spirited defense (Pennsylvania) · Go Syfert
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spirited defense in Pennsylvania

41 Pennsylvania opinions name it 6 courts 1968–2023 4 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Pennsylvania courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (13)

CaseFollowedCited
Commonwealth v. Breakergreen
pa · 1974 · cited in 14 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1979–2022
2 sentences

2019Commonwealth v. Brown, 972 A.2d 529, 530 (Pa. Super. 2009) (internal citations omitted). “[A]ppellant will satisfy the requirement of demonstrating possible harm, if he can show, inter alia, ‘that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.’” Commonwealth v. Breaker, 318 A.2d 354, 356 (Pa. 1974).

2016An “appellant will satisfy the requirement of demonstrating possible harm, if he can show, inter alia, ‘that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.’” Id. (citation omitted).

1014
Commonwealth v. Coxgreen
pa · 1970 · cited in 9 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1974–2020
2 sentences

2020Accord, - 10 - J-S61034-19 Commonwealth v. Cox, 441 Pa. 64, 69 , 270 A. 2d 207, 209 (1970) (plurality opinion).” Commonwealth v. Evans, 306 Pa.Super. 25 , 451 A.2d 1373 , 1374–1375 (1982).

2020Accord, - 10 - J-S61034-19 Commonwealth v. Cox, 441 Pa. 64, 69 , 270 A. 2d 207, 209 (1970) (plurality opinion).” Commonwealth v. Evans, 306 Pa.Super. 25 , 451 A.2d 1373 , 1374–1375 (1982).

99
Commonwealth v. Perrygreen
pa · 1975 · cited in 6 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1977–1981
2 sentences

1978As our Supreme Court held in Commonwealth v. Perry, 464 Pa. 272 , 346 A.2d 554 (1975): As we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Baker, supra, Anders mandates that counsel who represents an indigent criminal defendant must afford his client a spirited defense and is required to assume the role of an active advocate in behalf of his client . . . .

1978As our Supreme Court held in Commonwealth v. Perry, 464 Pa. 272 , 346 A.2d 554 (1975): As we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Baker, supra, Anders mandates that counsel who represents an indigent criminal defendant must afford his client a spirited defense and is required to assume the role of an active advocate in behalf of his client . . . .

36
Commonwealth v. Evansgreen
pasuperct · 1982 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2015–2020
2 sentences

2020Accord, - 10 - J-S61034-19 Commonwealth v. Cox, 441 Pa. 64, 69 , 270 A. 2d 207, 209 (1970) (plurality opinion).” Commonwealth v. Evans, 306 Pa.Super. 25 , 451 A.2d 1373 , 1374–1375 (1982).

2020Accord, - 10 - J-S61034-19 Commonwealth v. Cox, 441 Pa. 64, 69 , 270 A. 2d 207, 209 (1970) (plurality opinion).” Commonwealth v. Evans, 306 Pa.Super. 25 , 451 A.2d 1373 , 1374–1375 (1982).

33
Commonwealth v. Wilsongreen
pa · 1968 · cited in 14 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1969–2021
2 sentences

2021Appellant has not established that Attorney Quinn “neglected [Appellant’s] case in order to give [Damir] a more spirited defense.” See Wilson, 240 A.2d at 501 .

2020Fourth, appellant will satisfy the requirement of demonstrating possible harm, if he can show, inter alia, ‘that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.’ Id.

114
Commonwealth v. Resingergreen
pa · 1968 · cited in 4 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1969–1980
2 sentences

1971In Commonwealth v. Williams, 435 Pa. 550 , the court, after quoting from Whitling, supra, held, at pages 552-53: “But, dual representation in itself does not establish a conflict of interest and, as we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Wilson, 429 Pa. 458 , 240 A.2d 498 (1968): To make dual representation rise to a true conflict, appellant need not show that actual harm resulted, . . . but he must at least show the possibility of harm, e.g. that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirite

1971In Commonwealth v. Williams, 435 Pa. 550 , the court, after quoting from Whitling, supra, held, at pages 552-53: “But, dual representation in itself does not establish a conflict of interest and, as we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Wilson, 429 Pa. 458 , 240 A.2d 498 (1968): To make dual representation rise to a true conflict, appellant need not show that actual harm resulted, . . . but he must at least show the possibility of harm, e.g. that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirite

14
Commonwealth v. Torogreen
pasuperct · 1994 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1996–2022
2 sentences

2015A defendant can satisfy this requirement by showing, inter alia, "that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense." Id. (quoting Commonwealth v. Breaker, 345, 318 A.2d 354, 356 (Ptt:49;i4-)).

1996To prove that dual representation resulted in an actual conflict, the defendant “must at least show the possibility of harm . . . [For example,] that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.” Commonwealth v. Toro, 432 Pa. Super. 383, 394 , 638 A.2d 991, 996 (1994) (quoting Commonwealth v. Breaker, 456 Pa. 341, 345 , 318 A.2d 354, 356 (1974) (plurality opinion)), (citations and quotation marks omitted).

13
Commonwealth v. Westbrookgreen
pa · 1979 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1979–2023
2 sentences

2023Fourth, [a defendant] will satisfy the requirement of demonstrating possible harm, if he can show, inter alia, ‘that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.’ Westbrook, 400 A.2d at 162 (some citations omitted & paragraph breaks added) (emphasis in original).

2023We emphasize that: (1) the Commonwealth made clear, pre-trial, that it would not call Amelia to testify nor present any evidence or statement related to Amelia, and instead, the Commonwealth would rely on other evidence, especially surveillance video, Jessica’s testimony implicating Appellant in the burglary, and another witness who would identify Appellant in the surveillance video; and (2) Appellant has not argued and established that the legal advice given to him by Trial Counsel conflicted with the legal advice given to Amelia, his defense was inconsistent with Amelia’s defense, he and Ame

12
Commonwealth v. Kinggreen
pa · 2012 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021Rather, the burden remains on the defendant to demonstrate that the asserted conflict adversely affected his lawyer’s performance.” Id. at 618 (citations omitted). ____________________________________________ 6In the seminal case of In re Saladin, 518 A.2d 1258 (Pa. Super. 1986), this Court defined “actual conflict of interest” as follows: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has stated that a conflict of interest actually exists where appellant “has a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.

11
Commonwealth v. Hilliardgreen
pasuperct · 2017 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
1 sentence

2019We note that “[t]he preliminary hearing is not a trial.” Commonwealth v. Hilliard, 172 A.3d 5, 10 (Pa. Super. 2017) (quoting Commonwealth v. Weigle, 997 A.2d 306, 311 (Pa. 2010)).

11
Commonwealth v. Weiglegreen
pa · 2010 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
1 sentence

2019We note that “[t]he preliminary hearing is not a trial.” Commonwealth v. Hilliard, 172 A.3d 5, 10 (Pa. Super. 2017) (quoting Commonwealth v. Weigle, 997 A.2d 306, 311 (Pa. 2010)).

11
Commonwealth v. Browngreen
pasuperct · 2009 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
1 sentence

2019Commonwealth v. Brown, 972 A.2d 529, 530 (Pa. Super. 2009) (internal citations omitted). “[A]ppellant will satisfy the requirement of demonstrating possible harm, if he can show, inter alia, ‘that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.’” Commonwealth v. Breaker, 318 A.2d 354, 356 (Pa. 1974).

11
Glasser v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1942 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
2 sentences

1974Accord, Commonwealth v. Cox, 441 Pa. 64, 69 , 270 A.2d 207, 209 (1970) (plurality opinion). 2 Appellant has amply demonstrated the possibility of harm resulting from being jointly represented by his accuser’s counsel. 3 “The right to have the assistance of counsel is too fundamental and absolute to allow courts to indulge in nice calculations as to the amount of prejudice arising from its denial.” Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 76 , 62 S. Ct. 457, 467 (1942).

1974Accord, Commonwealth v. Cox, 441 Pa. 64, 69 , 270 A.2d 207, 209 (1970) (plurality opinion). 2 Appellant has amply demonstrated the possibility of harm resulting from being jointly represented by his accuser’s counsel. 3 “The right to have the assistance of counsel is too fundamental and absolute to allow courts to indulge in nice calculations as to the amount of prejudice arising from its denial.” Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 76 , 62 S. Ct. 457, 467 (1942).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Pennsylvania. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (14)

CaseCitedYears
Anders v. California green
scotus · 1967
2 sentences

1975As we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Baker, supra, Anders mandates that counsel who represents an indigent criminal defendant must afford his client a spirited defense and is required to assume “the role of an active advocate in behalf of his client . . . .” Anders v. California, supra, 386 U.S. at 744 , 87 S.Ct. at 1400 .

1975As we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Baker, supra, Anders mandates that counsel who represents an indigent criminal defendant must afford his client a spirited defense and is required to assume “the role of an active advocate in behalf of his client . . . .” Anders v. California, supra, 386 U.S. at 744 , 87 S.Ct. at 1400 .

51975–1981
Commonwealth v. Meehan green
pa · 1963
2 sentences

1973Cf. Commonwealth v. Meehan, 409 Pa. 616 , 187 A. 2d 579 (1963).” 429 Pa. at 463 , 240 A. 2d 498, 501 (1968) (emphasis in original).

1973Cf. Commonwealth v. Meehan, 409 Pa. 616 , 187 A. 2d 579 (1963).” 429 Pa. at 463 , 240 A. 2d 498, 501 (1968) (emphasis in original).

31968–1973
Commonwealth Ex Rel. Whitling v. Russell green
pa · 1962
2 sentences

1971In Commonwealth v. Williams, 435 Pa. 550 , the court, after quoting from Whitling, supra, held, at pages 552-53: “But, dual representation in itself does not establish a conflict of interest and, as we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Wilson, 429 Pa. 458 , 240 A.2d 498 (1968): To make dual representation rise to a true conflict, appellant need not show that actual harm resulted, . . . but he must at least show the possibility of harm, e.g. that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirite

1969Whitling, v. Russell, 106 Pa. 15 , 176 A. 2d 641 (1962) : “If, in the representation of more than one defendant, a conflict of interest arises, the mere existence of such a conflict vitiates the proceedings, even though no actual. harm results.” But, dual representation in itself does not establish a conflict of interest and, as we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Wilson, 429 Pa. 458 , 240 A. 2d 498 (1968) : “To make dual representation rise to a true conflict, appellant need not show that actual: harm resulted, . . . but he must at least show the possibility of harm, e.g., that he had a defense

21969–1971
Commonwealth v. Karenbauer green
pa · 1998
1 sentence

2023We emphasize that: (1) the Commonwealth made clear, pre-trial, that it would not call Amelia to testify nor present any evidence or statement related to Amelia, and instead, the Commonwealth would rely on other evidence, especially surveillance video, Jessica’s testimony implicating Appellant in the burglary, and another witness who would identify Appellant in the surveillance video; and (2) Appellant has not argued and established that the legal advice given to him by Trial Counsel conflicted with the legal advice given to Amelia, his defense was inconsistent with Amelia’s defense, he and Ame

12023–2023
In the Interest of Saladin green
pa · 1986
1 sentence

2021Rather, the burden remains on the defendant to demonstrate that the asserted conflict adversely affected his lawyer’s performance.” Id. at 618 (citations omitted). ____________________________________________ 6In the seminal case of In re Saladin, 518 A.2d 1258 (Pa. Super. 1986), this Court defined “actual conflict of interest” as follows: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has stated that a conflict of interest actually exists where appellant “has a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.

12021–2021
Commonwealth ex rel. Gass v. Maroney neutral
pasuperct · 1966
1 sentence

2021Cf. Maroney, 220 A.2d at 406 .

12021–2021
Commonwealth v. Bracero green
pasuperct · 1979
2 sentences

2015Commonwealth v. Bracero, supra. 262 Pa. Super. at 194 , 396 A.2d at 711 .

2015Commonwealth v. Bracero, supra. 262 Pa. Super. at 194 , 396 A.2d at 711 .

12015–2015
Commonwealth v. Rodrigues neutral
pasuperct · 1981
1 sentence

1983Commonwealth v. Rodrigues, 285 Pa.Superior Ct. 579, 428 A.2d 197 (1981).

11983–1983
Commonwealth v. Brockington green
pasuperct · 1979
2 sentences

1981Commonwealth v. Brockington, 268 Pa.Super. 54 , 407 A.2d 433 (1979), quoting Commonwealth v. Perry, 464 Pa. 272, 275 , 346 A.2d 554, 555 (1975) and Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 744 , 87 S.Ct. 1396, 1400 , 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967).

1981Commonwealth v. Brockington, 268 Pa.Super. 54 , 407 A.2d 433 (1979), quoting Commonwealth v. Perry, 464 Pa. 272, 275 , 346 A.2d 554, 555 (1975) and Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 744 , 87 S.Ct. 1396, 1400 , 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967).

11981–1981
Commonwealth v. Small green
pa · 1969
2 sentences

1980See also Com. v. Cox, supra. On the other hand, courts have generally found that no conflict of interest exists where co-defendants receiving joint representation present a joint defense, as by denying culpability and blaming other persons for the crimes: Com. v. Small, 434 Pa. 497 , 254 A. 2d 509 (1969); Com. v. Resinger, 432 Pa. 398 , 248 A. 2d 55 (1968); Anno., Conflict of Interest Between Co-defendants Precluding Representation by Same Counsel, 34 A.L.R. 3d 470 (1970).

1980See also Com. v. Cox, supra. On the other hand, courts have generally found that no conflict of interest exists where co-defendants receiving joint representation present a joint defense, as by denying culpability and blaming other persons for the crimes: Com. v. Small, 434 Pa. 497 , 254 A. 2d 509 (1969); Com. v. Resinger, 432 Pa. 398 , 248 A. 2d 55 (1968); Anno., Conflict of Interest Between Co-defendants Precluding Representation by Same Counsel, 34 A.L.R. 3d 470 (1970).

11980–1980
Commonwealth v. Knight green
pasuperct · 1976
2 sentences

1980Commonwealth v. Knight, 245 Pa.Super. 337 , 369 A.2d 431 (1976).

1980Commonwealth v. Knight, 245 Pa.Super. 337 , 369 A.2d 431 (1976).

11980–1980
Commonwealth v. Armbruster green
pasuperct · 1973
2 sentences

1978As we said in Commonwealth v. Armbruster, 225 Pa.Super. 415, 311 A.2d 672 (1973) a party claiming a conflict of interest “must at least show the possibility of harm, e. g., that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.” 225 Pa.Super. 417 -418, 311 A.2d p. 673 (citations omitted).

1978As we said in Commonwealth v. Armbruster, 225 Pa.Super. 415, 311 A.2d 672 (1973) a party claiming a conflict of interest “must at least show the possibility of harm, e. g., that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirited defense.” 225 Pa.Super. 417 -418, 311 A.2d p. 673 (citations omitted).

11978–1978
Commonwealth v. Greer green
pa · 1974
2 sentences

1977Commonwealth v. Perry, 464 Pa. at 275 , 346 A.2d 554 ; Commonwealth v. Greer, 455 Pa. 106, 109 , 314 A.2d 513 (1974).

1977Commonwealth v. Perry, 464 Pa. at 275 , 346 A.2d 554 ; Commonwealth v. Greer, 455 Pa. 106, 109 , 314 A.2d 513 (1974).

11977–1977
Commonwealth v. Williams green
pa · 1969
1 sentence

1971In Commonwealth v. Williams, 435 Pa. 550 , the court, after quoting from Whitling, supra, held, at pages 552-53: “But, dual representation in itself does not establish a conflict of interest and, as we pointed out in Commonwealth v. Wilson, 429 Pa. 458 , 240 A.2d 498 (1968): To make dual representation rise to a true conflict, appellant need not show that actual harm resulted, . . . but he must at least show the possibility of harm, e.g. that he had a defense inconsistent with that advanced by the other client, or that counsel neglected his case in order to give the other client a more spirite

11971–1971

Statutes the citing opinions construe

PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 903 (5) PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 911 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

PA 41 (1968–2023) IL 4 (2015–2023) OH 3 (2005–2015) AZ 2 (2025–2025) WI 2 (2019–2019) DC 2 (1996–2009) MD 2 (1977–1993)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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