Adjusting CSL so Chicago 17 (Note) does not display URLs for Bills, Statutes and Legislation

sicahjes
Is this particularly involved?

Chicago 14.270 and the Bluebook allow for URLs not to be displayed if the online document is a true copy: 'authentic, official, or exact copies of a source available online can be cited as if they were the original print source'.

However, no matter what I do the URL always displays in the bibliography when using Chicago (Note / Full Note). These are really long URLs that don't serve a purpose, as the codes are a unique identifier (some are also behind a paywall/database), and they junk up my notes and bibliography.

I really don't want to have to delete my URLs, and was advised in another thread that an adjustment to the CSL will be required.

Is there a simple way to do this? Any guidance would be appreciated. I'm a few days out from submission and don't have a ton of time to spend on this.
  • bwiernik
    Edit the Chicago (note) CSL style and search for this line:

    <if type="legal_case" match="none">

    Change it to:
    <if type="legal_case bill legislation regulation hearing treaty" match="none">


    The line appears in two places. Change it in both. I’ve included all of the legal types—delete any you want to keep the URL for.

    Then change the style title and id at the top of the file, save, and install in Zotero

    General style editing instructions: https://www.zotero.org/support/dev/citation_styles/style_editing_step-by-step

    CSL file: https://www.zotero.org/styles/chicago-note-bibliography?source=1
  • bwiernik
    Generally though, if the URL isn't something that would be cited, it's better to store these as Links attached to the item rather than in the URL field. The URL should be used for the canonical, citable URL for the item


    (@dunning FYI, though sounds like we would want to continue to default to showing URLs for the main Chicago style)
  • dunning
    I've added these additional legal types in my 18th edition draft – the styles will inevitably need revision, as this is outside my area of expertise.
  • sicahjes
    edited 3 days ago
    @bwiernik

    Thank you so much for this! I honestly cannot thank you enough!

    Before reading this I realised it was possible to save the links in the attachment section, so I've started doing this and deleting the url from the record tab. However, the ability to adjust the citation style is ideal for me, as I'd need to keep manually moving the urls when I use the connector :-)
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