In a standard case citation, which element is identified as the 'signal'?

In a standard case citation, which element is identified as the 'signal'?

• A. case name
• B. volume
• C. signal
• D. reporter

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is recognizing the signal in a legal citation—the introductory word that tells the reader how to use the cited authority. In a standard case citation you have the bibliographic parts that locate the case (the case name, the volume, the reporter, and the page and year). The signal is a separate element: a preceding word like “see,” “cf.,” “see also,” or similar that indicates how the reader should treat the cited case. For example, “See Smith v. Jones, 123 F.3d 456 (2d Cir. 2010)” uses See as the signal to indicate the cited authority is being invoked for support or reference. The other elements—case name, volume, and reporter—provide location and identification, not guidance on how to use the authority.

The main concept here is recognizing the signal in a legal citation—the introductory word that tells the reader how to use the cited authority. In a standard case citation you have the bibliographic parts that locate the case (the case name, the volume, the reporter, and the page and year). The signal is a separate element: a preceding word like “see,” “cf.,” “see also,” or similar that indicates how the reader should treat the cited case. For example, “See Smith v. Jones, 123 F.3d 456 (2d Cir. 2010)” uses See as the signal to indicate the cited authority is being invoked for support or reference. The other elements—case name, volume, and reporter—provide location and identification, not guidance on how to use the authority.