United States Reports

Contents and format

Volumes typically include a syllabus summarizing the decision (prepared by the Reporter of Decisions), the full opinion(s), and publication information. Legal citations use the volume number, the abbreviation "U.S.", and the page number (for example, "volume U.S. page (year)"). Commercial reporters provide parallel citations, but the United States Reports are the official source.

History and development

In the early Republic, Supreme Court decisions were issued by private reporters and known by their nominative names. Over time the series was centralized and, in the 19th century, became the Court's official record. The Reporter of Decisions now produces the final edited text for bound publication, converting earlier slip opinions into the permanent format.

Uses and importance

United States Reports are used for citing precedent in judicial opinions and briefs, for academic study of constitutional and federal law, and for preserving the authoritative wording of landmark rulings. Researchers consult bound volumes when precise wording or official page citations are required.

Distinctive features and notes

• The Reports are the Court's official record; other reporters are unofficial but useful for research.
• Syllabi and headnotes are editorial aids and not part of the Court's opinion itself.
• Slip opinions are preliminary; the bound Reports provide the permanent citation.

For access to case listings and decisions, see Supreme Court cases and the office of the Reporter of Decisions for guidance on citation and publication.