An Executive Order, a directive issued by the President of the United States, carries the force of law and is published in the Federal Register and later codified in Title 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Proper attribution of these orders in academic papers, legal briefs, or other scholarly works requires a consistent and recognized citation format. A typical citation includes the order number, the title (if available), the volume and page number in the Federal Register where it can be found, and the date it was issued. For example: Executive Order 13769, Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States, 82 Fed. Reg. 8977 (Jan. 27, 2017).
Accurate and consistent citation of presidential directives is essential for maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism. It allows readers to verify the source material and understand the legal and historical context of the argument being presented. Historically, Executive Orders have been used to address a wide range of issues, from national security to economic policy, making their documentation vital for understanding the evolution of governmental power and policy decisions. The formal citation process ensures that these important documents are accessible and traceable within scholarly discourse.
The following sections will detail the specific components necessary for formulating a complete and accurate citation, including variations based on citation style (e.g., Bluebook, ALWD, APA, MLA). It will also address common challenges encountered when citing these documents and provide guidance on locating relevant information for each citation element.
1. Order number
The Order number serves as a primary identifier within the documentation and citation process of Executive Orders. It is an indispensable element in correctly referencing and retrieving specific directives issued by the President.
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Uniqueness and Identification
Each Executive Order receives a unique sequential number, facilitating its distinct identification within the vast archive of presidential directives. This number differentiates one order from another, even if they share similar subject matter. For instance, Executive Order 13563 amended Executive Order 12866, demonstrating how the number pinpoints the exact directive being referenced.
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Location and Retrieval
The Order number functions as a crucial search parameter when locating an Executive Order in official publications such as the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Government databases and legal research platforms rely on this number to provide direct access to the full text and related documents. Without the correct number, identifying the specific Executive Order intended becomes significantly more difficult.
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Legal Citation Standards
Formal citation styles, such as those outlined in the Bluebook or ALWD Citation Manual, mandate the inclusion of the Order number in the citation string. This ensures clarity and consistency in legal and academic writing. The absence of the Order number could render the citation incomplete or ambiguous, potentially undermining the credibility of the research or legal argument.
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Amendments and Modifications
When an Executive Order is amended or modified, the subsequent directive typically references the original Order number. This creates a traceable lineage, allowing researchers to understand the evolution of policy and the specific changes implemented over time. The presence of the Order number in these subsequent directives is essential for accurate historical analysis.
In summation, the Order number is an indispensable component in the accurate citation and retrieval of Executive Orders. Its role in unique identification, location within official publications, adherence to legal citation standards, and tracking amendments underscores its paramount importance in legal and academic contexts. Omitting or incorrectly stating the Order number compromises the integrity and verifiability of the citation.
2. Federal Register Volume
The Federal Register volume serves as a critical identifier within the citation process for Executive Orders. It contextualizes the orders publication date and location within the official record, enabling precise retrieval and verification.
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Chronological Organization
The Federal Register is published daily, and each year’s compilation is divided into numbered volumes. The volume number signifies the year in which the Executive Order was initially printed. Knowing the volume narrows the search significantly. For example, an Executive Order issued in 2020 would be found within Volume 85 of the Federal Register. This chronological structure is fundamental to locating the document swiftly.
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Unique Publication Instance
Each Executive Order is initially published in the Federal Register before potential codification in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Federal Register volume captures the initial public announcement of the order, preserving the original language and context. This initial publication is crucial because subsequent amendments or judicial challenges may hinge on the original wording. The volume number is therefore essential for referencing the order in its primary, unaltered form.
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Citing Federal Register Correctly
Legal and academic citation styles, such as Bluebook, ALWD, APA, and MLA, explicitly require the Federal Register volume (and page number) in the citation. This is not simply for completeness; its a marker for authenticity. A citation lacking the correct volume number is incomplete and could lead to confusion or an inability to locate the source document. It also ensures that the citation adheres to established legal and academic research standards.
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Accessibility and Verification
Government websites, legal databases (like LexisNexis or Westlaw), and university libraries rely on the volume number to provide direct access to Executive Orders. This allows researchers, legal professionals, and the public to verify the contents of the order, examine its legal basis, and understand its implications. The inclusion of the volume number enhances accessibility, promoting transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, the Federal Register volume is not merely a bibliographic detail; it is an integral component of the citation process for Executive Orders. Its accurate inclusion ensures precise identification, facilitates retrieval from official sources, and upholds standards of legal and academic rigor. Without it, the ability to reliably reference and verify these important directives is compromised.
3. Federal Register page
The specific page number within the Federal Register is a crucial element in accurately referencing an Executive Order. Its inclusion allows for precise identification and retrieval of the directive, ensuring the citation’s verifiability and credibility within legal and academic contexts.
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Exact Location
The Federal Register publishes Executive Orders alongside other federal regulations and notices. The page number indicates the exact location of the order within a particular volume, distinguishing it from other documents published on the same day or in the same issue. Without the specific page number, locating the Executive Order becomes significantly more time-consuming, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the citation.
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Distinguishing Revisions
Subsequent corrections or amendments to an Executive Order may also be published in the Federal Register. The page number helps differentiate between the original order and any revisions, clarifying which version is being referenced. This is particularly important in legal contexts where the precise wording of the directive at a specific point in time may be relevant.
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Verification of Information
The inclusion of the Federal Register page number allows readers to quickly verify the accuracy of the cited information. By consulting the specified page, one can confirm the content of the Executive Order and ensure that it aligns with the claims made in the citing document. This promotes transparency and accountability in research and legal argumentation.
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Adherence to Citation Standards
Established citation styles, such as those outlined in the Bluebook, ALWD Citation Manual, or APA style guide, mandate the inclusion of the Federal Register page number in the citation format for Executive Orders. Failure to include this information renders the citation incomplete and may detract from the overall credibility of the source material. Adhering to these standards ensures consistency and facilitates efficient information retrieval.
In summary, the Federal Register page number is an indispensable component of a complete and accurate citation for an Executive Order. Its role in specifying the exact location, distinguishing revisions, enabling verification, and adhering to citation standards underscores its importance in legal and academic discourse. The omission of this detail compromises the verifiability and, consequently, the overall validity of the citation.
4. Date of Issuance
The date of issuance is a fundamental component in the correct citation of an Executive Order. It provides crucial temporal context, differentiating it from other orders and enabling accurate tracking and verification.
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Unambiguous Identification
Executive Orders, while uniquely numbered, may address similar topics over time. The date of issuance provides a definitive temporal marker, ensuring that the specific directive in question is correctly identified. For instance, multiple Executive Orders may address national security, but the date distinguishes the specific policy being referenced. Without this date, ambiguity can undermine the citation’s accuracy.
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Legal and Historical Context
The issuance date places the Executive Order within a specific political and historical landscape. This is vital for understanding the order’s rationale, potential impact, and legal challenges it may have faced. For example, an Executive Order issued during a national emergency carries a different weight than one issued during a period of relative stability. Including the date allows researchers and legal scholars to interpret the order within its proper context.
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Versioning and Amendments
Executive Orders can be amended or superseded by subsequent directives. The date of issuance clarifies which version of the order is being referenced. This is essential in legal arguments, where the operative version of the order at a specific time may be critical. The date helps track the evolution of policy and ensures that the correct version is considered.
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Citation Style Requirements
Established citation styles, such as those outlined in the Bluebook or ALWD Citation Manual, mandate the inclusion of the date of issuance in the citation format. This reflects the date’s importance in providing a complete and accurate reference. Omitting the date renders the citation incomplete and potentially unreliable, failing to meet accepted academic and legal standards.
The “Date of Issuance” plays a pivotal role in distinguishing one Executive Order from another, anchoring it within a specific context, and maintaining accuracy, all while conforming to accepted citation practices. By including the date, the citation becomes a verifiable reference point, essential for rigorous legal and academic research.
5. CFR Title 3
Title 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is intrinsically linked to the process of citing an Executive Order. While the initial publication of an Executive Order occurs in the Federal Register, its subsequent inclusion in Title 3 of the CFR represents its codification and formal integration into the body of federal regulations. This codification signifies the order’s continued legal effect and serves as an alternative source for citation. Citing Title 3 allows for referencing the order in its officially codified form, which may be preferable when the order remains in effect and has not been superseded. For instance, if Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, is cited from Title 3, the citation would reference the specific section of Title 3 where the order is codified, providing a direct link to its place within the broader regulatory framework.
The practical implication of understanding the connection between Executive Orders and CFR Title 3 lies in ensuring the most accurate and current citation. While the Federal Register provides the initial publication, Title 3 reflects any subsequent amendments or revisions that have been formally incorporated into the CFR. Therefore, relying solely on the Federal Register citation without considering the CFR listing may lead to citing an outdated version of the order. Furthermore, using the CFR citation offers a more stable reference point, as it is less susceptible to changes in online availability than the Federal Register’s transient daily publications. Legal professionals and academic researchers benefit from this understanding as it ensures they are working with, and citing, the most current and authoritative version of the Executive Order.
In summary, while the Federal Register documents the original issuance of an Executive Order, Title 3 of the CFR provides its codified and, potentially, amended form. The accurate citation of an Executive Order necessitates understanding this relationship and choosing the appropriate source based on the order’s current status and the citation style requirements. Challenges may arise when an order has been significantly amended or rescinded, requiring careful examination of both the Federal Register and CFR listings. The ability to navigate these sources effectively is crucial for maintaining accuracy and credibility in legal and academic work.
6. Title of order
The inclusion of the title within a citation of an Executive Order offers crucial context and clarity, aiding in the identification and verification of the directive being referenced. While not always mandatory, its presence significantly enhances the usability and accuracy of the citation.
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Descriptive Summary
The title provides a concise summary of the Executive Order’s subject matter and purpose. This allows readers to quickly understand the order’s scope without needing to consult the full text immediately. For instance, an Executive Order titled “Blocking Property of Certain Persons With Respect to the Situation in or in Relation to Venezuela” instantly communicates its focus. This immediate context streamlines research and prevents misinterpretations.
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Distinguishing Similar Orders
In instances where multiple Executive Orders address related topics or stem from the same legal authority, the title becomes essential for differentiation. The number alone might not provide sufficient context, particularly when dealing with historical research or legal analysis involving numerous presidential directives. The title acts as a secondary identifier, helping to distinguish between orders that might otherwise appear similar based on their numerical sequence.
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Enhancing Searchability
The title facilitates keyword-based searches in legal databases and online repositories. Researchers often rely on keyword searches to identify relevant Executive Orders, and a well-defined title significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of these searches. Including the title in a citation enables others to locate the source document more easily, promoting transparency and verifiability.
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Contextual Understanding
The title provides additional context that helps to frame the legal and political implications of the Executive Order. It can signal the specific issue or crisis that prompted the order’s issuance, providing insight into the president’s motivations and the broader policy environment. This contextual understanding is particularly valuable when analyzing the historical significance or legal challenges associated with a particular directive.
In summary, the title, while sometimes optional, significantly enhances the value of an Executive Order citation. It offers a quick summary, aids in differentiation, improves searchability, and provides crucial context, all contributing to a more accurate and useful reference. Its inclusion promotes clarity and facilitates more efficient research.
7. Citation style guide
Citation style guides provide standardized rules and formats for acknowledging sources within scholarly work, and their application is critical when citing presidential directives. These guidelines, such as those provided by The Bluebook, the ALWD Citation Manual, the American Psychological Association (APA), or the Modern Language Association (MLA), ensure consistency and clarity in referencing Executive Orders. Each style guide prescribes specific elements, including order number, title, Federal Register and CFR citations, and date of issuance, as well as the order in which these elements should appear. Adherence to a recognized style guide demonstrates academic rigor and facilitates source verification by readers. The effect of not using a standardized style is a lack of clarity, difficulty in source retrieval, and a potential erosion of credibility.
For example, The Bluebook, commonly used in legal writing, dictates a highly structured format for citing Executive Orders, emphasizing the importance of the Federal Register citation and subsequent codification in the CFR. In contrast, APA style, prevalent in social sciences, prioritizes the date of issuance to emphasize the temporal context of the order. The choice of style guide depends on the discipline and the specific requirements of the publication. It is imperative to consult the relevant style guide and adhere to its specific rules to avoid errors and ensure that the citation is accurate and complete. In legal settings, failing to use the Bluebook could have implications on legal and court submissions.
In summary, citation style guides serve as the foundational frameworks for accurately and consistently referencing Executive Orders. They are not mere suggestions but sets of rules that ensure transparency, credibility, and efficient retrieval of cited information. Mastering the nuances of the chosen style guide and its application to presidential directives is crucial for maintaining integrity and promoting scholarly discourse. Challenges in adhering to these guides often arise from the complexity of the rules and the variations between different styles, but careful attention to detail and consultation with the relevant manual are essential for success. Understanding the relationship between style guides and accurate citation practices is therefore paramount.
8. Online availability
The online availability of Executive Orders has fundamentally transformed the landscape of legal and academic research. Rapid access to these documents significantly impacts how they are cited, influencing both the process and the precision of source attribution.
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Direct Access and Verification
Online repositories, such as the Federal Register website and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), provide direct access to the full text of Executive Orders. This availability allows researchers to verify the accuracy of citations quickly, ensuring that the cited content matches the original source. For instance, a legal scholar can instantly confirm the specific wording of an order by accessing it online, thereby validating the citation’s integrity.
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Persistent Identifiers and Stable URLs
Government agencies and academic institutions often assign persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs) and maintain stable URLs for Executive Orders. These identifiers provide a reliable means of accessing the documents over time, mitigating the risk of broken links and ensuring that citations remain valid. For example, a citation that includes a persistent URL guarantees that future readers can locate the source, even if the original website structure changes.
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Citation Management Tools
The proliferation of online citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley) has streamlined the process of generating citations for Executive Orders. These tools can automatically extract relevant citation information from online sources and format it according to various style guides, reducing the potential for errors. A researcher using Zotero, for instance, can import the metadata of an Executive Order from the Federal Register website and automatically create a properly formatted citation.
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Challenges of Ephemeral Content
Despite the advantages of online availability, challenges persist. Websites may undergo redesigns, content may be moved or removed, and access may be restricted. These factors necessitate careful attention to detail when citing online sources. For instance, a researcher should always include the date of access in the citation to indicate when the information was retrieved, acknowledging the potential for future changes.
The convergence of online availability and established citation practices creates a dynamic landscape in how Executive Orders are referenced. While online access enhances verification and streamlines citation management, it also introduces challenges related to the stability and persistence of online content. The effective citation of these orders, therefore, requires a nuanced approach that leverages the benefits of online resources while mitigating the associated risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses common inquiries regarding the accurate and consistent citation of Executive Orders in legal and academic contexts.
Question 1: Must every citation of an Executive Order include both the Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) references?
While the initial publication appears in the Federal Register, the CFR represents its codified form. Inclusion of both is ideal but depends on the style guide. If the order is codified and the style guide permits, citing the CFR is often sufficient, particularly if the CFR version reflects any amendments. However, legal contexts frequently require the Federal Register citation.
Question 2: What if an Executive Order has not yet been published in the CFR?
In instances where the order is recent and not yet codified, the Federal Register citation is mandatory. The citation should include the volume number, page number, and date of publication in the Federal Register.
Question 3: How does one cite an Executive Order that has been revoked or superseded?
When citing a revoked or superseded Executive Order, it is crucial to indicate its former status. The citation should include a parenthetical notation stating “Revoked by Executive Order [Order Number, Date]” or “Superseded by Executive Order [Order Number, Date]”. This clarifies its legal standing and prevents confusion.
Question 4: Are there variations in citing Executive Orders based on different citation styles (e.g., Bluebook, ALWD, APA, MLA)?
Yes, citation styles prescribe distinct formats for Executive Orders. Legal writing often employs Bluebook or ALWD, which prioritize legal formality. Social sciences typically use APA, emphasizing the date. MLA, common in humanities, may require a different arrangement of elements. Always consult the relevant style guide for specifics.
Question 5: What is the proper format for citing an Executive Order accessed online?
For online citations, include the stable URL or persistent identifier (if available) and the date of access. The URL should lead directly to the Executive Order on a government website (e.g., Federal Register, NARA). This ensures verifiability and accounts for potential changes in online content.
Question 6: What elements are essential when a title is missing from an Executive Order?
While titles are helpful, their absence does not invalidate the citation. The order number, Federal Register citation (volume, page, date), and CFR citation (if applicable) become paramount. Ensure these elements are accurate to compensate for the missing title.
Accurate and consistent citation of presidential directives is essential for maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism. These FAQs address common challenges encountered when citing these documents.
The next article sections will delve into legal and academic sources for citing presidential directives, including variations based on citation style (e.g., Bluebook, ALWD, APA, MLA).
Tips for Accurately Citing Executive Orders
The following provides practical advice for ensuring precise and consistent attribution of Executive Orders in various contexts.
Tip 1: Verify the Order Number: Confirm the accuracy of the assigned numerical identifier. This unique identifier distinguishes the specific Executive Order being referenced within the comprehensive record of presidential directives. A misstated number invalidates the citation.
Tip 2: Prioritize the Federal Register Citation: Always cite the Federal Register volume and page number where the Executive Order was initially published. This provides the original source reference and facilitates verification of the order’s initial content and date of issuance.
Tip 3: Consider CFR Codification: If the Executive Order has been codified in Title 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), include the CFR citation in addition to, or in place of, the Federal Register citation, depending on the style guide. The CFR represents the order’s current, legally binding form.
Tip 4: Note the Date of Issuance: Ensure the citation includes the precise date the Executive Order was issued. This temporal marker helps distinguish it from similar orders and provides crucial historical context.
Tip 5: Adhere to a Consistent Citation Style: Select a recognized citation style guide (e.g., Bluebook, ALWD, APA, MLA) and consistently apply its rules for formatting the Executive Order citation. Variances undermine credibility.
Tip 6: Check for Amendments or Revocations: Before finalizing the citation, confirm whether the Executive Order has been amended, superseded, or revoked. Indicate the order’s current status in the citation to avoid misleading readers.
Tip 7: Provide a URL When Available: Include a stable URL or persistent identifier (e.g., DOI) to the official online source of the Executive Order, if available. This facilitates direct access and verification by readers.
The consistent and precise application of these tips promotes accuracy, facilitates source verification, and upholds the integrity of scholarly and legal discourse. A deliberate approach to citing Executive Orders is crucial for conveying authority and maintaining credibility.
The subsequent conclusion will summarize the key considerations for citing Executive Orders and provide a final perspective on the importance of accurate source attribution.
Conclusion
This exploration of how to cite an executive order has underscored the necessity of precision and consistency. From the order number and Federal Register details to the Code of Federal Regulations and date of issuance, each element plays a critical role in establishing a verifiable and reliable source. Adherence to established citation styles, such as those outlined in the Bluebook, ALWD, APA, and MLA, further ensures uniformity and clarity across legal and academic disciplines.
The meticulous citation of presidential directives is not merely a formality but a fundamental aspect of responsible scholarship and legal practice. It enables readers to trace the legal basis of arguments, contextualize policy decisions, and assess the validity of claims. Continued diligence in source attribution, alongside a commitment to upholding established citation standards, will foster greater transparency and accountability in the use and interpretation of Executive Orders.
