Citation Depth Signal #9
Definition
Writing technique · Tier Expert
Varying the density of citations to signal relative importance. Key propositions receive heavy citation support (statute + Court of Appeals + Appellate Division + application). Background propositions receive a single "see" citation. Citation density gives the reader a quick map of where the argument's weight lies, reinforcing — not replacing — the substance of each point.
Requirements
- The motion's central legal proposition has the deepest citation support
- Background and procedural propositions have minimal citation
- The variation in depth is consistent and intentional
- The reader can identify the argument's center of gravity from citation density alone
Why it's expert
Associates cite everything equally (overcitation) or cite only what they know (undercitation). Experts use citation density deliberately: the section with five pinpoint citations tells the judge "this is the heart of the argument." The section with one bare citation tells the judge "this is uncontested background." The variation is the signal.