How to Cite a Case in OSCOLA

OSCOLA case citations follow a strict pattern. Get it wrong and you lose easy marks in UK law essays.

Step-by-step

1. Step 1: Party names in italics
   R v Smith, not R v Smith or R vs Smith.
2. Step 2: Add neutral citation where available
   e.g. [2020] UKSC 12. Neutral citation comes before the law report.
3. Step 3: Add the law report
   e.g. [2020] AC 456. Use the highest authority available: AC then WLR then All ER.
4. Step 4: Pinpoint by paragraph number
   [45] not p 45. Neutral citations paragraph-number.
5. Step 5: Use our free /tools/oscola-reference-generator
   It fills the pattern for you.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Italicising 'v'
• Missing neutral citation
• Using page number for post-2001 UK cases

FAQs