2011 Pa. Super. 38 - Commonwealth v. Ruffin’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

1 federal appellate · 4 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 5 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “Specifically, in Ruffin we explained that: “The object of all interpretation and construction of statutes is to ascertain and effectuate the intention of the General Assembly.” 1 Pa.C.S.A. § 1921(a); Commonwealth v. Cox, 603 Pa. 223 , 983 A.2d 666, 703 (2009). “In general, the best indication of legislative intent is the plain language of the statute.” Commonwealth v. Segida, 604 Pa. 103 , 985 A.2d 871, 874 (2009); Commonwealth v. Bradley, 575 Pa. 141 , 834 A.2d 1127, 1132 (2003). “When 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(b). It is only when the words of a statute are ambiguous that we may attempt to ascertain the legislature’s intent by considering the factors set forth in 1 Pa.C.S.A. § 1921(c)(1)-(8).[ 6 ] Commonwealth v. Shiffler, 583 Pa. 478 , 879 A.2d 185, 189 (2005). We presume that that legislature “intends the entire statute to be effective and certain.” 1 Pa.C.S.A. § 1922(2).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 2012 Pa. Super. 240 - Commonwealth v. Bowen

2. “(a) General offenses. — Every person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of any of the following provisions shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or both: Section 1543(a) (relating to driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked) except as set forth in subsection (a.l). Section 3367 (relating to racing on highways). Section 3733 (relating to fleeing or attempting to elude police officer). Section 3734 (relating to driving without lights to avoid identification or arrest). Section 3748 (relating to false reports).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 2012 Pa. Super. 240 - Commonwealth v. Bowen

3. “Whenever a general provision in a statute shall be in conflict with a special provision in the same or another statute, the two shall be construed, if possible, so that effect may be given to both. If the conflict between the two provisions is irreconcilable, the special provisions shall prevail and shall be construed as an exception to the general provision, unless the general provision shall be enacted later and it shall be the manifest intention of the General Assembly that such general provision shall prevail.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 2012 Pa. Super. 240 - Commonwealth v. Bowen