What are two components of cite checking?

• A. Verifying that citations are accurate and that authorities cited are still good law
• B. Verifying the formatting of footnotes only
• C. Verifying the font style used in the document
• D. Verifying the background of each author

Answer: (A)

Cite checking hinges on making sure every reference actually supports the proposition and that the cited authorities remain valid. First, accuracy means confirming that the source exists, is cited correctly, and matches what the text claims—correct case, author, jurisdiction, year, and the exact part being relied on. It also means that the quote or proposition aligns with the source’s language and context, including appropriate pinpoint citations. Second, good-law status means checking that the authorities cited are still controlling or persuasive in light of subsequent decisions, statutes, or regulatory changes. If a case has been overturned, distinguished, or abrogated, it can no longer support the point, even if the source itself is real. Together, these components ensure that a document rests on solid, current authority rather than outdated or misapplied material. The other options miss the heart of cite checking: formatting alone does not verify content or authority, font style is unrelated, and the background of an author does not determine whether a citation remains good law or accurate.