State v. Butler’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

110 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 110 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““[I]n a prosecution for possession of contraband materials, the prosecution is not required to prove actual physical possession of the materials.” State v. Perry, 316 N.C. 87, 96 , 340 S.E.2d 450, 456 (1986). Proof of nonexclusive, constructive possession is sufficient. Id. Constructive possession exists when the defendant, “while not having actual possession, . . . has the intent and capability to maintain control and dominion over” the narcotics. State v. Beaver, 317 N.C. 643, 648 , 346 S.E.2d 476, 480 (1986).”

   7 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. State v. Chekanow · 165 N.C. App. 777 - State v. McNeil

2. “[S]o long as the evidence supports a reasonable inference of the defendant's guilt, a motion to dismiss is properly denied even though the evidence also 'permits a reasonable inference of the defendant's innocence.'”

   6 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. State v. Worley · State v. Ruffin

3. “[a] ‘substantial evidence’ inquiry examines the sufficiency of the evidence presented but not its weight. The reviewing court considers all evidence in the light most favorable to the State, and the State receives the benefit of every reasonable inference supported by that evidence. Evidentiary ‘contradictions and discrepancies are for the jury to resolve and do not warrant dismissal.’”

   5 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. 174 N.C. App. 580 - State v. Cave · 165 N.C. App. 777 - State v. McNeil