Springs v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

61 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 62 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “(b) In a nonjury trial, if a motion for dismissal is to be made, it shall be made at the close of all of the evidence. The motion for dismissal shall state the specific grounds therefor. If the defendant moved for dismissal at the conclusion of the prosecution's evidence, then the motion must be renewed at the close of all of the evidence. (c) The failure of a defendant to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence at the times and in the manner required in subsections (a) and (b) above will constitute a waiver of any question pertaining to the sufficiency of the evidence to support the verdict or judgment. A motion for directed verdict or for dismissal based on insufficiency of the evidence must specify the respect in which the evidence is deficient. A motion merely stating that the evidence is insufficient does not preserve for appeal issues relating to a specific deficiency such as insufficient proof on the elements of the offense. A renewal at the close of all of the evidence of a previous motion for directed verdict or for dismissal preserves the issue of insufficient evidence for appeal. If for any reason a motion or a renewed motion at the close of all of the evidence for directed verdict or for dismissal is not ruled upon, it is deemed denied for purposes of obtaining appellate review on the question of the sufficiency of the evidence.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. TC v. State · T.C. v. State

2. “(i) pursuant to Rule 4-3 (h) of the Rules of the Supreme Court and Ark. Code Ann. § 16-91-113 (a), whether prejudicial error occurred; (ii) whether the trial court failed in its obligation to bring to the jury’s attention a matter essential to its consideration of the death penalty; (hi) whether the trial judge committed prejudicial error about which the defense had no knowledge and therefore no opportunity to object; (iv) whether the trial court failed in its obligation to intervene without objection to correct a serious error by admonition or declaring a mistrial; (v) whether the trial court erred in fading to take notice of an evidentiary error that affected a substantial right of the defendant; (vi) whether the evidence supports the jury’s finding of a statutory aggravating circumstance or circumstances; and (vii) whether the sentence of death was imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor.”

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

3. “Although highly deferential to the trial court’s discretion in these matters, this court has rejected a carte blanche approach to admission of photographs. We have cautioned against “promoting a general rule of admissibility that essentially allows automatic acceptance of all photographs of the victim and crime scene the prosecution can offer.” This court rejects the admission of inflammatory pictures where claims of relevance are tenuous and prejudice is great, and expects the trial court to carefully weigh the probative value of photographs against their prejudicial nature. We require the trial court to first consider whether such evidence, although relevant, creates a danger of unfair prejudice, and then to determine whether the danger of unfair prejudice substantially outweighs its probative value. Relevant evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.”

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