Mesa v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

5 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 5 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “"It is true that "[t]he word "did" is an essential word in indictments, informations and complaints, where the acts which constitute the offense are being set forth.' 1 Branch's Ann.P.C., 2d ed., Sec. 512, p. 495 and cases there cited. Further, `[i]f the word omitted is essential to the certainty necessary in the description of the offense it cannot be supplied by intendment, and of consequence such omission is fatal to the validity of the indictment.' Id." [1]”

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

2. ““In the instant case, the appellant, prior to trial, made a written motion to quash the indictment on the very ground now urged on appeal citing cases in support of the general rule discussed. The motion was overruled. “It is difficult to imagine that, when the indictment was so challenged, the prosecutor did not seek a new one eliminating the question from the case. . . .””

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

3. “If the word omitted is essential to the certainty necessary in the description of the offense it cannot be supplied by intendment, and of consequence such omission is fatal to the validity of the indictment.”

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