Question 1

What is OSCOLA?

Accepted Answer

OSCOLA (Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities) is the most widely used legal citation style in the UK. It is a footnote-based system that uses minimal punctuation and covers cases, legislation, books, journal articles, treaties, and other legal sources.

Question 2

How do I cite a UK case in OSCOLA?

Accepted Answer

For cases with neutral citations (post-2001): Case Name [year] Court number, [year] Volume Report page. Example: Corr v IBC Vehicles Ltd [2008] UKHL 13, [2008] 1 AC 884. For older cases without neutral citations: Case Name [year] Report page (Court).

Question 3

How does ibid work in OSCOLA?

Accepted Answer

Use 'ibid' (not italicised, not capitalised) when citing the same source as the immediately preceding footnote. If the pinpoint differs, add it after ibid, e.g. 'ibid 85'. For non-consecutive subsequent citations, use the short form with (n X) cross-reference, e.g. 'Ashworth (n 4) 62'.

Question 4

How do I format an OSCOLA bibliography?

Accepted Answer

OSCOLA bibliographies invert author names (surname first, then initials), omit pinpoints, and do not end entries with full stops. The end matter has three sections: Table of Cases (beginning), Table of Legislation (beginning), and Bibliography (end). All entries are alphabetical.

Question 5

Can I cite Kenyan and Commonwealth cases in OSCOLA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OSCOLA can be adapted for Commonwealth jurisdictions. Kenyan cases follow a similar format: Case Name [year] Court number. For example: Mitu-Bell Welfare Society v Kenya Airports Authority [2021] KESC 3. Commonwealth cases from Australia, Canada, India, Nigeria, South Africa etc. follow the standard pattern with appropriate law report abbreviations.