181 W. Va. 126 - State v. Wilkinson’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

16 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 16 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “A motion for continuance is addressed to the sound discretion of the trial court, and its ruling will not be disturbed on appeal unless there is a showing that there has been an abuse of discretion.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Hamilton v. Ravasio · 184 W. Va. 555 - State v. Bonham

2. “Obviously, where a prior conviction is a necessary element of the current offense charged or is utilized to enhance the penalty after a jury finding that the defendant has committed such prior offense, it is admissible for jury purposes and [ State of West Virginia v. ] McAboy [ 160 W.Va. 497 , 236 S.E.2d 431 (1977) ] is not applicable.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. 192 W. Va. 483 - State v. Hopkins

3. “Whether there has been an abuse of discretion in denying a continuance must be decided on a case-by-case basis in light of the factual circumstances presented, particularly the reasons for the continuance that were presented to the trial court at the time the request was denied.”

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