Legal writing involves the use of various Latin phrases and terms that can be confusing to non-experts. One such term is infra vs supra. These terms are used to refer to sources of information within a legal document. In this article, we will explore the differences between infra and supra and how they are used in legal writing.
Infra
Infra is a Latin term that means “below” or “under.” In legal writing, infra is used to refer to a portion of the document, case, or book that comes later. For example, if you cite a case in footnote 2 and then refer to it again in footnote 5, you would use infra to refer to it in footnote 5. This lets the reader know that the case is referenced lter in the document.
Infra can also be used to refer to material that is yet to be discussed in the document. For example, if you are discussing a case and you want to refer to a point that will be covered later in the document, you can use infra to reference the upcoming material.
Supra
Supra is also a Latin term that means “above” or “before.” In legal writing, supra is used to refer to a previously fully cited authority. For example, if you cited a case in footnote 2 and then referred to it again in footnote 3, you would use supra to refer to it in footnote 3. This lets the reader know that the case has already been fully cited in the document.
Supra can also be used to refer to material that has already appeared within the document. For example, if you are discussing a case and you want to refer to a point that was covered earlier in the document, you can use supra to reference the previous material.
In legal writing, it is important to use infra and supra correctly to avoid confusion for the reader. Here are some guidelines for when to use infra vs supra:
Use infra when referring to material that is yet to be discussed in the document or when referring to material that comes later in the document.
Use supra when referring to a previously fully cited authority or when referring to material that has already appeared within the document.
Do not use infra or supra in every citation. Only use these terms when it is necessary to reference the material later in the document.
Infra and supra are important terms in legal writing that are used to reference sources of information within a document. Infra is used to refer to material that comes later in the document, while supra is used to refer to material that has already been fully cited. By understanding the differences between infra and supra, you can write legal documents that are clear and easy to understand for the reader.
Understanding the Meaning of ‘Infra’ in Legal Citation
In legal citation, infra is a Latin term that refers to information or material that can be found further down in the same document or source. It is used to direct the reader to a specific section or page that contins more detailed or relevant information related to the topic at hand. Infra is often used in legal writing to provide clarity and context to the reader, and to avoid repetition of information that has already been discussed earlier in the document. In contrast to supra, which refers to information or material that can be found earlier in the same document or source, infra directs the reader to look below or further down in the text.
Understanding the Meaning of ‘Supra’ in Legal Citation
In legal citation, supra is a Latin term that means “above” or “earlier-mentioned.” It is used to refer to a previously cited authority in a legal document or brief. When an authority has been fully cited in an earlier footnote, but not the immediately preceding one, supra may be used to refer to it. This is often done to avoid repetition and to make the document more concise. However, it’s worth noting that supra should not be used if it woud cause confusion or if a more specific reference, such as a pinpoint citation, is required. supra is a useful tool for legal writers who want to reference earlier sources without repeating themselves excessively.
Understanding the Meaning of ‘Supra’ in Footnotes
Supra is a Latin term that is commonly used in legal writing and refers to a source that has already been cited earlier in the text. It is often used in footnotes to indicate that the current citation refers to the same source as the one cited earlier. This is useful to avoid repeating the full citation every time it is referenced and to maintain clarity in the text. For instance, if a legal document cites a case in the first footnote and then refers to it again lter in the text, the subsequent citation may use the term “supra” followed by the page number to indicate that it is the same case that was cited earlier.
Conclusion
The use of “infra” and “supra” in legal writing serves a specific purpose. “Supra” is used when referring to a previously fully cited authority, while “infra” is used to refer to material that appears later in the piece. It is important to use tese terms correctly to ensure clarity and accuracy in legal writing. When referencing the same source in a footnote that is not immediately above, “supra” should be used. Conversely, when referring to material that has already appeared within the piece, “infra” should be used. By using these terms appropriately, legal writers can effectively communicate their ideas and arguments to their audience in a clear and concise manner.
