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.
