Perrin v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

25 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 25 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “(i) to correct the sentence which is excessive in length, having regard to the nature of the offense, the character of the offender, and the protection of the public interest; (ii) to facilitate the rehabilitation of the offender by affording him an opportunity to assert grievances he may have regarding his sentence; (iii) to promote respect for law by correcting abuses of the sentencing power and by increasing the fairness of the sentencing process; and (iv) to promote the development and application of criteria for sentencing which are both rational and just.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Andrews v. State · Cleary v. State

2. “This court has previously observed that: The scope of appellate review requires that this court make its own examination of the record, focusing on the nature of the crime, the defendant’s character, and the need for protecting the public. Such an independent examination of the justice of a particular sentence is necessary in order for the review process to function effectively. As we have frequently stated, our standard of review on a sentencing appeal is to determine whether the trial court’s imposition of sentence was “clearly mistaken.” 4”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Schuster v. State · Layland v. State

3. “In addition to the aid that a statement of the reasons by the sentencing judge will give to this court, there are numerous independent reasons for requiring such a statement. In the first place, “a good sentence is one which can be reasonably explained.” An attempt by the sentencing judge to articulate his reasons for a sentence in each case should in itself contribute significantly to the rationality of sentences. A second reason for requiring: such a statement of reasons is that it can have great value to corrections authorities if the sentence results in a commitment, for the sentencing remarks are often transcribed and made available to these authorities. Thirdly, a statement by the sentencing judge explaining to the defendant the reasons for the commitment can in many cases have therapeutic value. Specifically, it would help the defendant and the public understand why a particular sentence was imposed; only through this understanding is there hope for acceptance. An acceptance of the sentence by the defendant without bitterness is an important ingredient in rehabilitation, and acceptance by the public will foster confidence in the criminal justice system. 10 (footnote omitted)”

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