State v. Grace’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

9 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 10 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““As we have pointed out in this State, the refusal to support an illegitimate child is a criminal, or at least a quasi-criminal, offense, conviction of which can invoke severe penalties. The elements to be proven are paternity of the child and the refusal to support. Under the Winship [3] case it is clear that these elements must be proven by the State beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the Family Court found both elements as facts by reason of a preponderance of the evidence. This would seem to be clear error unless the nature of the proceedings has been changed by the General Assembly from criminal to civil.” [Footnote added]. 286 A.2d 754 at 755 .”

   3 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. G. L. v. S. D. · G. L. v. S. D.

2. “... (i)t has been repeatedly held in this State that the failure to provide support for an illegitimate child is a criminal offense, but because of the dual purpose of the act, i. e., to punish and to provide support, it is in fact quasi-criminal in nature.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Gl v. SD