façade or facade

20:14 May 5, 2011 

I finally took a different approach and did a search of the term in some bibliography on the specific subject of constitutions/international human rights law. I found that "facade" was used slightly more often so I used that.
I didn't go back to other pages (architecture, tourism) I had visited before posting the question.
Thank you all very much and particularly to Sheila for her common-sense comment.
In case you're wondering why I'm translating into English: these were very technical fragments in Spanish from different parts of South America and in Brazilian Portuguese, so I had a slight advantage on the side of understanding the source text; later (as I usually do in these cases) I sent my translation to a native speaker of English for proofreading.

12:52 May 4, 2011 

It never crossed my mind to alternate between the two possible spellings! And yes, I am aware of the need for using recent editions of reference sources.

12:10 May 4, 2011 

I absolutely agree with Oliver about using a variety of sources. Also, one of the great things about this is that you are can go for your own preference if the Client agrees. However, do ensure that you use a recent edition of your reference source. That prized 20 volume OED from the 1980s could already be showing its age.

11:25 May 4, 2011 

is that there is no single authority on many aspects of language, and the best bet is to find and use a range of authoritative reference resources, such as the Oxford Dictionary of English, and to be consistent in - and prepared to justify - the choice you make. There are many prescriptivists who seem to think that their own personal preference, especially where apparently supported by long historical precedent, is some kind of gold standard: well, guys, it ain't.