More than 100 judicial rulings have relied on Wikipedia, beginning in 2004, including 13 from circuit courts of appeal, one step below the Supreme Court. (The Supreme Court thus far has never cited Wikipedia.)
“Wikipedia is a terrific resource,” said Judge Richard A. Posner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, in Chicago. “Partly because it so convenient, it often has been updated recently and is very accurate.” But, he added: “It wouldn’t be right to use it in a critical issue. If the safety of a product is at issue, you wouldn’t look it up in Wikipedia.”
Courts Turn to Wikipedia, but Selectively – New York Times
So, in 3 years 100 cases cited Wikipedia. Out of how many thousands of published decisions? How many cases cited Playboy? Most are trial level opinions which carry little weight. It is an interesting development though and will certainly cause discussion in the legal research and writing community:)Blogged with Flock