What is a Citator? A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition
Definition & meaning
A citator is a reference tool, often published in book form or as a series of volumes, that helps users track the history of legal cases, statutes, or regulations. It provides information on how these legal documents have been treated in subsequent legal decisions, allowing users to assess the strength and relevance of the original holdings. One of the most recognized citators in the United States is Shepard's Citations, which is widely used by legal professionals to ensure they are referencing current and applicable law.
Table of content
Everything you need for legal paperwork
Access 85,000+ trusted legal forms and simple tools to fill, manage, and organize your documents.
Citators are essential in various areas of law, including civil, criminal, and family law. They are particularly useful for lawyers and legal researchers who need to verify the status of a case or statute before citing it in legal documents or arguments. Users can manage some of these processes themselves using legal templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which can help streamline the research and documentation process.
Key Legal Elements
Real-World Examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, if a lawyer is researching a specific case, they may use a citator to find out if that case has been overturned or upheld in later rulings. This ensures that the lawyer is relying on current and authoritative legal precedents. (hypothetical example)
Comparison with Related Terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Shepard's Citations
A specific type of citator used primarily in the U.S.
Shepard's is a well-known brand, while citators can refer to any similar tool.
Legal Research Database
A digital platform for accessing legal documents and case law.
Databases may include citators but offer broader research capabilities.
Common Misunderstandings
What to Do If This Term Applies to You
If you need to verify the status of a legal case or statute, consider using a citator to gather the necessary information. You can also explore US Legal Forms for ready-to-use legal templates that can assist you in your legal research and documentation. If your situation is complex, consulting with a legal professional may be advisable.
Quick Facts
Type: Reference tool
Purpose: Track legal history and citation
Commonly used by: Lawyers, researchers, and legal students
Example: Shepard's Citations
Key Takeaways
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates
This field is required
FAQs
A citator helps users track the history and treatment of legal cases and statutes, ensuring they are referencing current law.
Yes, citators can be useful for anyone conducting legal research, including students and individuals representing themselves.
No, while Shepard's is well-known, there are other citators and legal research tools available.
