Modrell v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

13 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 13 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “[R]eliance on cost as the sole and determining factor would be tantamount to assertion of a financial feasibility defense and therefore impermissible. However, where cost is but one among many factors affecting the State's choice of a particular method of construction or maintenance, it is relevant evidence on the reasonableness of the alternative taken.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Walden v. State · Bodin v. City of Stanwood

2. “"If you find the defendant negligent in planning or constructing or maintaining the highway in question, you may not excuse such negligence on the ground that proper construction was beyond the financial means of the State. Cost is not a factor in the duty of the State to plan, construct and maintain its highways in a reasonable safe condition."”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Walden v. State · 125 Wash. 2d 1 - McCluskey v. Handorff-Sherman

3. “regardless of [its] personal financial priorities.”

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