Citing a Will: A Testament to Your Research Skills (Or Lack Thereof)
So, you're tasked with citing a will in Chicago style? Cue dramatic music. Welcome to the world of academic rigor and the bizarre. You've probably spent more time contemplating the meaning of life than figuring out how to format a deceased person's final wishes. But fear not, intrepid researcher! We're here to guide you through this labyrinth of legal jargon and citation rules.
The Will: A Legal Document, Not a Soap Opera
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of citations, let's clear something up: a will is not a juicy piece of gossip. It's a legal document that outlines how someone's assets will be distributed after they've shuffled off this mortal coil. So, while you might be tempted to include juicy details about the eccentric millionaire's pet iguana inheriting the penthouse, resist the urge. Focus on the facts.
Citing the Uncitable: A Challenge Accepted
Now, for the fun part (said no one ever): citing the will. Chicago style, with its love for footnotes and endnotes, might seem like overkill for a document that's primarily concerned with who gets the good china. But hey, rules are rules.
Basic Format:
- Author (or testator): Last name, First name.
- Title: Will of [Testator's Name].
- Place of Creation: City, State.
- Date of Creation: Day Month Year.
Example:
Smith, John. Will of John Smith. New York, NY. 15 April 2023.
Remember:
- If the will doesn't have a specific title, use "Will of [Testator's Name]".
- If there's no place of creation, omit it.
- For the date, use the day-month-year format.
Additional Considerations:
- Probate Records: If you're accessing the will through probate records, consider including the court name and case number in your citation.
- Multiple Versions: If there are multiple versions of the will, specify the version you're citing.
- Digital Copies: If you're using a digital copy, include the database or repository information.
FAQ: How-To's for the Citation-Challenged
- How to cite a codicil? Treat a codicil as an amendment to the will and cite it accordingly, including the date of the codicil.
- How to cite a will that's part of a larger collection? If the will is part of a collection (like a family archive), cite it as part of the collection with appropriate container information.
- How to cite a will without an author? If the testator is unknown, use the title of the will as the starting point of your citation.
- How to cite a will that's been revoked? If the will has been revoked, you generally wouldn't cite it, but if necessary, indicate its revoked status in the citation.
- How to cite a will in a different language? Provide a translated title in brackets after the original title and include the language of the original will.
And there you have it! You're now armed with the knowledge to tackle any will citation challenge that comes your way. Remember, while citing a will might seem like a daunting task, it's essential for maintaining academic integrity. So, go forth and cite with confidence!