Quotation: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Legal Significance

Definition & Meaning

A quotation is a precise reproduction of a segment of text from a literary work, used in another document or writing. In legal contexts, quotations often involve citing authoritative texts, such as statutes or case law, to support an argument presented in court. This can help persuade a judge by providing the exact wording of the cited authority. Additionally, in financial markets, a quotation refers to the highest bid or lowest ask price for a security at a specific moment.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: In a court case, a lawyer may quote a section of a statute to support their argument regarding the legality of their client's actions. For instance, they might say, "According to Section 123 of the XYZ Act, it is unlawful to..."

Example 2: A financial analyst might state, "The current quotation for Company ABC stock is $50 bid and $52 ask," indicating the highest price buyers are willing to pay and the lowest price sellers are willing to accept.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Difference
Citation A reference to a source of information or authority. A citation may not include the exact wording, while a quotation does.
Paraphrase A restatement of text in one's own words. A paraphrase alters the original wording, while a quotation preserves it.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to use a quotation in a legal document, ensure you have the exact wording from the source. You can utilize templates from US Legal Forms to help you draft your document correctly. If your situation is complex, consider consulting a legal professional for tailored advice.

Quick facts

  • Quotations must be verbatim from the original source.
  • Commonly used in legal arguments and financial reporting.
  • Accurate quotations can strengthen legal cases.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A quotation is the exact wording from a source, while a citation refers to the source itself without necessarily quoting it verbatim.