Curious about the law section symbol (§)? Learn what it means, how to use it in legal writing, and why it’s important. Discover its history, keyboard shortcuts, and common uses in legal documents.

What is the Law Section Symbol (§)?

The law section symbol (§) is a typographical mark used in legal writing to reference specific sections of laws, statutes, or legal codes. It simplifies legal citations, making it easier to locate and reference laws without writing lengthy descriptions.

For example, instead of writing “Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001,” legal professionals write:

18 U.S.C. § 1001

This compact format saves space and makes legal documents clearer.

History of the Law Section Symbol (§)

The section symbol traces its origins to ancient Latin script. It evolved from the double “S” (SS), which stood for “signum sectionis”—meaning “sign of the section.” Over time, it became stylized into the symbol we recognize today.

Early legal manuscripts used handwritten double “S” marks to indicate sections within laws or legal texts. The practice continued into printed legal documents and remains a staple of modern legal writing.

How to Type the Law Section Symbol (§) on Any Device

Using the law section symbol depends on your operating system and keyboard. Here’s how to type it easily:

Windows

• Shortcut: Press Alt + 21 or Alt + 0167 (on the numeric keypad)
• Character Map: Open Character Map, search for “§”, and copy-paste it.

Mac

• Shortcut: Press Option + 6

iPhone/iPad

• Open the keyboard
• Press and hold the & symbol
• Select § from the pop-up

Android

• Some keyboards (like Gboard) have the symbol under “Symbols” or “Special Characters”
• You may need to copy it from a website and save it for easy access

Google Docs & Microsoft Word

• Insert > Symbol and search for §
• Use the keyboard shortcuts mentioned above

Common Uses of the Law Section Symbol (§)

The law section symbol is widely used in legal documents, contracts, and court cases. Here are some common applications:

1. Legal Citations

• Used to reference specific laws and statutes
• Example: 42 U.S.C. § 1983 refers to a section in the U.S. Code

2. Contracts and Agreements

• Sections in contracts use the § symbol for clarity
• Example: §5.2 outlines payment terms in a contract

3. Court Opinions and Legal Research

• Judges and lawyers use § in case citations and legal analysis
• Example: Smith v. Jones, § 3(a)

4. Academic and Legal Writing

• Law students and scholars use the symbol in legal essays, articles, and books

Why is the Law Section Symbol Important?

Using the law section symbol offers several benefits in legal writing:

✅ Saves Space – Shortens legal references, making them easier to read
✅ Increases Clarity – Helps avoid confusion when citing multiple sections
✅ Improves Professionalism – Essential for formal legal writing
✅ Maintains Consistency – Used universally in legal documents

Whether you’re a lawyer, law student, or someone dealing with legal contracts, understanding the § symbol is crucial.

Fun Facts About the Law Section Symbol (§)

• Some old legal texts used “SS” instead of § before the modern version became standard.
• The Unicode for § is U+00A7, making it easily accessible in digital documents.
• The symbol is often doubled (§§) to indicate multiple sections. Example: §§ 101-105 means “Sections 101 through 105.”
• Many law firms have a shortcut for the symbol built into their document templates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the double section symbol (§§) mean?

The double section symbol (§§) means “multiple sections.” If you see §§ 45-50, it refers to sections 45 through 50 of a legal document.

2. Can I use the section symbol in normal writing?

While it’s mainly used in legal contexts, you can use § in academic papers, research, and contracts to reference specific sections.

3. Is the law section symbol different in other countries?

No, the symbol § is internationally recognized and used in most legal systems worldwide.

4. Why do some legal documents not use the section symbol?

Some older or informal legal documents spell out “Section” instead of using §. However, most modern legal writing prefers the symbol for brevity.

5. Can I create a custom shortcut for § on my computer?

Yes! On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey to assign a shortcut. On Mac, you can create a text replacement in System Preferences > Keyboard > Text.

Conclusion

The law section symbol (§) plays a crucial role in legal writing, simplifying citations and improving document clarity. Whether you’re drafting a contract, researching case law, or preparing a legal argument, knowing how to use § correctly will enhance your legal communication skills.