The guiding principle of the rules that follow is that, when a source is referred to, the reference provided should enable the reader to locate the source. For example, the reader should be able to find where a case is reported.

The rules in this guide address the citation of sources when footnotes are used. When endnotes or in-text referencing systems are used, make such modifications to the rules that follow as may be necessary in the circumstances.

Accuracy and completeness, both in the main text and footnotes, are essential.

When a source is cited for the first time, full reference information is included. When a source is cited for a second or subsequent time, use the relevant cross-referencing style from rule 2.3.

Where a bibliography is required, it should include all the sources used in the production of the piece, whether they are cited in the piece or not. See Appendix 7 for more information on bibliographies.