How to cite a international court case

Bluebook (22d ed.) citation format, B21 / R21.5.

Bluebook (22d ed.) citation format for a international court case, governed by B21 / R21.5. Worked example, required elements, and the rules that apply.

I.C.J., P.C.I.J., ECtHR, WTO and other international tribunals.

Example

Military and Paramilitary Activities in and Against Nicaragua (Nicar. v. U.S.), Judgment, 1986 I.C.J. 14, ¶ 190 (June 27).

Governing rules

B21 / R21.5

• 21 — international materials.
• 21.5 — international law cases.
• 21.5.1 — I.C.J. & P.C.I.J.
• 21.5.1(b) — parties’ names.

Required elements

• Case name
• Reporter / institution
• Date (month and day)

Optional elements

• Parties
• Characterization of the opinion — R21.5.1: “Judgment”, “Advisory Opinion”, “Order”.
• Series
• First page
• Pincite
• Year
• Separate or dissenting opinion

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