The library is unable to order statutory codes via ILL. Because the library does not have most state statutes in print, cite checkers will usually have to rely on online versions of state codes. Depending on the state, these may or may not be considered “authenticated” or “official” for Bluebooking purposes. However, Bluebook Rule 12.3 indicates “citing the official state codes is preferred, but not required.”

The U.S. Code is available in print at the library.

These state statutory codes are available in print and kept up-to-date:

• Oregon Revised Statutes
• Alaska Statutes

Official U.S. Code:

• govinfo (GPO) 

  1994 - present

• U.S. Code  (HeinOnline)

  1925 - present

Official State Codes:

Many historical state codes are available on HeinOnline and LLMC Digital.

The library does not maintain up-to-date print copies of state codes, except for Oregon and Alaska. Exact copies of sprint codes are usually not available online as PDFs, with the following exceptions:

• Minnesota 

R18.2.1 in the 22nd edition of the Bluebook clarifies that "documents published on government websites and authored by government entities are to be considered official versions.” Therefore, we generally recommend that source checkers use the versions of codes provided on state government websites. Check this page for links to electronic state codes, or search for state codes on Google.

Unofficial versions of statutory codes from all U.S. jurisdictions are available on Westlaw and Lexis. Despite the Bluebook's preference for print codes, the versions on these databases are typically more up-to-date than official statutory codes. Most states also provide free unofficial codes online, typically through the state legislature's website. See this page for a list of online codes by state.

See Bluebook Rule 12.3: "As with federal statutes, citing the official state codes is preferred, but not required."

Because the library is unable to order statutory codes via ILL, you may have to reach out to the author of your article or rely on an unofficial version of the code. Please contact a librarian if you have any questions.

We're here to help. Contact a research librarian for help with an assignment, project, or resource. 

Hours:
Mon-Fri, 11am-3pm
503-768-6688
lawlib@lclark.edu

Reference Hours