Bobbett v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

2 federal appellate · 36 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 38 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““That the duty sought to be enforced is a public duty — one affecting the whole community — is also clear. The question is therefore narrowed down to this: Can a private citizen, by mandamus, compel the performance of a public duty? To allow any citizen to litigate with public officers the propriety of their acts, exposes them to constant litigation. If one may, so may another. If one act may be litigated, so may all; and so the time, attention and thought of the officer diverted from the duties of his office to the defense of harassing suits.” (p. 14.)”

   3 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Citizens Utilities Co. v. City of Goodland · Gormley v. Rural High-school District Number 5

2. ““So, where a public duty is neglected, the party wronged — the public— should be the complainant, and her officers should conduct the suit. The great business of the public is carried on by agents — officers whom the people select; and if the public suffers wrong, it is the duty of those agents to see that such wrong is righted. The county attorney and attorney general are the officers specially charged with the duty of representing the public in all litigation.” (p. 15.)”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. State ex rel. Roberts v. Lawrence · State ex rel. Ratner v. Jones