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Simple English definitions for legal terms
compare with
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A quick definition of compare with:
Term: Compare with
Definition: When writing about a legal topic, "compare...with" is a signal that tells the reader to look at two or more sources and see how they are similar or different. This helps to support or explain what the writer is saying. For example, "Compare Bockting v. Bayer, 399 F.3d 1010 (9th Cir. 2005) with Mungo v. Duncan, 393 F.3d 327 (2d Cir. 2004)" means to look at these two cases and see how they are related to the topic being discussed. This helps the reader understand the writer's point of view.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: "Compare...with" is a signal used in legal writing to encourage the reader to compare at least two cited sources. This comparison should either support or clarify the author's preceding statements. The signal is used in the following format: Compare [source 1] with [source 2]. Or, with more sources on each side of the comparison: Compare [source 1] and [source 2] with [source 3] and [source 4].
Example: Circuits were split on the issue of whether the Supreme Court decision of Crawford v. Washington applies retroactively to previous convictions or not. Compare Bockting v. Bayer, 399 F.3d 1010 (9th Cir. 2005) with Mungo v. Duncan, 393 F.3d 327 (2d Cir. 2004). By comparing the two sources, the reader will come to the intended conclusion that separate circuits disagreed over the issue of retroactively applying the decision of Crawford.
In this example, the author uses the signal "compare...with" to direct the reader to compare two sources that have different opinions on the issue at hand. By comparing the sources, the reader can understand the disagreement between the circuits and the complexity of the legal issue.