Tritt v. Cortes’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

18 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 21 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “In general, the interpretation of a statute is a question of law, with the objective being to ascertain and effectuate the intent of the General Assembly. In this regard, the plain language of a statute is the foremost indication of legislative intent. While ... an interpretation of a statute by those charged with its administration and enforcement is entitled to deference, such consideration most appropriately pertains to circumstances in which the provision is not explicit or is ambiguous.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. In re D.W. · In Re DW

2. “The goal of statutory interpretation is to ascertain and effectuate the intent of the Legislature. 1 Pa.C.S. § 1921(a). The best indication of legislative intent is the language used in the statute. When the words of a statute are clear and free from all ambiguity, the letter of it is not to be disregarded under the pretext of pursuing its spirit. 1 Pa.C.S. § 1921(b). We look beyond the language employed by the General Assembly only when the words are not explicit. 1 Pa.C.S. § 1921(c).”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, Inc. v. Commonwealth