State v. Seiler’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

15 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 18 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “It is axiomatic that search warrants are to issue only upon a finding of “probable cause.” “Probable cause” for the issuance of a warrant exists only “when the facts and circumstances presented to the judicial officer are sufficient in themselves to justify the belief of a reasonably cautious person that an offense has been ... committed.” State v. Leto, 305 N.W.2d 482, 485 (Iowa 1981); State v. Boer, 224 N.W.2d 217, 219 (Iowa 1974), or “that ... evidence is presently being ... concealed at the place to be searched.” State v. Post, 286 N.W.2d 195, 199 (Iowa 1979). Nonetheless, “there is a large difference between” proof of guilt and proof of probable cause, Brinegar v. United States, 338 U.S. 160, 173 , 69 S.Ct. 1302, 1309 , 93 L.Ed. 1879 , 1889 (1949). Although it may be difficult to discern in a particular case whether an affidavit demonstrates the existence of probable cause “the resolution of doubtful or marginal cases in this area should be largely determined by the preference to be accorded to warrants.” United States v. Ventresca, 380 U.S. 102, 108 , 85 S.Ct. 741, 746 , 13 L.Ed.2d 684, 689 (1965); Leto, 305 N.W.2d at 485 .”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. State v. Woodcock · State v. Swaim

2. “is the equivalent of a directed verdict for the State on an issue the State was obliged to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Seiler v. Thalacker