Author: ERichards@ck6.uscourts.gov at ~Internet Date: 2/28/97 9:06 AM Priority: Normal Receipt Requested BCC: CITATION at AO-OCPPO To: citation~AOHUB@ao.uscourts.gov at ~Internet to: citation@ao.uscourts.gov at ~Internet CC: JByerly@ck6.uscourts.gov at ~Internet CC: James_Gregg_at-6CA-Cincinnati@ck6.uscourts.gov at ~Internet CC: DChamberlain@ck6.uscourts.gov at ~Internet CC: jshepherd@ck6.uscourts.gov at ~Internet Subject: ABA Cites I recognize the need for a consistent citation system which is compatible with electronic storage. Nevertheless, I am opposed to the ABA proposals for the following reasons: 1. Numbering paragraphs in opinions would be both cumbersome for the writer and bothersome to the reader. 2. Numbered paragraphs could also lead to confusion where an opinion also enumerates elements or factors. 3. Having already memorized the Bluebook, judges, clerks and lawyers will not be inclined to learn and use yet another citation system. I believe that many of the ABA's concerns could be ameliorated if West Publishing and other "official reporters" did not attempt to assert copyright protection over the pagination of published opinions. ERIC S. RICHARDS Judicial Clerk to the Hon. James D. Gregg United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan Gerald R. Ford Federal Building P.O. Box 3310 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 Telephone: (616) 456-2052 Telefacsimile: (616) 456-2425 "erichards@ck6.uscourts.gov"