Dear 1L Writer

Dear 1L Writer,

I’m not sure why this trips up new law students, but in US English, put the period or comma INSIDE ending quotation marks, regardless of whether the period or comma appeared in the original, quoted material.

Here are two examples.
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1️⃣ NO COMMA IN ORIGINAL

Original: “The complaint lacked sufficient facts to survive summary dismissal, but we grant plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint.”

Correct: The court dismissed the complaint because it “lacked sufficient facts,” but the court also granted plaintiff leave to replead. ✅

🔸 Note that the comma goes INSIDE the ending quotation marks, even though no comma appeared there in the original.

2️⃣ NO PERIOD IN ORIGINAL

Original: “We vacate and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”

Correct: The court “remand[ed] for further proceedings.” ✅

🔸 Note that the period goes INSIDE the ending quotation marks, even though no period appeared there in the original.

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Fondly,

💌 Amanda