Walker v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

29 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 29 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “It is well established that the decision as to which defense witnesses to call is a matter of trial strategy and tactics, Simpson v. State, 277 Ga. 356 (4) (c) ( 589 SE2d 90 ) (2003), and that tactical errors in that regard will not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel unless those errors are unreasonable ones no competent attorney would have made under similar circumstances. [Cits.]”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Watkins v. State · Hubbard v. State

2. ““While jury charges on self-defense and voluntary manslaughter are not mutually exclusive ((cit.)), the provocation necessary to support a charge of voluntary manslaughter is different from that which will support a claim of self-defense. (Cit.) ‘The distinguishing characteristic between the two claims is whether the accused was so influenced and excited that he reacted passionately rather than simply in an attempt to defend himself. Only where this is shown will a charge on voluntary manslaughter be warranted.’ (Cit.)” [Cit.]”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. White v. State