Pilcher v. Puckett’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

15 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 15 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. ““It is inconsistent with the theory upon which benefit societies are organized "that the proceeds of a benefit certificate should be considered assets of the ■member’s estate. Otherwise it would become liable for his debts and the costs •of administration, something not within the contemplation and purpose for •which such orders are established. The insured member himself has no interest In the fund; he possesses simply a power of appointment, which, if not ex•ercised, becomes inoperative.””

   3 later decisions quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Kessinger v. Ancient Order of United Workmen · Leavitt v. International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

2. ““Cases may arise where equity would aid in an attempted but uncompleted change of beneficiary — where the assured had done his part in making the substitution' in accordance with the rules and by-laws of the order, but no such case is presented here.” (p. 290.)”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Brown v. Modern Woodmen of America

3. ““The assured had no interest in the benefit resulting from his membership. In no event was it payable to him, nor could it become a part of his estate.” (p. 97.)”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage · from the majority
   e.g. Hickox v. Johnston