State v. Coleman’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

18 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 19 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “"The opinions of experts on the question of `waiver' of constitutional rights may be helpful, but are certainly not binding on the trial court. The decision on the validity of a waiver is ultimately one for the court. Experts in psychiatric medicine or psychology can give opinions on an accused's mental ability to perform certain functions, but the court must decide whether the accused, with the described mental ability, has the capacity to stand trial or the capacity to waive rights. The concept of `knowing' and `intelligent' waiver is one which our jurisprudence has developed. See State v. Glover , above; State v. Trudell, [ 350 So.2d 658 (La.1977) ], above. There is no controlling psychiatric principle. See State v. Bennett, 345 So.2d 1129 (La. 1977), in which this court cautioned trial courts not to base judgments regarding capacity to stand trial only on conclusory opinions of experts unsupported by enumerated factors. Just as in cases in which the accused's capacity to stand trial is at issue, the trial court's judgment must be accorded much deference in cases involving an accused's capacity to waive rights ..." State v. Coleman, 395 So.2d 704 at page 709 (La.1981).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 554 So. 2d 271 - State v. Ashworth

2. ““After carefully reading and remembering the testimony of those who testified at the original suppression hearing and after listening to both confessions completely, the court is convinced that the state has carried its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and that the statements were freely and voluntarily made. Although there was evidence that the accused was somewhat retarded, considering his testimony, his description of the events and his waiver of rights on the tapes and considering all of the other witnesses and their testimony, the court feels that it is clear that mental illness did not preclude him from giving a voluntary statement.””

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Coleman v. Maggio

3. “"The law is clear that when the issue on appeal is whether an accused's level of intellectual disability precludes him from effectively understanding the essential nature of his rights to silence and counsel and of the consequences of his speech, much weight is accorded to the trial court's assessment. State v. Coleman, 395 So.2d 704 (La.1981); State v. Trudell, supra ; State v. White, 329 So.2d 738 (La.1976). Once the trial judge has determined that the state has met its burden of proof, his decision is entitled to great weight on review. State v. Coleman, supra ; State v. White, supra ; State v. Hall, 257 La. 253 , 242 So.2d 239 (1970)."”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 487 So. 2d 1226 - State v. Roux