Legal Definitions - citable

Citable describes legal materials that are officially recognized and authorized to be formally referenced or relied upon in legal arguments before a court or other legal body. When a legal source is citable, it means it carries legal authority and can be used to support a claim, interpret a law, or influence the outcome of a case by serving as a binding rule or persuasive guidance.

• Example 1: Published State Supreme Court Decision

  After a complex trial, the Supreme Court of California issues a ruling in a case concerning consumer privacy rights. This decision is then officially published in the state's legal reporters, making it readily available to the public and legal professionals.

  Explanation: Because this ruling comes from the highest court in the state and is officially published, it becomes citableprecedent. Lawyers in future cases involving similar consumer privacy issues within California can refer to this specific decision, arguing that the court should follow the legal principles and interpretations established in that earlier ruling.

• Example 2: Federal Statute

  The United States Congress passes a new law, the "Clean Water Act Amendment of 2023," which updates regulations regarding industrial wastewater discharge. This new law is subsequently codified and published in the United States Code.

  Explanation: This federal statute, once enacted and codified, is highly citable. Any legal dispute or regulatory challenge concerning industrial wastewater discharge can directly reference specific sections of this Act as the governing legal authority, and courts are bound to apply its provisions.

• Example 3: Appellate Court Opinion

  A federal circuit court of appeals publishes an opinion that clarifies the interpretation of a particular clause within a patent infringement statute. This opinion is made available through official court reporters and online legal databases.

  Explanation: This published appellate opinion is citable within that specific federal circuit. Attorneys litigating patent infringement cases in that circuit can cite this opinion to support their arguments regarding how the patent statute should be applied, as it provides authoritative guidance on the law.