March v. Levine’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

9 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 9 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “Default judgments in general should be set aside if reasonable doubt exists as to the conduct 'of the defaulting party. Tennessee State Bank v. Lay, 609 S.W.2d 525 (Tenn.Ct.App.1980); Nelson v. Simpson, 826 S.W.2d 483 (Tenn.Ct.App.1991). This rule must be balanced against the rule that the trial judge may be reversed on the imposition of sanctions only by an affirmative showing of an abuse of discretion. Brooks v. United Uniform Co., 682 S.W.2d 913 (Tenn.1984).... Considering the conduct of Mr. March subsequent to the filing of the wrongful death action, the imposition of a default judgment is simply too drastic a sanction for his behavior. Throughout this entire proceeding, Perry March has not been the only transgressor. The Levines, in their zeal to sustain their position and to punish Perry March for what they sincerely believe to be the murder of their daughter, have contributed greatly to the problems in this case. This Court recognizes the patience and fortitude of the learned trial judge in trying his best to control this litigation, preserve the absentee estate, and maintain the integrity of his court in the face of nearly insurmountable challenges.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Orten v. Orten

2. “2. Perry may keep various items if he signs a Bailment Agreement. These items he may keep are "the Absentee’s art work and illustrations in Illinois ... which March wishes to use and retain at his household for the benefit of himself and the minor children”. According to the Order, Mr. March must list with specificity all items he has retained and how they are being used or displayed. Mr. March needs to make this list immediately and provide it to me. The Bailment Agreement is enclosed along with a UCC-1 Statement. Once the list of items Mr. March will retain is agreed upon, that list will be attached to the Bailment Agreement and to the UCC-1. 3. Mr. March must also turn over to the Levines all items which originally were in the house on Blackberry and which Mr. March is not using or retaining in his household for the benefit of himself or the minor children, including all items gifted or bequeathed to Janet by her parents or her relatives or obtained by Janet prior to her marriage.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Levine v. March