Legal Definitions - cite

To "cite" in a legal context primarily means to formally reference a legal authority, such as a case, statute, or regulation, to support an argument or statement. Additionally, it can refer to the act of issuing a legal document, often called a citation, that orders an individual to appear before a court.

To cite has two primary meanings in a legal context. First, it means to formally refer to a specific source of authority, such as a law, a court decision, or a legal publication, to support an argument or statement. This act provides credibility and allows others to locate and verify the original source. The reference itself is often called a citation.

Second, to cite someone can also mean to officially order them to appear before a court, typically for a minor offense. In this sense, the official document issued to the individual is also commonly referred to as a citation.

• Example 1 (Referencing Authority): During a court hearing, a prosecutor might cite a specific section of the state's criminal code to explain why the defendant's actions constitute a particular crime. They are formally referencing the written law to support their argument.

  Explanation: This illustrates the first meaning of "cite," where the prosecutor is using a formal reference to an authoritative legal text (the criminal code) to establish the legal basis for their case.

• Example 2 (Summoning to Court - Traffic): A state trooper might cite a motorist for speeding after clocking their vehicle significantly above the posted limit. The motorist receives a traffic citation, which is a formal notice requiring them to either pay a fine or appear in court to contest the violation.

  Explanation: In this scenario, "cite" refers to the act of the officer officially issuing a summons (the citation) that compels the driver to respond to the alleged traffic offense, either by paying a penalty or by appearing before a judge.

• Example 3 (Summoning to Court - Administrative): A local animal control officer might cite a dog owner for allowing their pet to roam unleashed in a public park, which is a violation of city ordinances. The owner would receive a citation detailing the offense and instructing them on how to proceed, such as paying a fine or attending a municipal court hearing.

  Explanation: Here, "cite" is used in the sense of issuing an official order or summons for a non-traffic-related infraction, requiring the individual to address the alleged violation with the appropriate legal or administrative body.