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Simple English definitions for legal terms
citation signal
Read a random definition: querela coram rege a concilio discutienda et terminanda
A quick definition of citation signal:
A citation signal is a way to show where information comes from. It's like a secret code that tells you something about the source of the information. For example, if you see "See" in a citation, it means that the source directly supports what is being said. If you see "Cf.", it means that the source supports something similar, but not exactly the same. Citation signals are important in making sure that information is accurate and reliable.
A more thorough explanation:
A citation signal is a notation or abbreviation used in legal writing to indicate some basic fact about the authority being cited.
For example, the signal "See" means that the cited authority directly states or supports the proposition, while "Cf." means that the cited authority supports a proposition analogous to (but in some way different from) the main proposition.
These signals are used to help readers understand the relationship between the cited authority and the proposition being supported.
An example of a citation signal in use would be: "According to Smith v. Jones, 123 U.S. 456 (2000) (See also Johnson v. Smith, 456 U.S. 789 (2005))..." In this example, the signal "See also" is used to indicate that the cited authority supports a proposition related to the main proposition being discussed.