Kommentaariviitteet

Kommentaariviitteet, known in English as commentary citations, are a specific type of legal citation used in many civil law jurisdictions. They refer to annotations or explanations of legal texts, such as statutes, codes, or court decisions, that are compiled by legal scholars or practitioners. These commentaries are not primary sources of law themselves but provide valuable insights into the meaning, application, and historical context of the law.

When a commentary citation is used, it typically points to a specific section or passage within a published commentary. This allows legal professionals and researchers to locate the exact part of the commentary that is being referenced. The purpose of citing these commentaries is to support an argument, explain a legal principle, or provide context for a legal issue. They are often used in legal briefs, academic articles, and judicial opinions.

The format of a commentary citation can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific style guide being followed. However, it generally includes information such as the author of the commentary, the title of the commentary, the publisher, the edition, and the specific page or section number being cited. The use of commentary citations highlights the importance of scholarly legal analysis in understanding and interpreting the law in civil law systems, complementing the primary sources of legislation and case law.