Valonis v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

26 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 26 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “[T]he judge is required to announce his or her finding as to the knowing and voluntary waiver on the record. Because the waiver of a jury trial is personal, the requirement of an on-the-record determination by the trial judge provides further safeguards to ensure that the decision is in actuality the defendant’s own knowing, voluntary, and personal choice.”

   3 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the dissent
   e.g. Butler v. State · 213 Md. App. 195 - Banks v. State

2. ““A defendant may waive the right to a trial by jury at any time before the commencement of trial. The court may not accept the waiver until, after an examination of the defendant on the record in open court conducted by the court, the State’s Attorney, the attorney for the defendant, or any combination thereof, the court determines and announces on the record that the waiver is made knowingly and voluntarily.” (Emphasis added).”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the dissent
   e.g. 217 Md. App. 669 - Meredith v. State · Morgan v. State

3. “[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Initially, Mr. Tyler in Judge Finifter’s courtroom made election for Jury trial. At this point Mr. Tyler wishes to waive Jury trial and proceed with this matter before Your Honor with a Court trial. THE COURT: Would you talk to Mr. Tyler about that on the record? [DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Mr. Tyler, I have indicated just now to Judge Cahill that you are wishing to waive the right to a Jury trial. I explained to you previously a Jury is 12 people picked from a larger pool of candidates from the motor/voter registration rolls of Baltimore County. By proceeding in this manner, you give up the right to have jurors decide this case unanimously, meaning all 12 would have to agree on a verdict, and give up the right to have those jurors hear the case. The State has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of any crime. You asked a couple [of] times this morning what my thoughts were of a Court and Jury trial. I gave you my counsel ... on how I thought you should proceed. By no means does that mean that I’m telling you what to do. This is your choice. No one can decide this for you. This is a decision you have to make on your own; you understand that? THE DEFENDANT: Yes, sir. [DEFENSE COUNSEL]: It's my understanding after talking with me, consulting with me, asking me pertinent questions, it's your desire to have Judge Cahill be the sole trier of facts and law in this case, is that correct? THE DEFENDANT: Yes, sir. THE COURT: Couple additional things about a”

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