cf. in legal citation means “confer,” Latin for “compare.” It tells the reader to compare the cited source with the statement being made, usually because the source is related or analogous rather than direct support.

How it’s used

  • “cf.” = compare. It points to a source that helps by comparison, not by stating the exact same proposition.
  • It is weaker than “see” because it does not claim direct support.
  • It often appears with a short explanation in parentheses to show why the comparison matters.

Quick example

  • Cf. Smith v. Jones , 123 F.3d 456, 460 (suggesting a similar result in a different context).

Easy way to remember

If you see cf. , think: “compare this source to my point.” It is a nudge to look at a related authority, not a straightforward proof.

If you want, I can also explain how cf. differs from see , see also , and but cf.