People v. Field’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

4 state decisions

Most-quoted passages

The sentences later courts lift from this opinion, ranked by how many decisions quote each — the parts of the opinion doing the work. These counts are smaller than the citation total above because most of the 4 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “The fact that the claimed right is found in a statute and not the California or United States Constitution does not mandate that we apply a rational basis review. [Citations.] And we are not persuaded by the People's claim that 'the right at issue here touches on only a single procedural aspect of the trial process.' (Italics in original.) To the contrary, the ability to call an SVP in the prosecution's case could be the most important evidence it places before the jury. As our Supreme Court observed, permitting the jury to observe the person sought to be committed and to hear him speak and respond provided 'the most reliable proof and probative indicator of the person's present mental condition.' [Citation.] Further, '[b]y calling the person in its case-in-chief, the state is essentially saying that his or her testimony is necessary for the state to prove its case.' [Citation.] Considering the potential impact of an SVP testifying at his or her commitment hearing, it logically follows that an SVP's testimony could have a direct impact on the SVP's liberty interest, namely the prosecution could use the testimony to prove that he or she should remain committed. Against this backdrop, we determine that strict scrutiny is the proper test to apply to the People's justification of the disparate treatment. [Citation.]”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 231 Cal. Rptr. 3d 910 - People v. Flint

2. “'Diagnosed mental disorder' includes a congenital or acquired condition affecting the emotional or volitional capacity that predisposes the person to the commission of criminal sexual acts in a degree constituting the person a menace to the health and safety of others.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 231 Cal. Rptr. 3d 910 - People v. Flint

3. “provides for indefinite involuntary civil commitment of certain offenders who are found to be SVP's following the completion of their prison terms. [Citation.]”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 231 Cal. Rptr. 3d 910 - People v. Flint