Harris v. Com.’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

23 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 23 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “Code § 18.2-308(A) includes numerous enumerated items, some of which are bladed, such as a dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor and a “disc” or “throwing star” or “oriental dart” “having at least two points or pointed blades.” ... Some enumerated items are designed for fighting purposes such as a dirk, bowie knife, or switchblade knife. Other enumerated items are not designed for fighting purposes, such as a machete or a razor, but unfortunately are now commonly understood to be “weapons.” If the bladed item in question meets the definition of an enumerated item within Code § 18.2-308(A), the evidence is clearly sufficient for a conviction under the statute. Additionally, if the bladed item is not enumerated, concealment of the item may be proscribed by Code § 18.2-308(A) if it is a “weapon of like kind.” However, before examination of similar physical characteristics to enumerated items, the item in question must first be a “weapon.””

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 51 Va. App. 205 - Thompson v. Commonwealth

2. “The current dictionary definition of the term “razor” refers to both a straight razor and a safety razor. A box cutter is neither; it is defined as “a small cutting tool that is designed for opening cardboard boxes and typically consists of a retractable razor blade in a thin metal sheath.” Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 148 (11th ed.2004). Furthermore, when a razor was added to the list of items that could not lawfully be carried concealed, see 1884 Acts ch. 143, the term “razor” was defined as “a knife with a keen edge and broad back, used for shaving.” A Dictionary of the English Language 828 (1885); see also A Dictionary of the English Language 1187 (1880) (defining the term “razor” as “[a] knife or instrument for shaving off beard or hair”).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. State Of Iowa Vs. Ricardo Ortiz

3. “[i]t is . . . the role of the General Assembly, not this Court, to craft any needed revisions to Code § 18.2-308(A) and to decide what items to include within the statute's proscription.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Thompson v. Com.