What is OSCOLA referencing?
OSCOLA is the abbreviated name for Oxford Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities. It’s the style many students use for referencing authorities, legislation and other legal materials. It is widely used in law schools and by journal and book publishers both in the UK and abroad.
The fourth edition of OSCOLA is available to purchase in book stores and online, with a downloadable reference guide available from the University of Oxford, Faculty of Law website.
How to OSCOLA reference
OSCOLA invites you to follow two “golden rules” when citing legal authorities. The first is consistency and the second is consideration for the reader. Legal writing is considered more persuasive when you refer to legal matters in a clear, consistent and familiar way. An integral part of this is having an easy way of identifying your sources.
OSCOLA does not use endnotes or in-text citations. Instead, all citations appear as footnotes. Longer works such as books and theses also include citations in tables of cases and legislation, as well as bibliographies.
Cite This For Me’s OSCOLA citation generator takes the hassle out of law referencing by providing you with the Oxford standard for the citation of legal authorities within seconds. Simply use the Cite This For Me mobile app or online tool and have the whole thing done for you quickly, accurately and consistently.
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Popular OSCOLA style Citation Examples
How to cite a Book in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a book using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, Title (Publisher Year Published)
Example:
Garnaut R, The Garnaut Review 2011: Australia In The Global Response To Climate Change (Cambridge University Press 2011)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, Title (Publisher Year Published).
Example:
Australian households and businesses enjoyed relatively stable and low retail electricity prices for many decades. After a long period in which Australian electricity prices rose more or less in line with other prices, from 2007 to 2010 prices rose nationally by 32 per cent in real terms. Ross Garnaut, The Garnaut Review 2011: Australia In The Global Response To Climate Change (Cambridge University Press 2011).
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How to cite a Journal in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a journal using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' (Year Published) Volume number Publication Title <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Sherman S, 'Perils Of The Princess: Gender And Genre In Video Games' (1997) 56 Western Folklore <http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1500277> accessed 23 October 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' (Year Published) Volume number Publication Title <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
But now the player, a product of the generation to grow up with television, could, in a sense, jump into the screen realm and control a heretofore uncontrollable television-like image and master his or her own fate Sharon R. Sherman, 'Perils Of The Princess: Gender And Genre In Video Games' (1997) 56 Western Folklore <http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1500277> accessed 23 October 2014.
How to cite Film or Movie in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a film or movie using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Title (Publisher Year Published)
Example:
The Footy Show (2013)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Title (Publisher Year Published).
Example:
annoyingly gratuitous act The Footy Show (2013).
How to cite an Online image or video in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite an online image or video using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Boing Boing, 'Shepard Fairey + The Obama Poster (Boing Boing)' <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk3TI3QHUgk> accessed 3 August 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
It’s much easier to be critic and hate on things, than it is to stick your neck out for something Boing Boing, 'Shepard Fairey + The Obama Poster (Boing Boing)' <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk3TI3QHUgk> accessed 3 August 2014.
How to cite a Website in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a website using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' (Year Published) <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Www2.southeastern.edu, 'Random And Systematic Error' (2014) <https://www2.southeastern.edu/Academics/Faculty/rallain/plab193/labinfo/Error_Analysis/05_Random_vs_Systematic.html> accessed 17 June 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' (Year Published) <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
“statistical fluctuations in the measured data due to precision limitations… usually a result of the experimenter’s inability to take the same measurement in exactly the same way to get the exact same number” Www2.southeastern.edu, 'Random And Systematic Error' (2014) <https://www2.southeastern.edu/Academics/Faculty/rallain/plab193/labinfo/Error_Analysis/05_Random_vs_Systematic.html> accessed 17 June 2014.
Additional OSCOLA style Citation Examples
How to cite a Blog in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a blog using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Quintero S, 'DESIGNING AND BUILDING GREAT DASHBOARDS - 6 GOLDEN RULES TO SUCCESSFUL DASHBOARD DESIGN' <https://www.geckoboard.com/blog/building-great-dashboards-6-golden-rules-to-successful-dashboard-design/> accessed 20 October 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
A strategic dashboard should provide the executive team with a high-level overview of the state of the business together with the opportunities the business faces. Sofia Quintero, 'DESIGNING AND BUILDING GREAT DASHBOARDS - 6 GOLDEN RULES TO SUCCESSFUL DASHBOARD DESIGN' <https://www.geckoboard.com/blog/building-great-dashboards-6-golden-rules-to-successful-dashboard-design/> accessed 20 October 2014.
How to cite a Court case in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a court case using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Title [Year Published] Location, Volume number Document Title/Name (Location)
Example:
The Trial Transcript in Crown v Lindy and Michael Chamberlain [1982] Darwin Court House (Darwin Court House)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Title [Year Published] Location, Volume number Document Title/Name (Location).
Example:
'I saw no evidence on any of these garments to suggest that any member of the canine family was involved. I cannot say anything about dingoes. I speak about the canine family in general.' He also made this statement ‘There is evidence to suggest it was killed in another method. It suggests there was an incised wound around the neck. In other words, a cut throat.' The Trial Transcript in Crown v Lindy and Michael Chamberlain [1982] Darwin Court House (Darwin Court House).
How to cite a Dictionary entry in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a dictionary entry using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
<http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tuberculosis?s=t> accessed 8 August 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
Tuberculosis <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tuberculosis?s=t> accessed 8 August 2014.
How to cite an E-book or PDF in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite an e-book or pdf using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, Title (Publisher Year Published) <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Reardon C and Dowton P, Design For Climate (1st edn, 2013) <http://www.yourhome.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/pdf/YOURHOME-2-PassiveDesign-1-DesignForClimate-%284Dec13%29.pdf> accessed 9 June 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, Title (Publisher Year Published) <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
Psychological thermal discomfort can make us set the thermostat on the heating or cooling systems well beyond the levels required for comfort. For every 1°C change in thermostat setting, it is estimated that the heating or cooling bill rises by around 10%. In other words, failure to address psychological comfort can increase heating and cooling energy use by up to 50% Chris Reardon and Paul Dowton, Design For Climate (1st edn, 2013) <http://www.yourhome.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/pdf/YOURHOME-2-PassiveDesign-1-DesignForClimate-%284Dec13%29.pdf> accessed 9 June 2014.
How to cite an Edited book in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite an edited book using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, Title (Publisher Year Published)
Example:
blirsz B, The Wars (1st edn, 2014)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, Title (Publisher Year Published).
Example:
sdfghjklihgfddfghjhgfdsadfghj Brills blirsz, The Wars (1st edn, 2014).
How to cite an Email in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite an email using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' (Year Published)
Example:
Brakus J to Marlene Straube, 'The Brand Experience Scale - Data Evaluation Ambiguities' (2014)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' (Year Published).
Example:
subjects may have problems when using the scale if asking them to evaluate a specific brand on a specific experiential item does not make sense to them Josko Brakus to Marlene Straube, 'The Brand Experience Scale - Data Evaluation Ambiguities' (2014).
How to cite an Encyclopedia article in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite an encyclopedia article using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title', Publication Title (Publisher Year Published)
Example:
'Venus' (1st edn, Micha F Lindemans)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title', Publication Title (Publisher Year Published).
Example:
The Roman goddess of love and beauty, but originally a vegetation goddess and patroness of gardens and vineyards. 'Venus' (1st edn, Micha F Lindemans).
How to cite an Interview in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite an interview using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Interview with Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' (Year Published)
Example:
James Robertson, Interview with John Moriarty, 'Telephone Call' (2014)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Interview with Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' (Year Published).
Example:
whoever you are, whatever race you are, you need to put everything into your sport and you will get the most out of it, it doesn’t matter where you come from. Just put the best you can in and you do what you have to do to achieve what you want. James Robertson, Interview with John Moriarty, 'Telephone Call' (2014).
How to cite a Magazine in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a magazine using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' [Year Published] Publication Title <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
teese r, 'Condemned To Innovate'
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' [Year Published] Publication Title <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
education r teese, 'Condemned To Innovate'.
How to cite a Newspaper in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a newspaper using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' Publication Title (Year Published) <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Nossiter A, 'Ebola Epidemic Worsening, Sierra Leone Expands Quarantine Restrictions' The New York Times (2014) <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/26/world/africa/ebola-epidemic-sierra-leone-quarantine.html> accessed 2 October 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' Publication Title (Year Published) <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
"...nearly all of the county’s 14 districts are now either under total or partial quarantine..." Adam Nossiter, 'Ebola Epidemic Worsening, Sierra Leone Expands Quarantine Restrictions' The New York Times (2014) <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/26/world/africa/ebola-epidemic-sierra-leone-quarantine.html> accessed 2 October 2014.
How to cite a Podcast in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a podcast using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' (Publication Title, Year Published) <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Corp Author, 'The Title Of The Episode' (The name of the podcast, 2014) <http://podcasts.com/jghadjghadja/> accessed 27 October 2014
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' (Publication Title, Year Published) <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
Sample test for the podcast manual citation :) Corp Author, 'The Title Of The Episode' (The name of the podcast, 2014) <http://podcasts.com/jghadjghadja/> accessed 27 October 2014.
How to cite a Song in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a song using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Author Surname A, 'Title' <http://Website URL> accessed Date Accessed
Example:
Ruth R, 'The Ballad Of The Factory Fire'
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Author Forename Author Surname, 'Title' <http://Website-Url> accessed 10 October 2013.
Example:
There were no comforts, no fresh air, no light to sew thereby Ruth Ruth, 'The Ballad Of The Factory Fire'.
How to cite The Bible in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite The Bible using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Title (Publisher Year Published)
Example:
The Bible (2014)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Title (Publisher Year Published).
Example:
Do to others as you would have them do to you. The Bible (2014).
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How to cite a TV Show in OSCOLA style
Use the following template to cite a TV Show using the OSCOLA citation style.
Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.
Template:
Broadcaster, 'Title' (Year Published)
Example:
BBC, 'BBC NEWS' (1989)
Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.
Template:
Broadcaster, 'Title' (Year Published).
Example:
The Berlin Wall has been breached after nearly three decades keeping East and West Berliners apart. At midnight East Germany's Communist rulers gave permission for gates along the Wall to be opened after hundreds of people converged on crossing points. BBC, 'BBC NEWS' (1989).
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