Generally, no. However, you may want to include citations if you are
quoting from a particular case or if you want to direct attention
toward an important portion of an opinion.
Typically the best way to approach this will be to include a link to a
copy of the relevant statute or a link to a
reputable discussion of the relevant legal issues. Once you have done
this, you may assume that the reader is familiar with the legal
background for the purposes of writing your description. If someone
needs to learn more, they can follow your link.
This field is for a succinct description of the threat. A short description of the facts of the situation is appropriate. For lawsuits, a description of the important events in the procedural history of the case (e.g., filing of important motions, issuance of court decisions, commencement of trial) is also useful. This is not the place for detailed legal analysis of the case or partisan arguments for one side or the other.
If a situation has had recent developments that warrant monitoring, please include the boldface headline “Update:” followed by a one-line space and then the recent information, preferably including a date. For example:
Update:
On 05/06/2007, the defendant filed a motion to strike the case under state anti-SLAPP statutes.
