How to reference an Act of Parliament in Harvard
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 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
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
The Act defines direct discrimination (Equality Act 2010).
The author and the year, in brackets.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 QUITEEquality Act 2010, c. 15.
RIGHTEquality 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 (12th edition), the Harvard many UK universities teach.
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
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.