1. Supra Legal Definition: In legal contexts, “supra” refers to something mentioned earlier in a text, often used in legal documents, articles, or books to refer to previously cited sources.
2. Purpose of Supra: It streamlines the referencing process, preventing repetition of full citations and making the document more readable.
3. Supra in Citation: It is commonly seen in footnotes or endnotes, indicating that the reader can find the full citation listed above the “supra” reference.
The term “supra” is a Latin word that means “above” or “over.” In legal writing, it is used to indicate that a source has been previously cited in a document.
This abbreviation helps avoid the cumbersome repetition of lengthy citations and points the reader back to the original citation for full reference details.
How Supra is Used
In Citations
When a legal source such as a case, statute, or law review article is first cited in full, subsequent references may use “supra” followed by the name of the case or article to refer back to the detailed citation.
Example of Supra in Legal Documents
- First full citation: Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973).
- Later reference: Roe v. Wade, supra, at 120.
In Academic or Scholarly Writing
Legal scholars often use “supra” when referring to books or articles within footnotes or bibliographies.
Example in Academic Writing
- First full citation: John Doe, The Law of Contracts, 2nd ed. (New York: Legal Press, 2010), 25.
- Subsequent reference: Doe, supra note 1, at 40.
Related:
Tips for Using Supra
Placement: “Supra” is typically followed by a footnote or endnote number that directs the reader to the original citation.
Avoid Overuse: Use “supra” for sources cited multiple times to maintain readability. If a source is not frequently cited, it may be clearer to repeat the full citation.
Consistency: Follow a consistent citation style throughout the document, such as the Bluebook, which is widely used in American legal writing.
Importance of Supra
Efficiency: It makes legal documents more concise and easier to navigate.
Clarity: It helps maintain a clear and uncluttered reference list or bibliography.
Conclusion
In legal writing, “supra” is a valuable tool used to reference earlier cited work, contributing to the organization and cohesiveness of legal documents and scholarly articles. Its correct and consistent use is a hallmark of professional legal writing, allowing for quick reference while maintaining the flow of the text.