Referencing is a way of showing where the ideas, theories, quotes, facts and other evidence and information you use in your assignments can be found. Any books, journal articles, websites, etc that you use to research your assignment must be referenced.
There will be two parts to every reference you use:
There are many different referencing styles, e.g. Harvard, Chicago, Oscala, or APA.
Harvard is the most common style used in the ATU.
Some departments may recommend using a different referencing style or use guides of their own. In this case, use your departments guide. If in doubt, check with your lecturer/department.
The referencing style used in law is OSCOLA.
The important thing to remember, is to be consistent with whatever style you are using.
What is OSCOLA Ireland?
OSCOLA Ireland is adapted from OSCOLA, and is a comprehensive system of citation for use in Ireland. It is designed to facilitate students, academics and professionals in their accurate citation of legal materials. It is edited by a group of Irish academics, in consultation with both the OSCOLA Ireland Editorial Advisory Board, and the OSCOLA Editorial Advisory Board.
What is OSCOLA?
The Oxford University Standard for Citation Of Legal Authorities is designed to facilitate accurate citation of authorities, legislation, and other legal materials. It is widely used in law schools and by journal and book publishers in the UK and beyond. OSCOLA is edited by the Oxford Law Faculty, in consultation with the OSCOLA Editorial Advisory Board.
