2.3 Citing an Act
Acts can often seem confusing at first, particularly if they are long and use technical or complex language. The use of citation however can work as a sort of shorthand to make discussion of the Act more straightforward and ensure that people know exactly which Act, and which part of the Act or its supporting documents, are being discussed. Table 1 provides an overview guide to citing an Act in different ways and contexts.
| Type of citation | Example |
| Short title including year | Harbours (Scotland) Act 2015 |
| Number | 2015 asp 13 |
| Citation in written material such as an academic essay | (Harbours (Scotland) Act 2015) |
| Citation where a Section of the Act has been referred to specifically or quoted | (Harbours (Scotland) Act 2015 Section 2) or (Harbours (Scotland) Act 2015 s.2.) |
| If you refer to the Act in a sentence | The Harbours (Scotland) Act 2015 was designed to … |
| If you want to refer to a specific Section to explain it | Section 2 of Harbours (Scotland) Act 2015 states that … |
| Reference included in a bibliography or reference list at the end of an article or academic essay | Harbours (Scotland) Act 2015 asp 13. |