Mendicino v. Magagna’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

4 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 4 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““The present status of these estates would not be particularly shocking to this court were it not for the fact that most of them have been accumulating dust in the files of the courthouse as a result of procrastination and dilatory conduct for a period of from six to twenty-eight years. Although the respondent has sought to give an appearance of making an effort in recent years to finally dispose of these important pieces of his clients’ business and has, in fact, disposed of approximately twenty-two estates since 1975, we are still unable to sanction or tolerate either his refusal or his inability to finalize his task. It is true, and we want it made clear, that there have been no charges of dishonesty, misrepresentation of fact, or sinister motive brought against the respondent in connection with these estates. We note, also, that there have been no allegations that any client actually suffered a pecuniary loss as a result of the respondent’s conduct. For the most part, the assets of these estates have been paid over to the beneficiaries. Nevertheless, we cannot tolerate this kind of negligent disregard of the public’s business which has been entrusted to a member of this Bar. A member of the legal profession is never justified in delaying his or his client’s business by reason of laziness, procrastination, or a cavalier approach to the client’s interests. See, In re Mayne’s Estate, Wyo., 345 P.2d 790 , 795. “It is for all who are members of the legal profession in Wyoming ”

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

2. “everywhere are ... on public trial ... The procrastination of one of us results in the condemnation of all and, in this context, we must stand responsible for each other as we discharge our obligation to our clients, the courts, and the public at large [Mendicino v Magagna, 572 P.2d 21, 23-24 (Wyo.Sup.Ct.1977) ].”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. In re Maurello