Johnson v. Ferguson’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 highway department is one of the most important departments in the state' government. * * * -It would probably be difficult to find a citizen of the state who has not a direct concern in the affairs it administers, and this is certainly true as regards taxpaying citizens. To the members of the commission and in large measure to its chief engineer are intrusted responsibilities of outstanding importance. To meet these responsibilities they are invested with a wide discretion. This is of necessity so from the very nature of their duties. To properly discharge such duties they would perforce be required to make careful investigation from all competent and reasonably available sources in determining the bases for their action and for estimates from which to ascertain the bounds .of their authority. As public officials they are presumed to exercise their authority and perform their duties honestly, conscientiously, and efficiently.””

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Texas Highway Commission v. Texas Ass'n of Steel Importers, Inc.

2. ““The effect of the present statute (6663 et seq.) on the subject is to vest administrative control of all public roads which might be a part of the state highway system in the state highway department, with respect to the * * * relocation, improvement, construction * * * thereof. Whatever said department may do in the premises, in the exercise of an honest, discretion, must be respected when untainted by fraud and unassailed on account of accident or mistake occurring in their performance, or such abuse of discretion as under the authorities would avoid the same.” (Citing authorities).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Texas Highway Commission v. Texas Ass'n of Steel Importers, Inc.

3. “Art. 6674e [6674q — 5]. All moneys now or hereafter deposited in the State Treasury to credit of the `State Highway Fund', including all Federal aid moneys deposited to the credit of said fund under the terms of the Federal Highway Act * * * shall be subject to appropriation [by the legislature] for the specific purpose of the improvement of said system of State Highways by the State Highway Department.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Ferguson v. Johnson