Merely persuasive authority, even if it is the U.S. Supreme Court, is always “trumped” by mandatory authority. And, it is of no use to cite statutes that have no application in the relevant jurisdiction.
Sometimes courts impose specific citation requirements on the practicing bar. Where specific requirement or preferences exits, they must be followed. Therefore, local custom or local court rules trump anything in The Bluebook.
Find out more about Bluebook citations from Legal Writing Citation by Larry L. Teply. It’s a “Nutshell” publication available at the circulation desk. Just ask.
