The Bluebook examination is administered during the spring semester and constitutes 25% of the Richmond Law Review competition score. It is the first part of the Law Review competition. All competitors must complete the Bluebook examination, including those students who “grade on.”

Beginning in spring 2006, Richmond Law Review will participate in a Unified Bluebook Exam, administered by a Panel of Editors consisting of members from all four University of Richmond Journals.  Each Journal participates in the creation, selection, and editing of the Bluebook questions.  Specifically, Richmond Law Review Manuscripts Editors will design the Law Review questions and participate on the Panel of Editors.  The purpose of the examination is to test a competitor’s knowledge of the Bluebook form of citation, which is utilized by the Richmond Law Review in its publications. Knowledge of the Bluebook is crucial for new Law Review members. See below for a Sample Bluebook Examination Question.  

Competitors have one week to complete the Bluebook portion of the competition.  The Bluebook examination does not require a competitor to perform any research.  Students may consult only the Bluebook during the examination; they are not permitted to consult other students, Law Review members, library staff, or any other person for assistance during the exam. Competitors are bound by the Honor Code during the entire Law Review competition.

Prior to the administration of the Unified Bluebook exam, the Panel of Editors will make available a practice Bluebook exam.  Prior to the Unified Bluebook Exam, the Panel of Editors will conduct a Question and Answer session and answer substantive questions concerning the practice Bluebook exam.  Once the Unified Bluebook Exam has commenced, all questions should be addressed to the Panel of Editors responsible for administering the Unified Exam.

The Manuscripts Editors also grade the Bluebook examinations on an anonymous basis. All of the Manuscripts Editors grade each examination and the scores are then compiled. Please note that although the Unified Bluebook Exam is administered jointly by the four University of Richmond Journals, grading of the exams is independent.  As such, scoring can and will be different for each journal.  The exam scores are posted prior to spring semester exams.

Click here for a sample Bluebook exam question