Accurate citations are critical in legal documents. In terms of the propositions they support, citations tell the reader the source of the proposition, where to find it, and how much deference to accord it. Citations are also essential to proper attribution of words and ideas. In addition, citations reveal information about the writer: inaccurate and missing citations suggest a carelessness that may be reflected in the quality of the arguments advanced. More than anything else, the content of citations must be accurate.
This article will present the ALWD Manual, an alternative system of citation, and discuss its relevance for New Hampshire attorneys. The article will begin with a brief discussion of the general purpose and goals of citation, followed by a description of New Hampshire court rules regarding citation. Next the article will introduce the ALWD Manual, discuss some of its benefits, and make some general comparisons between it and the Bluebook. The article will conclude by showing how the ALWD Manual can be effectively consulted by New Hampshire attorneys in meeting New Hampshire practice requirements and the goals of citation, and why it may be helpful for New Hampshire attorneys to use a more consistent method of citation.
