Bluebook Block Quote

As a rule it is necessary to reduce the number of direct quotations to a minimum. Most people understand that when you include a quote in legal writing any deletions from the original quote must be replaced with the standard seven character ellipsis. Using too many quotes may result in disjointed prose so you should not simply string together a number of quotations.
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Do not use quotation marks.

Bluebook block quote. Any quotation marks within such a quote are converted to a single mark and any within such an embedded quote to double marks. A non breaking space can be created in word by using the command. Short quotations fewer than 50 words are generally enclosed in quotation marks eg. Indent the entire quotation five spaces from the left and right margins.

But i say you can treat that rule as a recommendation not binding authority. The punctuation at the end of the block quotation goes before the. Direct quotes should be reserved for particularly unique or important language. You may have noticed this in your own reading.

Just as a quick refresher a seven character ellipsis is four non breaking spaces and three periods. According to the bluebook rules any quotation that is 50 words or longer must be formatted as a block quote. If the quote is in the. In rule 52 the bluebook says you must block only quotations of 50 words or more.

Because of the way block quotes are separated from the rest of the text many readers do not read them. In rule 52 the bluebook says you must block only quotations of 50 words or more. Just do not forget about an appropriate bluebook citation of academic paper or papers you use. Guidelines for using block quotations.

Dont startend the quote with quotation marks. Block quotations start on their own line. Only indent the quote if the quote itself is the beginning of a paragraph. The entire block quotation is indented 05 inches the same as the indentation for a new paragraph and is double spaced.

You may either insert the direct quotes from the source into your paper or paraphrase the sentences taken from the source. The bluebook has rules regarding fitting quotes into your textual sentences and making alterations using marks such as brackets and ellipses. Block quotations are not surrounded by any quotation marks. When to use a block quote.

Any internal quotes should be double quotes. If the quote is in the body of the text the footnote number goes at the end. If you have a shorter quotation youd like to highlight you may set it off as a block if you wish. Quotations of fifty or more words are always intended left and right single spaced without quotation marks and justified.

When you come to a block quote at most you skim it to see what its about then skip down.