How to cite UCC in bluebook format for legal briefs

That matches what I learned in law school. The periods are crucial - "UCC" without periods isn't proper bluebook format.

Thanks! What about when citing the official comments? Do those get special treatment in the citation?

That makes sense. So if I'm discussing a general UCC principle I cite the model code, but for specific state law requirements I cite the state statute?

Exactly. And always check if your jurisdiction has adopted any non-uniform amendments to the model UCC provisions.

This is where it gets tricky with secured transaction work - some states have really different approaches to things like fixture filings or agricultural liens.

That sounds incredibly useful! Did it help with the state-specific variations too, or just the model UCC citations?

It caught both - flagged where I cited model UCC when I should have cited state law, and vice versa. Saved me from some embarrassing citation errors.

Perfect, I do need to cite some comments about what constitutes "proceeds" under Article 9. The cmt. format is exactly what I needed.

The comments are particularly useful for complex perfection issues where the statute alone doesn't give enough guidance.

Good point. The 2001 revision completely renumbered Article 9, so old section numbers won't match current law.

Thanks for the heads up. My research did pull up some older cases - I'll double-check the section numbers against current Article 9.

Yeah, I made that mistake once citing old § 9-302 when I meant current § 9-310. Judge was not amused.

The local rules do mention database citations for online sources. I'll check what format they want for electronic UCC citations.

Usually it's the standard database format: [statute] (Westlaw [date]) or similar. But definitely check local rules.

Good point - my case does involve some filing procedural issues. I'll need to cite both the UCC substantive law and the state filing regulations.

State filing rules can be really specific about things like debtor name requirements or collateral descriptions. Definitely cite those separately.

And some states have their own UCC guides or bulletins that interpret the filing requirements - those might be worth citing if they're on point.

That would be perfect for this brief - I'm citing probably 15-20 different UCC sections and want to make sure they're all formatted consistently.

Yeah, it catches things like inconsistent abbreviations or missing subsection references that are easy to miss when you're focused on the legal arguments.

I did check the local rules but they just say "follow bluebook format" without UCC-specific guidance. Sounds like the standard U.C.C. § format should work.

That's typical. Most courts are fine with standard bluebook UCC citations unless they've explicitly said otherwise.

When in doubt, look at recent briefs filed in the same court to see what citation format other attorneys are using.

This thread has been incredibly helpful. Between the proper U.C.C. § format and the verification tools, I think I can get these citations right. Thanks everyone!

Good luck with your brief. Proper UCC citations definitely make a difference in how seriously courts take secured transaction arguments.

This is excellent advice about including revision years! I hadn't considered that some UCC provisions might have different effective dates or amendments. For my secured transactions brief, should I include the revision year for every UCC citation, or only when there's been a recent change that's relevant to my case? Also, the tip about noting state deviations is really helpful - I do have a couple situations where California's version differs from the model code on perfection requirements.

Great question about revision years! Generally, you only need to include the year when citing provisions that have been substantively amended or when the timing of the amendment is legally significant to your argument. For routine citations of stable UCC provisions, courts typically don't require the year. However, for Article 9 secured transactions work, I'd definitely include years for any provisions that changed in the major 2001 revision or subsequent amendments, especially if you're dealing with transactions or filings that span different time periods. The state deviation notation is particularly crucial for perfection issues - California does have some unique requirements that differ from the model code, and courts appreciate when briefs explicitly acknowledge these variations rather than assuming uniform application.

Great question about multi-state transactions! In my experience, the approach depends on whether you're arguing a general UCC principle or state-specific requirements. For general principles that are uniform across states, I typically cite the model U.C.C. provision first, then add a parenthetical like "adopted by [list states] as [state citations]." For example: "U.C.C. § 9-315(a) (adopted by Cal. Com. Code § 9315(a); Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 9.315(a))." When the states have material variations, I cite each separately and explain the differences in the text. This approach helps courts understand both the underlying uniform commercial law and any jurisdictional variations that might affect the outcome.

@Astrid Bergström This is such a practical question that comes up all the time in commercial practice! Building on what @Tate Jensen said, I d also'recommend creating a citation chart for complex multi-state deals where you re frequently'referencing the same provisions across jurisdictions. It saves time and ensures consistency. One additional consideration: some courts prefer you to lead with the forum state s version'when it s a'key provision, then reference other states versions parenthetically.' For example, if you re in'a New York court dealing with a transaction involving collateral in NY, CA, and TX, you might cite N.Y. U.C.C. "§ 9-315 a ;(accord)Cal. Com. Code § 9315 a ;(Tex.)Bus. & Com. Code § 9.315 a to(emphasize)" the forum state s law'while showing the uniformity or lack (thereof across jurisdictions.) The key is being transparent about which state s law'you re relying'on for each point in your argument.

@Brandon Parker You ve'got the basic formats exactly right! For pinpoint citations, the general rule is to be as specific as possible while still supporting your argument. If you re'making a point that s'specifically addressed in subsection a (2)(,)then cite U.C.C. "§ 9-315 a(2)(to)" direct the court to the exact provision. However, if you re'discussing the broader concept that s'covered throughout section 9-315 but your specific point happens to be in a (2)(,)you might cite the main section and then reference the specific subsection in your text. For example: The "UCC defines proceeds broadly, U.C.C. § 9-315, including specifically that proceeds 'encompasses' whatever is received upon sale of collateral, id. § 9-315 a(2)(.)This" approach gives the court both the general context and the specific authority. When in doubt, err on the side of precision - courts prefer overly specific citations to vague ones, especially in secured transactions where the exact language often matters for determining perfection and priority issues.