how to cite to texas statute greenbook example

2 min read 31-01-2025

how to cite to texas statute greenbook example

The Texas Statutes, officially known as the Vernon's Texas Statutes Annotated, are a crucial resource for legal professionals and researchers in Texas. Understanding how to cite them correctly is essential for maintaining accuracy and credibility in legal writing. This guide uses the widely-recognized Texas citation format, often referred to as the "Green Book" style, to illustrate how to cite Texas statutes.

Understanding the Green Book

The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and other Texas legal style guides dictate the proper citation format. The most common guide, often referred to as the "Green Book," is the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. While there are some variations depending on the publication, the core principles remain consistent.

Basic Citation Structure for Texas Statutes

The basic structure for citing a Texas statute is as follows:

Tex. [Statute Abbreviation] [Article Number] (Year).

Let's break this down:

Tex.: This abbreviation stands for "Texas." Always use this abbreviation at the start of your citation.
[Statute Abbreviation]: This is a shortened version of the statute's name. For instance, "Civ. Prac. & Rem." represents the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. The full name is generally not used in the citation itself. You’ll need to refer to a style guide or legal research database for complete abbreviations.
[Article Number]: This is the specific article number within the statute you are citing. It will be a number (or a range of numbers). For example, "§ 101.001" refers to Article 101.001. Note the section symbol (§) before the article number.
(Year): Include the year the statute was enacted or last amended in parentheses. Use the most recent year of amendment if the statute has been amended.

Examples of Texas Statute Citations

Here are a few examples demonstrating different citation scenarios:

Example 1: Citing a single article

To cite Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Article 101.001, you would write:

Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.001 (2023).

(Note: The year should reflect the most recent year the statute was amended.)

Example 2: Citing a range of articles

If you need to cite a range of articles, such as Articles 101.001-101.005, the citation would look like this:

Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 101.001-101.005 (2023).

(Notice the plural “§§” to indicate multiple sections.)

Example 3: Specific subsection within an Article

Many statutes are subdivided into subsections. To cite a specific subsection, you’ll add the subsection designation:

Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.001(a) (2023).

Finding the Correct Statute Abbreviation

Determining the correct abbreviation for a statute can sometimes be challenging. Here's how you can find it:

Consult the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Green Book): This is the primary source for Texas legal citation.
Use a reputable legal research database: Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal databases will automatically format citations correctly.
Check the statute itself: Many online versions of the statutes will provide the correct abbreviation near the statute's title.

Importance of Accurate Citation

Correctly citing Texas statutes is crucial. Inaccurate citations can undermine the credibility of your legal work. Always double-check your citations before submitting any legal document.

Conclusion

Mastering Texas statute citation, using the Green Book guidelines, is essential for any legal professional or student. By following the examples and strategies outlined above, you can ensure your citations are accurate, consistent, and professional. Remember to consult the most up-to-date version of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for the most precise guidance.