OSCOLA — the Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities — is the referencing style used across UK law. It is footnote-based and has precise rules for citing cases, legislation and secondary sources. This complete guide explains how OSCOLA footnotes work, how to cite cases, statutes and journal articles, how to build a bibliography, and the most common OSCOLA errors.
What Is OSCOLA?
OSCOLA is a footnote-based legal referencing style. Instead of in-text citations, you place a superscript number that links to a footnote giving the full citation. It is the UK standard for law essays and dissertations.
Citing Cases
Give the case name (italicised), year, court and citation — for example the parties, the year in square or round brackets, the law report volume and abbreviation, and the page. Pinpoint to a paragraph where relevant.
Citing Legislation
Cite an Act by its short title and year (e.g. Human Rights Act 1998), with the relevant section. Statutory instruments are cited by name, year and SI number. No full stops in abbreviations.
Citing Secondary Sources
For books: author, title (edition, publisher year). For journal articles: author, ‘title’ (year) volume journal first page. OSCOLA has exact punctuation rules — follow them carefully.
Footnotes and Bibliography
Use footnotes for each citation, and compile a bibliography at the end (often split into cases, legislation and secondary sources). The bibliography orders secondary sources alphabetically by author surname.
Common Mistakes and Tips
✓ Using in-text citations instead of footnotes.
✓ Full stops in abbreviations.
✓ Wrong bracket type for the year.
✓ Missing pinpoints. Tip: keep the official OSCOLA guide to hand and check your faculty's requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is OSCOLA?
The Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities, the footnote-based referencing style used in UK law.
Does OSCOLA use footnotes or in-text citations?
Footnotes — a superscript number links to the full citation at the foot of the page.
How do I cite a case in OSCOLA?
Give the case name, year, court and law report citation, with a pinpoint where relevant.
How do I cite legislation?
By short title and year, with the relevant section, e.g. Human Rights Act 1998, s 6.
Does OSCOLA use full stops in abbreviations?
No — abbreviations omit full stops.
Do I need a bibliography?
Yes — usually split into cases, legislation and secondary sources.
Who uses OSCOLA?
UK law students and academics.
How do I cite a journal article?
Author, ‘title’ (year) volume journal first-page.
Related Study Guides
How to Write a Law Essay • Harvard Referencing Guide • How to Avoid Plagiarism • How to Write a Case Study
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