Bluebook Citation Guide

North Western Reporter Citations (N.W., N.W.2d)

Format citations for state court decisions from Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Overview

The North Western Reporter is a West regional reporter that publishes state court decisions from Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The series has two iterations: N.W. (1879--1941) and N.W.2d (1941--present).

Unlike most other regional reporters, the North Western Reporter has not transitioned to a third series. All modern citations within the N.W. coverage area use the N.W.2d designation. This simplifies citation formatting somewhat, but practitioners must still check the decision date to determine whether to use N.W. or N.W.2d.

Michigan generates a significant volume of opinions in this reporter. Michigan has its own official reporter (Mich. and Mich. App.), and local rules may require parallel citations. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa also have active appellate courts that produce many reported decisions. As with all regional reporters, include the state and court abbreviation in the date parenthetical.

Formatting Rules

Include the state and court abbreviation in the date parenthetical, e.g., (Mich. 2001) or (Wis. Ct. App. 2018).
Use N.W. for cases decided between 1879 and 1941, and N.W.2d for cases from 1941 to the present.
The North Western Reporter has not transitioned to a third series — N.W.2d remains current.
For the highest court of a state, use only the state abbreviation (e.g., Mich., Wis., Iowa).
For intermediate appellate courts, include the full court abbreviation (e.g., Mich. Ct. App., Wis. Ct. App.).
Iowa is abbreviated "Iowa" (not "Ia.") in court parentheticals per Bluebook Table T1.

Examples

Michigan Supreme Court

People v. Carpenter, 627 N.W.2d 276 (Mich. 2001)

Wisconsin Supreme Court

State v. Knapp, 700 N.W.2d 899 (Wis. 2005)

Iowa Supreme Court

Varnum v. Brien, 763 N.W.2d 862 (Iowa 2009)

Minnesota Supreme Court

State v. Scales, 518 N.W.2d 587 (Minn. 1994)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states are covered by the North Western Reporter?

The North Western Reporter covers Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Is there a N.W.3d series?

No. Unlike most other West regional reporters, the North Western Reporter has not transitioned to a third series. N.W.2d remains the current series for all decisions from 1941 to the present.

How do I abbreviate Iowa in a citation?

Iowa is one of the few states where the Bluebook uses the full state name rather than an abbreviation. Cite as (Iowa 2009), not (Ia. 2009).

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Disclaimer: While this guide follows Bluebook 21st edition rules, always verify citations with official Bluebook resources or your institution's requirements. This content is for educational assistance only.