All things change, even the equally beloved and reviled Bluebook.
If you’re still clutching your 21st edition of The Bluebook, now’s the time grab the brand new 22nd edition before the fall semester starts. While some Bluebook editions feature minor updates, the 22nd edition does indeed overhaul and add a fair amount of content. As such, don’t count on skating by with your old edition—especially if you are in a legal research course, on a journal, or planning on writing scholarship.
So, what’s new in the 22nd edition? Some highlights include:
- Rule B5.3. Allows the use of the parenthetical “(citation modified)” for cleaned-up quotations.
- Rule 1.2. Introducing a new signal, “contrast:” for situations in which the contrast between authorities (rather than a comparison) between them will offer support.
- Rule 7. Clarifies that text from languages not using the Roman alphabet should not be italicized.
- Rule 12. Expanded guidance on citing unofficial codes like U.S.C.A. and U.S.C.S., and emphasis on citing authenticated electronic sources.
- Rule 18. Substantially rewritten to address online sources, including AI-generated content, and emphasizes citing archived versions of web-based resources. Most notably, every Internet citation must now include a Perma‑style archive or state that a PDF is “on file” with the author.
- Rule 22. New rule for citing materials from Tribal Nations, including constitutions, codes, resolutions, and court decisions.
- Rule 23. New rule for citing archival sources.
- Table T1.5. A new, online-only table listing all federally recognized Tribal Nations.
- Table T2. Three new foreign jurisdictions have been added, and the table has been moved online.
Even small citation errors can have outsized impacts, whether in class, in competition, or in practice. It’s worth taking the time to review the latest updates and ensure you’re using the most current rules. The Library particularly recommends students take note of the rules affecting digital, generative AI, and tribal citation rules. For a more detailed review of changes to the 22nd edition, we recommend the following research guides and summaries: University of Washington Gallagher Law Library, Major Changes in the 22nd Edition.
Have questions? Reach out to the Law Library! Our reference desk team loves to discuss the Bluebook and provide guidance on citations. Once the semester starts, the reference desk will be staffed with a Bluebook aficionado Monday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. If the reference desk is not open, please e-mail questions to lawrefdesk@richmond.edu.