How to Cite a Government Report in Bluebook Format

Citing government reports correctly is crucial for academic integrity and clarity. The Bluebook citation style is commonly used in legal documents and academic papers. Below are the essential components and examples of how to cite various types of government reports.

Basic Format

The basic format for citing a government report in Bluebook is as follows:

Author Name, Title of Report, Report Number (Year).

Key Components

Author Name: The name of the agency or department that authored the report.
Title of Report: The full title of the report, italicized.
Report Number: The specific number assigned to the report, if applicable.
Year: The year the report was published.

Example Citations

Here are some practical examples to help you understand how to apply this format in different contexts:

Example 1: Federal Agency Report

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Air Act Report, EPA 1234 (2020).

Explanation: This citation refers to a report published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indicating the report’s number and the year of publication.

Example 2: State Government Report

California Department of Water Resources, Water Quality Assessment, Report No. 567 (2019).

Explanation: Here, the citation includes the issuing state department, the report title, its number, and the publication year.

Example 3: Local Government Report

City of Chicago, 2021 Annual Budget Report (2021).

Explanation: This citation is for a report from a city government, providing the title and year without a report number.

Example 4: Congressional Report

U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Federal Funding, H.R. 1234 (2022).

Explanation: This example shows how to cite a report from a congressional committee, including the title and the resolution number.

Conclusion

Citing government reports in Bluebook format is straightforward once you understand the components. Ensure to follow the structure closely and provide accurate information to maintain the credibility of your research. For further assistance, consult the Bluebook citation guide or your institution’s writing resources.

Citing Government Reports in Bluebook Format Made Easy