do choose to double space a block quote, make sure to do so consistently throughout the document.
How do you format a block quote in Bluebook?
Bluebook is a citation style used in the legal field. When using Bluebook, block quotes are formatted differently than in other styles.
To format a block quote in Bluebook, you must first indent the entire quote one-half inch from the left margin. The first line of the quote should also be indented one-half inch. You then must double space the entire quote.
Bluebook also requires that you use a specific font for block quotes. You must use Courier New font, size 10 point.
In Bluebook, block quotes are identified by using quotation marks and a italicized font. The first line of the block quote should be a complete sentence.
Below is an example of a block quote formatted in Bluebook:
“The defendant contends that the contract is void because the plaintiff failed to perform his duties. The plaintiff argues that the contract is still valid because the defendant failed to perform his duties. Who is correct?”
“The defendant contends that the contract is void because the plaintiff failed to perform his duties. The plaintiff argues that the contract is still valid because the defendant failed to perform his duties. Who is correct?”
When should a block quotation be used?
A block quotation (also known as a block quote) is a quotation that is set off from the main text of a document by indenting it, either on the left or right margin.
There are a few instances when a block quotation should be used:
1. When the quoted material is lengthy
2. When the quoted material is important to the overall argument of the document
3. When the quoted material has a unique formatting or layout
When quoting from a text, it is important to include the author’s name and the page number where the quotation can be found. For example:
According to Jane Austen, “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment” (Austen, Pride and Prejudice, p. 6).
How should a block quotation be justified?
Block quotations should be justified the same way as any other text in a document. This means that the text should be aligned with both the left and right margins, with each line beginning at the same point on the left margin.
How many lines should a block quote be?
There is no definitive answer to the question of how many lines a block quote should be. Some sources say that a blockquote should be no more than three lines, while others recommend up to six or seven lines. Ultimately, it is up to the writer to decide what looks best.
There are a few things to keep in mind when formatting a blockquote. First, make sure to indented the text properly. The blockquote should be set off from the rest of the text by using either quotation marks or blockquote formatting. Additionally, make sure to include a citation or attribution if the blockquote is from someone else.
When deciding how many lines to use for a blockquote, it is important to consider the overall layout of the page and the length of the text. If the blockquote is taking up a lot of space on the page, it may be best to shorten it. On the other hand, if the blockquote is brief, it can be extended to six or seven lines. Ultimately, it is up to the writer to decide what looks best.
