2005 Pa. Super. 20 - Commonwealth v. Williams’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

12 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 12 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “The Act instructs, in relevant part that, “the object of all interpretation and construction of statutes is to ascertain and effectuate the intention of the General Assembly,[”] and [“w]hen the words of a statute are clear and free from all ambiguity, the letter of it is not to be disregarded under the pretext of pursuing its spirit.” 1 Pa.C.S.A. § 1921(a), (b). A court should resort to other considerations, such as the General Assembly’s purpose in enacting a statute, only when the words of a statute are not explicit. 1 Pa.C.S.A. § 1921(c). The Act also provides that “[wjords and phrases shall be construed according to the rules of grammar and according to their common and approved usage,” but that “technical words and phrases and such others as have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning ... shall be construed according to such peculiar and appropriate meaning.” 1 Pa.C.S.A. § 1903(a). Finally, in ascertaining the General Assembly’s intent, we may presume that the General Assembly does not intend a result that is absurd, impossible of execution, or unreasonable. 1 Pa.C.S. § 1922(1).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 2009 Pa. Super. 180 - Commonwealth v. Madeira

2. “In considering an appeal from a sentence imposed following the revocation of probation, our review is limited to determining the validity of the probation revocation proceedings and the authority of the sentencing court to consider the same sentencing alternatives that it had at the time of the initial sentencing. Revocation of a probation sentence is a matter committed to the sound discretion of the trial court and that court’s decision will not be disturbed on appeal in the absence of an error of law or an abuse of discretion.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 2010 Pa. Super. 113 - Commonwealth v. Williams

3. “[T]he determination as to whether the trial court imposed an illegal sentence is a question of law; our standard of review in cases dealing with questions of law is plenary.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 2007 Pa. Super. 299 - Commonwealth v. Nieves