Bolden 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. “[a] form for not guilty, although not a proper one, was submitted”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Callins v. State · Jennings v. State

2. ““Our opinions are not in harmony upon the propriety of furnishing forms of verdict. Some hold it to be a commendable practice. [citations omitted]. Other opinions discourage the practice, [citations omitted]. But all are agreed that, if forms are provided, the court should include a form for every verdict which might be returned under the evidence and instructions of the court so as to avoid conveying to the jury any impression as to the judge’s opinion as to what particular verdict should be rendered, [citation omitted]. Unless the forms provided in the present case violate the latter principle, the action of the court should not be held to call for reversal.””

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

3. ““(If you find the defendant guilty, use the verdict form shown immediately below:) We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of robbery as charged in the indictment. Foreman. “(If you find the defendant not guilty, use the verdict form shown immediately below:) Foreman.””

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