455 So. 2d 210 - Williams v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

9 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 9 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “"While the instruction in this case may be subject to criticism, it is not erroneous in light of the authorities cited above. When read in conjunction with the entire oral charge, the objectionable portions were intended to impress on the jury the distinction between a reasonable doubt and a vague, imaginary, or possible doubt, and do not constitute such error as to require a reversal. `The doubt which requires an acquittal in a criminal case is actual and substantial. It is not any doubt, for some minds indulge doubts on every question which may be suggested, and on which they must act. It is not mere possibility or speculation, for these the imagination creates. It is the doubt the evidence generates; when the jury carefully weighing all the evidence, cannot say they feel an abiding conviction of the defendant's guilt. This is the most frequent definition of a reasonable doubt, and is perhaps as accurate as any which could be given.' Owens v. State , 52 Ala. 400 , 404-05 (1875)."”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 477 So. 2d 496 - Baker v. State

2. “a real doubt or a substantial doubt growing out of the evidence. It is a doubt for which a reason can be given.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 495 So. 2d 1147 - Free v. State

3. “a doubt for which a reason may be given,”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. 495 So. 2d 1147 - Free v. State