Griffith v. Webb’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. “The evidence in this case demonstrated that both parties wanted custody of Amanda and Amanda exhibited no clear preference. Rather, she was well adjusted to both families including her stepmother and half-brother. There was some indication that Susan was not completely in the best of health. She also had a history of instability, particularly in the area of employment. Whereas, Thomas remained steadily employed and had developed familial ties. Thomas’ home was small, but Susan had no home of her own and instead lived with her mother. The situation in this action may have presented a “close call” for the trial court. However, in view of the evidence, we cannot say that the trial court’s decision constituted an abuse of discretion. We cannot say that the change in custody was not in the best interests of the child, Amanda.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Walker v. Chatfield

2. “(all-though this Court is unclear as to the logic behind the Legislature's decision to provide differently for custody modifications aris ing out of paternity actions than those arising out of marriage dissolution actions, it is clear that it was a deliberate effort.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Matter of Grissom

3. “"(d) The court in determining said child custody, shall make a modification thereof only upon a showing of changed circumstances so substantial and continuing as to make the existing custody order unreasonable ..."”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. In re Grissom