According to citation rules, how should decisions of the United States Supreme Court be cited?

The correct approach to citing decisions of the United States Supreme Court is to refer to the official reporter, specifically "United States Reports" (abbreviated as U.S.). This practice ensures consistency, accuracy, and respect for the established legal citation system. The official reporter is recognized as the authoritative source for Supreme Court opinions, providing the most reliable and widely accepted citations for legal documents, scholarly works, and court filings.

Citing only the official reporter enhances clarity for legal professionals who reference these opinions, as they are accustomed to looking for cases in the U.S. Reports. Additionally, relying solely on any available reporter or a format of the author's choice could lead to confusion or ambiguity regarding the legal precedent being referenced.

While local rules may provide specific guidelines on citation, the standard practice across the legal community is to adhere to the official reporter, solidifying its importance and necessity in legal writing. This emphasis on using the official source reflects the professional nature of legal practice and the importance of standardized reporting in maintaining the integrity of legal citations.