How To Cite An Act

Citing an Act correctly is essential when writing academic papers, legal documents, or research reports. It gives credit to the source of law you are referring to and helps readers locate the exact Act you mention. The format you use depends on whether you are following a legal citation style or an academic one, but the basic elements—such as the title, year, and jurisdiction—remain the same. Here’s how to cite an Act properly.

1. Understand What Makes Up an Act

An Act is a law passed by a legislative body, such as Parliament. Every Act has a title, a year of enactment, and often a chapter number or Act number. For example, Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 refers to Act number 66 passed in 1995. When citing it, you must include these details to make your reference clear and complete.

2. Citing an Act in General Writing

In ordinary writing or essays that do not require a specific referencing style, you can simply write the name of the Act in italics, followed by the year. For example:

According to the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, employees have the right to fair labour practices.

If you refer to the Act multiple times, you can shorten it after the first mention, like this:

The Labour Relations Act (1995) outlines these rights…

3. Citing an Act in APA Style

In APA (American Psychological Association) style, legal documents such as Acts or statutes are cited differently from books or articles. The general format is:

Name of the Act, Title or Chapter number, Section (if applicable) (Year).

For example:
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (South Africa).

If you are referring to a specific section, you can write:
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, s. 23.

In the reference list, include:
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (South Africa).

4. Citing an Act in Harvard Style

In Harvard referencing, the Act is usually cited by name and year in italics, both in-text and in the reference list. For example:

In-text citation: (Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995)

Reference list: Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (South Africa).

If you mention a specific section, include it like this: (Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, s. 12).

5. Citing an Act in OSCOLA Style

In OSCOLA (Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities), which is widely used in legal studies, Acts are cited using this format:

Title of the Act Year

For example: Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995.

When referring to a specific section, write: Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, s 23.

OSCOLA does not require Acts to appear in a bibliography unless you refer to a specific version or edition.

6. Citing an Act with Online Access

If you accessed the Act online, you can include the web address. For example, in APA format:

Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (South Africa). Retrieved from https://www.gov.za/

This helps readers verify the version you used and ensures transparency in your citation.

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