How to reference an Act of Parliament in Harvard

Q: How do I cite an Act of Parliament in the text?

Give the author and the year, in brackets: (Equality Act 2010). To point to one place in it: (Equality Act 2010, s. 13)

An Act reference in Harvard has 2 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.

In your essay: (Author, year)
Checked 23 October 2026

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The 2 parts

Name of the Act, c. Chapter.

1 · NAME OF THE ACTEquality Act 2010, c. 2 · CHAPTER15.

1 · Name of the ActIn italics.The Act’s short title, with its year, from legislation.gov.uk.
2 · ChapterThe number. After “c.”.The chapter number, on the Act’s page on legislation.gov.uk.

Two places, one source

IN YOUR ESSAY

The Act defines direct discrimination (Equality Act 2010).

The author and the year, in brackets.

IN YOUR REFERENCE LIST

Equality Act 2010, c. 15.

The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.

Build your reference

Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.

What if…

A section of the Act
Point to the section you mean in the citation.
Equality Act 2010, c. 15.
In your essay: (Equality Act 2010, s. 13)

Easy to get wrong

The title not in italics
NOT QUITE
Equality Act 2010, c. 15.
RIGHT
Equality Act 2010, c. 15.

Check your university’s version

Harvard isn’t one fixed style. Universities change small things, like brackets, full stops and “Accessed” or “Viewed”. This guide follows Cite Them Right. Your module handbook always wins.

This guide follows Cite Them Right (13th edition, 2025), the Harvard many UK universities teach.

Harvard for your university

The full Harvard guide

Questions

How do I cite an Act of Parliament in the text?

Give the author and the year, in brackets: (Equality Act 2010). To point to one place in it: (Equality Act 2010, s. 13)

Is Harvard the same at every university?

Harvard isn’t one fixed style. Universities change small things, like brackets, full stops and “Accessed” or “Viewed”. This guide follows Cite Them Right. Your module handbook always wins.

Referencing is easier as you go

KanBananza’s step-by-step guides show how to plan an assignment and keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.

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