Section sign

Section sign (§), also known as the double S, sectional symbol, or silcrow, is a typographical character used mainly to refer to a particular section of a document, such as a legal code. It is often used in legal, statutory, and policy documents to pinpoint a specific part of a text. The symbol is visually represented by a pair of overlapping "S" shapes or a double "S" with a vertical line dividing them.

Usage

The section sign is widely used in legal and statutory documents to reference a specific section. For example, "§ 1983" refers to section 1983 of a legal code. In academic writing, it is used to cite sections of books or documents. The symbol is also utilized in dictionaries, encyclopedias, and commentaries to denote subdivisions of a topic.

In some countries, the section sign is used in annotations to reference paragraphs or sections within chapters. Its usage varies significantly across different legal systems and jurisdictions, reflecting the diverse approaches to legal documentation and referencing.

History

The origins of the section sign are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been used as early as the Middle Ages. It was initially used in legal manuscripts to mark individual sections of the text, making it easier for readers to find specific information. The symbol evolved from the abbreviation of the Latin word "signum," meaning sign, which was used to denote divisions within legal texts.

Over time, the design of the section sign has undergone several changes, but its purpose has remained relatively consistent. With the advent of the printing press, the section sign became standardized, allowing for its widespread use in legal and academic documents.

Typing the Section Sign

The method for typing the section sign varies depending on the operating system and keyboard layout. On Windows, it can typically be typed by holding down the Alt key and entering 0167 on the numeric keypad. On macOS, the symbol can be inserted by pressing Option + 6. In many word processing and text editing software, the section sign can also be found in the symbol or special character menu.

In Digital Formats

With the rise of digital documentation and online content, the section sign has found new applications. It is used in programming and web development to denote sections of code or content. Additionally, the symbol is employed in digital legal documents and e-books to facilitate navigation and referencing.

See Also

• Paragraph sign
• Ampersand
• Copyright symbol
• Trademark symbol