Legal Definitions - pinpoint citation

A pinpoint citation is a specific reference within a legal document that directs the reader to an exact page, paragraph, or section where particular information can be found. Instead of merely citing an entire case, statute, or article, a pinpoint citation guides the reader to the precise location of the relevant statement, ruling, or provision. This precision is crucial for legal research and argument, allowing others to quickly verify the cited material without having to read through the entire document.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of a pinpoint citation:

• Example 1: Citing a Specific Page in a Court Opinion

  Imagine a lawyer is arguing a case and wants to refer to a specific statement made by a judge in a previous court decision. Instead of just citing the entire case, they would use a pinpoint citation to direct the court to the exact page where the statement appears.

  For instance, a lawyer might write: "The appellate court affirmed that 'the duty of care extends to foreseeable third parties' in Smith v. Jones, 123 Cal. App. 3d 456, 462 (2020)."

  Explanation: Here, "462" is the pinpoint citation. It tells the reader to go directly to page 462 of volume 123 of the California Appellate Reports, Third Series (Cal. App. 3d), to find that specific quote. This saves the reader from having to search through the entire court opinion to locate the relevant sentence.

• Example 2: Citing a Specific Subsection of a Statute

  Consider a business owner researching a particular aspect of a federal regulation. The regulation might be very long, with many sections and subsections. A pinpoint citation helps them find the exact part they need.

  For example, a legal brief might state: "The Clean Air Act mandates specific emission standards for new motor vehicles, as detailed in 42 U.S.C. § 7521(a)(1)."

  Explanation: "§ 7521(a)(1)" is the pinpoint citation. It directs the reader to Title 42 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), specifically to section 7521, subsection (a), paragraph (1), where the detailed requirements for new motor vehicle emission standards are located. This is far more precise than just citing the entire Clean Air Act.

• Example 3: Citing a Specific Paragraph in a Legal Treatise or Article

  A law student writing a research paper might rely on a scholarly article or a multi-volume legal treatise. These documents can be hundreds of pages long, so a pinpoint citation is essential for accuracy.

  For instance, a student might write: "Professor Green argues that the doctrine of equitable estoppel should be applied more broadly in cases involving digital transactions, as discussed in 'Modern Equity Jurisprudence,' 15 Harv. L. Rev. 100, 115 (2023)."

  Explanation: The "115" is the pinpoint citation, indicating that Professor Green's specific argument about applying equitable estoppel can be found on page 115 of volume 15 of the Harvard Law Review. This allows anyone reviewing the paper to quickly verify the student's reference without reading the entire article.