Q. If I include the name of a case in the text of my law essay, do I need to use a footnote?

No, if the name of the case is given in the text you don’t have to repeat it in the footnote. Your footnote can just include the case citation and it will comply with the OSCOLA referencing style. For example:

Text of your essay

It is well represented the case law, perhaps most notably in the expression of the no-conflict rule advocated by Lord Upjohn in Phipps v Boardman. ³⁵

Footnote

³⁵ [1967] 2 AC 46 (HL).

See the OSCOLA referencing page for more guidance.

Please note you should always refer to any departmental/school guidelines you’ve been given.