State v. Craig’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

24 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 24 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““Confusion has resulted from the failure of some courts to distinguish between partial insanity in the sense of weakened or disordered intellect generally, and partial insanity in the sense of monomania. While the subjects of inquiry suggested by the instruction given afford an inviting field for the talent and theory of the alienist, so far as the law is concerned the test is a simple one, and is sustained by authority without number. ‘Had the accused sufficient capacity at the time of committing the act to distinguish between right and wrong with reference to the act complained of?’ is the general rule adopted by the "courts.” State v. Craig, 52 Wash. 66 , 100 Pac. 167 .”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. State v. Carpenter · 29 Wash. 2d 52 - State v. Maish

2. ““In this state the testimony of nonexpert witnesses is competent to show insanity.” (Citing authorities.)”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Halbach v. Luckenbach Steamship Co. · 50 Wash. 2d 740 - State v. Collins

3. ““Insanity being a question of fact, whenever it appeared from all the evidence bearing on the question that a person charged with crime did not have the mental power to choose between right and wrong with reference to the particular act charged, he was of unsound mind, and if such affection was the efficient cause of the act and if he would not have committed the act but for that affection, he should be acquitted; for one with such mind is non compos mentis, and entitled to the protection of the law.””

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