Wright v. Wright’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

6 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 6 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “A final judgment awarding or denying alimony must contain findings of fact relative to the specific, non-exhaustive list of factors enumerated in section 61.08(2). Section 61.08(2), Florida Statutes (2012), mandates that the trial court evaluate any relevant economic factors, including the parties’ earning ability, age, health, education, standard of living during the marriage, value of each party’s estate and contribution to the marriage. In conducting the required evaluation, the trial court must make findings of fact regarding each listed factor. This Court has consistently held that a trial court’s failure to make the findings of fact, as section 61.08 requires, constitutes reversible error. However, omitting these findings is only harmful if their absence impedes appellate review. After a thorough review of the record, we find that is the case here.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 162 So. 3d 1147 - Gilliard v. Gilliard

2. “[t]he findings of fact requirement serve two important purposes. First, it requires the judge to determine what the “facts” of the case actually are. Testimony is not a fact until the trial judge says it is a fact. Second, it permits an appellate court to do a comparable fairness analysis on appeal.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 162 So. 3d 1147 - Gilliard v. Gilliard