By Mary Morel
Reader’s question: Does the date in legislation need to be in italics?
Online grammar answer: Yes, if you are giving the full reference.
According to the Australian Style manual: For authors, editors and printers:
‘Most Acts and Ordinances have a short formal title that can be used for citation purposes. First references to an Act or Ordinance should always cite this short formal title, in italics, exactly and in full. In subsequent references this title can be shown in roman type and with the date omitted. For example:
the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 … the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act.’
NB No comma precedes the year in the formal citation.
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