What is the basic Bluebook format for citing a treaty?

The format is: Treaty Name, Date, Parties (or Collection Abbreviation). Include the treaty's official name, execution or effective date, and the signatory countries or treaty collection reference.

How do I cite bilateral vs. multilateral treaties in Bluebook?

Both follow the same format. For bilateral treaties, list the two parties; for multilateral treaties, list all major parties or use 'et al.' Include the official treaty name and date.

Do I need to include the full text of the treaty in my citation?

No, you cite the treaty by name and date. You reference specific articles or sections of the treaty when needed: Treaty Name, art. 5, date (parties).

How to Cite a Treaty in Bluebook Format

Understanding Treaty Citations in Bluebook

International treaties and agreements are fundamental sources in legal research, particularly in international law, diplomacy, and comparative law. Bluebook format provides specific guidelines for treaty citations that help readers locate official treaty documents and understand the legal framework being discussed.

Basic Treaty Citation Format

The standard Bluebook format for treaties is: Treaty Name, Date, parties (or collection abbreviation).

Include the treaty’s official name in italics, the date of execution or ratification, and the signatory nations or reference to the official treaty collection where it appears.

Bilateral Treaty Citation

For treaties between two countries:

Treaty of Versailles, June 28, 1919, 2 L.N.T.S. 188 (Ger.-Fr.).

Include the date, official publication (League of Nations Treaty Series), and abbreviations for the two parties involved.

Multilateral Treaty Citation

For treaties with multiple signatory nations:

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Dec. 10, 1982, 21 I.L.M. 1261 (signatory nations).

For major multilateral treaties, list key parties or use a general description. The date can be when it was opened for signature or when it entered into force.

Treaty from Official Collection

When citing from an official treaty collection:

North Atlantic Treaty, Apr. 4, 1949, 63 Stat. 2241, 34 U.N.T.S. 243 (U.S.-29 other nations).

Include both the U.S. Statutes citation and the United Nations Treaty Series citation if available.

Specific Article Citation

When referencing a particular article of a treaty:

United Nations Charter, art. 1, June 26, 1945, 59 Stat. 1031.

Include the article number between the treaty name and the date for clarity.

Treaty in Force

When citing the date a treaty entered into force:

Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, Mar. 20, 1883, as amended, 21 U.S.T. 1583, 828 U.N.T.S. 305 (Berne Convention).

Include the entry into force date or original date, along with any amendments.

In-Text Citations for Treaties

In Bluebook legal writing, treaty citations appear in footnotes:

North Atlantic Treaty, art. 5, Apr. 4, 1949, 63 Stat. 2241.

For subsequent citations, use a shortened form:

North Atlantic Treaty, art. 5.

Examples for Different Treaty Types

Convention

Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Mar. 3, 1973, 27 U.S.T. 1087, 993 U.N.T.S. 243.

Covenant

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Dec. 16, 1966, 999 U.N.T.S. 171.

Protocol

Protocol to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species, June 22, 1994, 33 I.L.M. 954.

Trade Agreement

North American Free Trade Agreement, Dec. 17, 1992, 32 I.L.M. 289 (U.S.-Can.-Mex.).

Using GenText for Treaty Citations

GenText simplifies treaty citation in Bluebook format by organizing treaty names, signatory information, and official publications. The tool ensures proper abbreviation of treaty collection sources and correct formatting.

Common Treaty Abbreviations

Standard Bluebook abbreviations for treaty collections:

U.N.T.S. (United Nations Treaty Series)
I.L.M. (International Legal Materials)
Stat. (United States Statutes at Large)
U.S.T. (United States Treaties)
L.N.T.S. (League of Nations Treaty Series)

Locating Official Treaty Documents

Finding authoritative treaty sources:

United Nations Treaty Collection (treaties.un.org)
U.S. Department of State (state.gov/treaties)
International Legal Materials (American Society of International Law)
World Treaty Index databases

Common Citation Mistakes

Missing date information: Always include the execution or entry into force date.
Incorrect party abbreviations: Use proper Bluebook abbreviations for countries (Ger., Fr., U.S., etc.).
Incomplete publication information: Include the official collection reference when available.
Improper capitalization: Treaty names should follow title case conventions.

When to Cite Treaties

Treat citations are essential for:

International law research and analysis
Comparative legal studies
Treaty interpretation and application
Foreign policy and diplomatic law
International human rights analysis

By following Bluebook guidelines for treaty citations, you maintain accuracy in international legal research and enable readers to access official treaty documents.