State v. Johnson’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

22 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 22 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““As stated in State v. Aubuchon (Mo.Sup.) 381 S.W.2d 807, 815-816 , ‘[w]e have held that it is error to show in evidence or to tell the jury that a jointly accused defendant has been convicted or has pleaded guilty * * *. So, also, have we held that evidence of the acquittal of one jointly accused is improper * * * Were this not the law, the value of a defendant’s right to a separate trial * * might be considerably dissipated. The theory of our statute abolishing the distinction between principals and accessories * * * is that every defendant who joins in the commission of a crime is liable, on his own, as a principal; but he is also entitled to be tried on his own without having his guilt prejudged by what has happened to his co-defendant * * * ’.” State v. Johnson, 456 S.W.2d at 4 .”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. State v. Helms · State v. McCarthy

2. ““Dear Dent “Say man do you remember me? I’m Pete’s [James Johnson] brother. You know the one you used to call Lil Johnson. Say I’ve heard of your organzation [sic] and I wonder if you can help me. I’m down here on a first degree murder rap with Glen Valentine and Michael Quinn. We were the ones charged with the murder of Sam Travis. You know the dude who used to own that store on the corner of Webster and Thomas. (Well Michael went to court last month and got life. My lawyer says that if the case doesn’t change before I go in Jan. that I’ll get the same thing or more.) Say dig this, now the people can’t identify us and they don’t have any evidence. (All they’ve got is the testimony of one dude. That was enough to find Michael guilty.) Say dig this, I don’t have any outside help at all. My people don’t seem to care what happens to me. The dude that’s testifying was the fourth dude in on the make. The police saved him to be a witness against us. I didn’t tell my lawyer this because I didn’t want to admit that I was guilty. All someone has to do is talk to the dude. I’m sure he’d be willing to change his mind about testifying against us. Will you help me. You’re my last chance for freedom. Man I really need your help. If you want to help me just answer this letter and I’ll tell you all you need to know. Please answer this letter as soon as possible. Robert Johnson.” Appellant contends the court erred in admitting the letter, as modified by deletions, Exhibit 5, because: I. “ * *”

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

3. ““. . . ‘Defendant’s admissions [in the letter] were discovered in the course of jail security. There is no indication this was merely a guise to get a look at defendant’s correspondence. Defendant was under no compulsion or interrogation to admit guilt or make statements inferring guilt.’ . . .” (p. 519.)”

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