Colons
1. Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as "such as," "including," and "for example." Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.Incorrect: She had all the skills of a great litigator, such as: writing ability, perseverance, persuasiveness, and obsessive attention to detail.Correct: She had all the skills of a great litigator, such as writing ability, perseverance, persuasiveness, and obsessive attention to detail.
2. Do not use a colon after a
preposition (such as "in"), or a verb, that introduces a list.
Incorrect: The new law student excelled in: Criminal Law, Legal Writing, and Torts.Correct: The new law student excelled in Criminal Law, Legal Writing, and Torts.
Incorrect: The litigation tactics most disliked by the judge are: discriminatory use of peremptory challenges, indiscriminate use of document requests during discovery, and the introduction of frivolous motions as delaying tactics.
Correct: The litigation tactics most disliked by the judge are discriminatory use of peremptory challenges, indiscriminate use of document requests during discovery, and the introduction of frivolous motions as delaying tactics.
3. Do use a colon to introduce
a list, or provide an explanation, provided that its use is not contrary
to rules 1 and 2 above. For example:
Correct Use to Introduce a List:
The store carried all the items the new judge needed: gavels, judicial robes, case reporters, and computers.Correct Use as an Explanatory Tool:
The restaurant served the type of food most preferred by lawyers: red meat.
4. Do use a colon when restating
an idea. If the material following the colon constitutes a full sentence,
capitalize the first word. If the material following the colon is a dependent
clause or phrase, do not capitalize the first word.
Correct: The writing was brilliant: It was clear, concise, and analytically correct.Incorrect: The writing was brilliant: clear, concise, and analytically correct.
Cross Reference: Semicolons
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