State v. Knowlton’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

21 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 21 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “should [not] be understood as entirely separate and independent requirements to be rigidly exacted in every case.... Rather, ... they should be understood simply as closely intertwined issues that may usefully illuminate the commonsense, practical question whether there is “probable cause” to believe that contraband or evidence is located in a particular place.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. State v. Rabon · State v. Crowley

2. “Under the totality of the circumstances test, the magistrate’s finding of probable cause is to be made upon “ ‘the factual and practical considerations of everyday life on which reasonable and prudent men, not legal technicians, act.’ ” Our review of the affidavit includes all reasonable inferences that may be drawn in support of the magistrate’s determination. In reviewing a magistrate’s finding of probable cause, the Superior Court should not engage in de novo review. Rather, review must be limited to ascertaining whether there was a “substantial basis” for the magistrate’s finding of probable cause.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. State v. Barczak