People v. Singleton’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

5 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 7 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “Having considered the foregoing factors, I conclude that the item allegedly possessed by the defendant sufficiently qualifies as metal knuckles so as to warrant the denial of his motion to dismiss. Were a blow to be struck by a person wearing this item, the metal spikes covering his fist would surely come in contact with the victim’s body. It is apparent that this item readily can be used as a weapon. In other words, no material alterations need be made to it before it could be used in striking. Moreover, from the very design of the item — the fact, for example, that the pointed metal spikes are carefully positioned so as to be held in place over the fist and knuckles — one can legitimately conclude that its only reasonable use is to enhance the wearer’s ability to injure a victim.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Small v. Bud-K Worldwide, Inc.

2. “It is composed of two connecting parts. The larger part is a leather strap designed to be worn on the wrist and hand. The strap is approximately two inches wide at the wrist and widens to cover the back of the hand from the wrist to just above the knuckles. Several metal spokes, each approximately one-half inch long, are fastened to this strap. The second part of the item is a strap which covers the knuckles and fist. This second strap, to which metal spikes are also fastened, is connected to the first strap. The second strap, with the spikes, fasted to it, is kept in place over the knuckles and fist by means of an attached leather loop through which the wearer inserts his fingers.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Small v. Bud-K Worldwide, Inc.

3. “Firstly, a blow by a fist wearing the instrument must cause metal to come into contact with the victim’s body.... Secondly, the instrument must be designed so that it readily can be used offensively against the human body. Thirdly, the design of the instrument must be such that it cannot reasonably be put to any use other than to enable the wearer to inflict a blow with a fist covered by metal or pieces of metal. The second and third factors, which overlap to a certain extent, -will ensure that jewelry and other items which are “innocently possessed [will not] provide the basis for police action.””

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Small v. Bud-K Worldwide, Inc.