When citing a legal dictionary, what should be included?

Citing a legal dictionary involves providing key details that allow the reader to locate the source effectively. The inclusion of the name of the author, when available, helps to identify the specific work and offers credibility to the citation. Authors of legal sources may provide particular insights or perspectives that can enhance the understanding of the definition being cited. While the full title, year of publication, and publisher's name are also important components of a proper citation, the author's name is essential in cases where a specific edition or interpretation is being referenced. This detail ensures that readers can not only find the source but also recognize the expertise behind the definitions provided.

Notably, the other elements — the full title, year of publication, and publisher's name — are valuable information, but they are not sufficient on their own without the author's name, which is critical in establishing authority and specificity within scholarly work.