Every answer in Blue J is supported by relevant sources so you can verify and trust the results.
This guide explains how sources work, and how to use them effectively in your research.
What you’ll see in your answer
Each answer includes:
- Inline citations → show where specific statements come from
- Source list → all materials used to generate the answer
How to use the source list
The source list shows the materials that informed your answer.
For each source, you’ll see:
- The title of the document
- Information about the document (e.g., publish date or judgment date)
- The most relevant excerpt (for primary sources)
For primary sources, Blue J highlights the most relevant paragraph to help you quickly find what matters.
How to explore sources in more detail
View the full source
- Click on a source to open it
- Review the full context behind the answer
IBFD-sourced international content and Tax Notes commentary require a separate subscription; otherwise, everything else is available within Blue J or linked out to without a separate subscription required.
Use “Ask a Document” to analyze a source
If you want to focus on a specific source, use Ask a Document.
This allows you to analyze a single document in detail and ask targeted questions about it.
Examples:
- “Where in this case is that discussed?”
- “Summarize this document”
- “What does this ruling say about X?”
This is especially useful for:
- Long cases
- Technical rulings
- Complex or detailed materials
Finding more sources
To explore additional materials:
- Click “View more sources” to see related content
- Ask Blue J directly:
- “Show more cases on this topic”
- “Are there any government documents related to this?”
These sources may not have been used in the original answer but are likely relevant.
Tips for using sources effectively
- Review key sources for important conclusions
- Use sources to validate nuanced or complex issues
- Compare multiple sources for deeper analysis
- Use Ask a Document to explore specific materials in detail
Why a source might not appear
If you don’t see what you expected:
- The source may not have been directly relevant to your question
- It may appear under “View more sources”
- Try asking a more specific question (e.g., name the case or issue)
Still need help?
If you’re unsure how to interpret sources or find what you need, contact support at support@bluej.com.