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block quotation legal writing

by Eleanora Bogan Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

How do you block quote in legal writing?

  • Block quotations start on their own line.
  • The entire block quotation is indented 0.5 inches, the same as the indentation for a new paragraph, and is double spaced.
  • Block quotations are not surrounded by any quotation marks.
  • The punctuation at the end of the block quotation goes before the citation.

Full Answer

When to use a block quote?

  • Start the block quote on a new line (typically after a colon or comma)
  • Indent the block of text from the left margin (usually by around half an inch)
  • Don’t use quote marks, but cite the source as usual
  • Indent the first line of each paragraph after the first if quoting more than one

When to block quote?

Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Forming a Block Quote in Chicago Style Download Article

  1. Use a block quote for text longer than 5 lines or 100 words. This rule is generally used for prose. ...
  2. Introduce the quote with a signal phrase. This sentence might state who said the quote or provide an argument for why the quote is important.
  3. Start the block quote on a new line without quotation marks. ...

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How to do block quotations?

About Block Quotes

  • Any quotation containing 40 or more words should be formatted as a Block Quote
  • Do not use quotation marks to enclose block quotations. ...
  • Place period at the end of the quote rather than after the citation
  • Block quotes should start on a new line and indent the block about ½ inch from the left margin

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What is a block quotation example?

Example. A section that is quoted from another source: <blockquote cite="http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/index.html">. For 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature.

What is a block quotation in legal writing?

Quotations of fifty or more words should be single spaced, indented on both sides, justified, and without quotation marks. This is known as a block quotation.

Are block quotes double spaced legal writing?

BasicsBlock quotations start on their own line.The entire block quotation is indented 0.5 inches, the same as the indentation for a new paragraph, and is double spaced.Block quotations are not surrounded by any quotation marks.The punctuation at the end of the block quotation goes before the citation.More items...

What is an example of a block quotation?

A block quote is a long quotation, set on a new line and indented to create a separate block of text. No quotation marks are used. You have to use a block quote when quoting more than around 40 words from a source....How long is a block quote?Citation styleBlock quote minimum lengthTurabianFive lines7 more rows•Apr 25, 2018

Are block quotes single spaced in legal writing?

Guidelines for using block quotations: Single spacing is required.

When should you not block quote in legal writing?

For this reason, it is best to avoid block quotes unless they are absolutely necessary. Block quotes should be used primarily in two situations: when quoting a statute or when quoting from the record (e.g., what a witness said during deposition or what the opposing party posted on Facebook).

Do you put quotations around block quotes?

For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks.

How do you introduce a block quote?

Block quotations that start with a complete sentence are usually introduced with a complete sentence ending with a colon. (All of the examples below use Lorem ipsum placeholder text to maintain emphasis on formatting.) They can also be introduced with a complete sentence ending in a period.

How many block quotes can you have in a paper?

How many block quotes can I unsuspiciously fit into one research paper? quote a poem, it takes up a bunch of room. depending on paper length, the ration should could be 1 block quote per page, if over 5 pages. MLA says two, but you know...

Should a block quotation be right hand justified?

Quotes that are four lines or longer should be set apart from the main text in block quote format, which means they should be: Single-spaced. Indented on the right and left sides. Text justified.

How can you distinguish terms of art in legal writing?

A word or phrase that has special meaning in a particular context. A term of art is a word or phrase that has a particular meaning. Terms of art abound in the law. For example, the phrase double jeopardy can be used in common parlance to describe any situation that poses two risks.

How many words should an embedded quote be?

Even after you decide you need that quotation, try to shorten it to fewer than 50 words—just so you can avoid a block quotation. Yes, an embedded quotation of 49 words is still off-putting, but it’s more likely to be read because it isn’t a block.

When is a block quote appropriate?

If statutory language is at issue or is crucial to your analysis, a block quotation is appropriate. And sometimes, block-quoting key statutory text can allow readers to get re-anchored in the relevant language by flipping or scrolling back to it without having to consult an appendix. Likewise, if a binding case contains language ...

Can you copy and paste a block quote?

Instead of paraphrasing, instead of summarizing, you used a block quotation—you copied and pasted. That’s the impression block quotations give, especially if you overuse them, and that perceived laziness turns readers off. Despite these concerns, many well-written memos and briefs contain at least one block quotation and sometimes more.

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