How to reference a legal case in Harvard
A case reference in Harvard has 2 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author, year)
- Checked 23 October 2026
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The 2 parts
Case name Neutral citation.
1 · CASE NAMER (Miller) v Prime Minister2 · NEUTRAL CITATION[2019] UKSC 41.
- 1 · Case nameIn italics.The names of the parties, as at the top of the judgment.
- 2 · Neutral citationThe neutral citation, as at the top of the judgment.At the top of the judgment, for cases from 2001 on. Find judgments on BAILII or Find Case Law.
Two places, one source
The Supreme Court held that the prorogation of Parliament was unlawful (R (Miller) v Prime Minister, 2019).
The author and the year, in brackets.R (Miller) v Prime Minister [2019] UKSC 41.
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
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What if…
An older case
Cases from before 2001 have no neutral citation, so cite the law report.
Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562 (HL).
In your essay: (Donoghue v Stevenson, 1932)
Easy to get wrong
The title not in italics
NOT QUITER (Miller) v Prime Minister [2019] UKSC 41.
RIGHTR (Miller) v Prime Minister [2019] UKSC 41.
Check your university’s version
Harvard isn’t one fixed style. Universities change small things, like brackets, full stops and “Accessed” or “Viewed”. This guide follows Cite Them Right. Your module handbook always wins.
This guide follows Cite Them Right (13th edition, 2025), the Harvard many UK universities teach.
Questions
How do I cite a legal case in the text?
Give the author and the year, in brackets: (R (Miller) v Prime Minister, 2019). To point to one place in it: (R (Miller) v Prime Minister, 2019, para. 50)
Is Harvard the same at every university?
Harvard isn’t one fixed style. Universities change small things, like brackets, full stops and “Accessed” or “Viewed”. This guide follows Cite Them Right. Your module handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
KanBananza’s step-by-step guides show how to plan an assignment and keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
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