Legal Definitions - United States Reports

United States Reports

The United States Reports is the official, authoritative publication that contains all the written opinions and decisions issued by the Supreme Court of the United States. When the Supreme Court announces a ruling, its full legal opinion, including the reasoning behind the decision, is eventually published in this series of bound volumes. It serves as the definitive public record of the Court's work.

In legal citations, the United States Reports is commonly abbreviated as "U.S." For example, a citation like "576 U.S. 1 (2015)" refers to a case found on page 1 of volume 576 of the United States Reports, decided in 2015.

Here are a few examples of how the United States Reports is used:

• Historical Research: Imagine a historian researching the evolution of free speech rights in America. To understand the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Tinker v. Des Moines, which addressed student speech in schools, the historian would consult the specific volume of the United States Reports where that case is published. This ensures they are reading the exact, unaltered words of the Court's majority opinion, dissenting opinions, and concurring opinions, providing an accurate foundation for their analysis.

• Journalism and Public Understanding: A journalist covering a contemporary legal debate about voting rights might want to provide context by referencing the Supreme Court's past rulings on the subject, such as Shelby County v. Holder. To ensure accuracy and cite the authoritative source, the journalist would refer to the United States Reports to quote directly from the Court's reasoning, helping their readers understand the legal precedent.

• Academic Study and Citizen Inquiry: A college student writing a paper on the separation of powers might need to analyze the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison, which established judicial review. Similarly, an engaged citizen wanting to understand the legal basis for a particular government action might look up a relevant Supreme Court case. Both would turn to the United States Reports as the official repository to find the complete text of these foundational legal opinions, allowing them to grasp the Court's precise legal arguments and conclusions.