People v. Helzer’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

4 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 4 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “A close examination of the legislative history of sexual delinquency demonstrates a sound basis for an alternate sentencing interpretation. At the time the concept became part of Michigan law, related statutory provisions were enacted which clearly indicate sexual delinquency was conceived as possible mental illness precluding a fixed sentence. The concept of sexual delinquency was included in the then-existing mental health code and Department of Corrections Act, which specifically provided for treatment and early release upon satisfactory review by the parole board. The intended result entailed a more flexible and less determinate sentencing framework than set terms of imprisonment. This flexible form of incarceration was meant to entirely replace the more structured and limited sentence provided upon conviction of the principal charge. ... In sum, sexual delinquency was part of a much broader scheme of rehabilitation involving a sentence adjusted to defendant's treatment and recovery from possible mental illness. Thus the sentence for being sexually delinquent was not primarily penal. Punishment within a * specific limited period for the principal offense was reserved for those whose psychiatric histories, considered after conviction on the principal charge, reflected no serious tendency toward pathologically repetitive, compulsive, forceful or aggressive acts. So conceived, the sexually delinquent person concept was clearly intended to entail a more flexible, alternate fo”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. People of Michigan v. Lonnie James Arnold

2. “imprisonment in the state prison for an indeterminate term, the minimum of which shall be 1 day and the maximum of which shall be life,”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. People of Michigan v. Lonnie James Arnold

3. “sexual delinquency is now limited to five specific criminal provisions, three of which arise from the same criminal conduct,”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. People of Michigan v. Lonnie James Arnold