For lawyers, law students, and legal researchers, being able to cite WTO agreements correctly is a crucial skill. The Bluebook is the standard citation style used in the legal field, and it provides specific guidelines for citing WTO agreements. In this article, we will guide you on how to cite WTO agreements in the Bluebook format.

Overview of WTO Agreements

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade. The WTO agreements are a series of agreements that have been negotiated and signed by member countries. These agreements are enforceable rules that govern trade between member countries.

There are several WTO agreements, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). Each agreement has its own unique citation format.

Citing WTO Agreements in Bluebook Format

The Bluebook citation style is the preferred citation style for legal documents in the United States. It provides a specific format for citing legal sources. Here`s how to cite WTO agreements in Bluebook format:

1. Citing the Agreement Text

For citing the text of a WTO agreement, the following format should be used:

Name of the Agreement, Art. [Article Number], para. [Paragraph Number] (Year).

For example, GATT 1994, Art. XX, para. 2(c) reads:

“Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the adoption or enforcement by any contracting party of measures: (c) necessary to secure compliance with laws or regulations which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, including those relating to the prevention of deceptive practices.”

2. Citing WTO Dispute Settlement Reports

When citing WTO dispute settlement reports, the following format should be used:

Name of the Case, WT/DS No. [Number], para. [Paragraph Number], [Year], [Vol.] WTO Doc. [Document Number].

For example, the citation for United States – Import Prohibition of Certain Shrimp and Shrimp Products would be:

United States – Import Prohibition of Certain Shrimp and Shrimp Products, WT/DS58/R, para. 22, 1998, WTO Doc. WT/DS58/R.

Conclusion

In conclusion, citing WTO agreements in the Bluebook format is a crucial skill for legal researchers. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you should be able to cite WTO agreements correctly in your legal documents. Remember to always double-check your citations to ensure accuracy and consistency.