Jones v. Commonwealth’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. “In our opinion, the language of Code § 16.1-241(1) is clear and unambiguous. In no uncertain terms, the language vests in juvenile and domestic relations district courts exclusive original jurisdiction to conduct preliminary hearings in cases of adult defendants charged with felonious offenses, except murder and manslaughter, committed against juvenile victims. . . . The phrase “exclusive original jurisdiction” in Code § 16.1-241 must be given its plain meaning. When given such meaning, the phrase imports requirements of a jurisdictional, rather than procedural, nature and it signifies exclusivity of jurisdiction in a juvenile and domestic relations district court to conduct a preliminary hearing in the type of case involved here.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Payne v. Warden of Powhatan Correctional Center · Payne v. WARDEN OF POWHATAN CORR. CENTER

2. “Except as hereinafter provided, each juvenile and domestic relations district court shall have, within the limits of the territory for which it is created, exclusive original jurisdiction . . . over all cases . . . involving: I. The prosecution and punishment of persons charged with ill-treatment, abuse, abandonment or neglect of children or with any violation of law which causes or tends to cause a child to come within the purview of this law, or with any other offense against the person of a child; provided that in prosecution for felonies over which the court shall have jurisdiction, such jurisdiction shall be limited to determining whether or not there is probable cause.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Payne v. Warden of Powhatan Correctional Center · Payne v. WARDEN OF POWHATAN CORR. CENTER

3. “2 We note a statement in the Fourth Circuit's opinion to the effect that this court has held that an indictment by a grand jury `preempts an adult defendant's right to a preliminary hearing.' 573 F.2d at 195 . No decision of this court is cited, and we disavow any application of the statement to the situation where the charges against an adult defendant involve a juvenile victim.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the concurrence
   e.g. Payne v. WARDEN OF POWHATAN CORR. CENTER