paramount principle in Arkansas

38 Arkansas opinions name it 3 courts 1934–2024 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Arkansas 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 (4)

Case	Followed	Cited
Pickens v. Blackgreen ark · 1994 · cited in 2 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2012–2024 2 sentences 2012With respect to Parcel 1, Mary conveyed “the land and mineral rights,” and with respect to Parcel 2, she conveyed “the land.” The paramount principle in interpreting wills is that the testator’s intent governs, and “the testator’s intent is to be gathered from the four corners of the instrument itself.” Pickens v. Black, 318 Ark. 474, 480 , 885 S.W.2d 872, 875 (1994). 2012With respect to Parcel 1, Mary conveyed “the land and mineral rights,” and with respect to Parcel 2, she conveyed “the land.” The paramount principle in interpreting wills is that the testator’s intent governs, and “the testator’s intent is to be gathered from the four corners of the instrument itself.” Pickens v. Black, 318 Ark. 474, 480 , 885 S.W.2d 872, 875 (1994).	1	2
Kidd v. Sparksgreen ark · 1982 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012 2 sentences 2012“A specific legacy is the bequest of a particular thing, as distinguished from all others of the same or similar kind, and must be satisfied only by the delivery of the particular thing.” Kidd v. Sparks, 276 Ark. 85, 87 , 633 S.W.2d 13, 15 (1982). 2012“A specific legacy is the bequest of a particular thing, as distinguished from all others of the same or similar kind, and must be satisfied only by the delivery of the particular thing.” Kidd v. Sparks, 276 Ark. 85, 87 , 633 S.W.2d 13, 15 (1982).	1	1
Cleaves v. Parkergreen arkctapp · 2005 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008 2 sentences 2008See Cleaves v. Parker, 93 Ark. 2008See Cleaves v. Parker, 93 Ark.	1	1
Flowers v. Norrisgreen ark · 2002 · cited in 1 Arkansas opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005 2 sentences 2005Flowers v. Norris, 347 Ark. 760 , 765 , 68 S.W.3d 289 , 292 (2002) ("It is . . . axiomatic that in statutory interpretation matters, we are first and foremost concerned with ascertaining the intent of the General Assembly.") (citing State v. Havens, 337 Ark. 161 , 987 S.W.2d 686 (1999)). 2005Flowers v. Norris, 347 Ark. 760 , 765 , 68 S.W.3d 289 , 292 (2002) ("It is . . . axiomatic that in statutory interpretation matters, we are first and foremost concerned with ascertaining the intent of the General Assembly.") (citing State v. Havens, 337 Ark. 161 , 987 S.W.2d 686 (1999)).	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Arkansas. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (29)

Case	Cited	Years
Estate of Harp v. Harp green ark · 1994 2 sentences 2003In re Estate of Harp, 316 Ark. 761 , 875 S.W.2d 490 (1994); Carpenter v. Miller, 71 Ark. 2003In re Estate of Harp, 316 Ark. 761 , 875 S.W.2d 490 (1994); Carpenter v. Miller, 71 Ark.	5	1994–2003
Bailey v. Delta Trust & Bank green ark · 2004 2 sentences 2018Bailey v. Delta Tr. & Bank , 359 Ark. 424 , 198 S.W.3d 506 (2004) ; Hanna v. Hanna , 273 Ark. 399 , 619 S.W.2d 655 (1981). 2018Bailey v. Delta Tr. & Bank , 359 Ark. 424 , 198 S.W.3d 506 (2004) ; Hanna v. Hanna , 273 Ark. 399 , 619 S.W.2d 655 (1981).	3	2015–2018
Carpenter v. Miller green arkctapp · 2000 2 sentences 2008Carpenter v. Miller, 71 Ark. 2003In re Estate of Harp, 316 Ark. 761 , 875 S.W.2d 490 (1994); Carpenter v. Miller, 71 Ark.	3	2003–2008
Matter of Estate of Lindsey green ark · 1992 2 sentences 2004Id. (citing In re: Estate of Lindsey, 309 Ark. 596 , 832 S.W.2d 808 (1992)). 2004Id. (citing In re: Estate of Lindsey, 309 Ark. 596 , 832 S.W.2d 808 (1992)).	3	1994–2004
Hanna v. Hanna neutral ark · 1981 2 sentences 2018Bailey v. Delta Tr. & Bank , 359 Ark. 424 , 198 S.W.3d 506 (2004) ; Hanna v. Hanna , 273 Ark. 399 , 619 S.W.2d 655 (1981). 2018Bailey v. Delta Tr. & Bank , 359 Ark. 424 , 198 S.W.3d 506 (2004) ; Hanna v. Hanna , 273 Ark. 399 , 619 S.W.2d 655 (1981).	2	2016–2018
Aycock Pontiac, Inc. v. Aycock green ark · 1998 2 sentences 2018Aycock Pontiac, Inc. v. Aycock , 335 Ark. 456 , 463, 983 S.W.2d 915 , 919 (1998). 2018Aycock Pontiac, Inc. v. Aycock , 335 Ark. 456 , 463, 983 S.W.2d 915 , 919 (1998).	2	2004–2018
Cross v. Manning neutral ark · 1947 2 sentences 1964They are well stated in Cross v. Manning, 211 Ark. 803 , 202 S. W. 2d 584 , where there appears the following rules: 1. ‘ ‘ ‘ The paramount principle in the construction of wills is that the general intention of the testator, if not in contravention of public policy or some rule of law, shall govern. ’ 5. “ ‘Wills are liberally construed, and every legitimate conclusion is indulged in order to reach a just and equitable result. . . and in cases of doubt the construction should be in favor of the first taker because it is against the policy of the law to tie up property . . .’ ” Applying these 1964They are well stated in Cross v. Manning, 211 Ark. 803 , 202 S. W. 2d 584 , where there appears the following rules: 1. ‘ ‘ ‘ The paramount principle in the construction of wills is that the general intention of the testator, if not in contravention of public policy or some rule of law, shall govern. ’ 5. “ ‘Wills are liberally construed, and every legitimate conclusion is indulged in order to reach a just and equitable result. . . and in cases of doubt the construction should be in favor of the first taker because it is against the policy of the law to tie up property . . .’ ” Applying these	2	1964–1994
Motes/Henes Trust v. Motes green ark · 1988 2 sentences 1991Motes/Henes Trust v. Motes, 297 Ark. 380 , 761 S.W.2d 938 (1988). 1991Motes/Henes Trust v. Motes, 297 Ark. 380 , 761 S.W.2d 938 (1988).	2	1990–1991
Lockhart v. Lyons neutral ark · 1927 2 sentences 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 . 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 .	2	1934–1946
First National Bank of Ft. Smith v. Marre neutral ark · 1931 2 sentences 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 . 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 .	2	1934–1946
Kelly v. Kelly neutral ark · 1928 2 sentences 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 . 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 .	2	1934–1946
Wooldridge v. Gilman neutral ark · 1926 2 sentences 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 . 1946Wooldridge v. Gilman, 170 Ark. 163 , 279 S. W. 20 ; Lockhart v. Lyons, 174 Ark. 703 , 297 S. W. 1018 ; Kelly v. Kelly, 176 Ark. 548 , 3 S. W. 2d 305 ; First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Marre, 183 Ark. 699 , 38 S. W. 2d 14 ;” Kirk v. Mason, 188 Ark. 1000 , 68 S. W. 2d 1012 .	2	1934–1946
Union Trust Company v. Madigan green ark · 1931 2 sentences 1941Second: Should Pryor Goforth be required to contribute to Walter Goforth for the personal property bequeathed to Walter taken to pay debts of the estate and expenses of administration?” The rule of this court in the construction of wills is stated in Union Trust Company v. Madigan, 183 Ark. 158 , 35 S. W. 2d 349 , where it is said: ‘ ‘ The paramount principle in the construction of wills is that the general intention of the testator, if not in contravention of public policy or some rule of law, shall govern.” And in Pearrow v. Vaden, 201 Ark. 1146, 1150 , 148 S. W. 2d 320 , we said: “The purpo 1941Second: Should Pryor Goforth be required to contribute to Walter Goforth for the personal property bequeathed to Walter taken to pay debts of the estate and expenses of administration?” The rule of this court in the construction of wills is stated in Union Trust Company v. Madigan, 183 Ark. 158 , 35 S. W. 2d 349 , where it is said: ‘ ‘ The paramount principle in the construction of wills is that the general intention of the testator, if not in contravention of public policy or some rule of law, shall govern.” And in Pearrow v. Vaden, 201 Ark. 1146, 1150 , 148 S. W. 2d 320 , we said: “The purpo	2	1941–1941
Carmody v. Betts green arkctapp · 2008 1 sentence 2022Carmody v. Betts, 104 Ark.	1	2022–2022
Fisher v. Boling green arkctapp · 2019 1 sentence 2021Fisher v. Boling, 2019 Ark.	1	2021–2021
Treat v. Hyde neutral arkctapp · 2015 1 sentence 2019Id.	1	2019–2019
Roberson v. Roberson neutral arkctapp · 2018 1 sentence 2019Id.	1	2019–2019
Taylor v. Woods green arkctapp · 2008 1 sentence 2008Id.	1	2008–2008
State v. Havens neutral ark · 1999 2 sentences 2005Flowers v. Norris, 347 Ark. 760 , 765 , 68 S.W.3d 289 , 292 (2002) ("It is . . . axiomatic that in statutory interpretation matters, we are first and foremost concerned with ascertaining the intent of the General Assembly.") (citing State v. Havens, 337 Ark. 161 , 987 S.W.2d 686 (1999)). 2005Flowers v. Norris, 347 Ark. 760 , 765 , 68 S.W.3d 289 , 292 (2002) ("It is . . . axiomatic that in statutory interpretation matters, we are first and foremost concerned with ascertaining the intent of the General Assembly.") (citing State v. Havens, 337 Ark. 161 , 987 S.W.2d 686 (1999)).	1	2005–2005
Metzgar v. Rodgers green arkctapp · 2003 2 sentences 2005Metzgar v. Rodgers, 83 Ark. 2005Metzgar v. Rodgers, 83 Ark.App. 354 , 128 S.W.3d 5 (2003).	1	2005–2005
Opinion of the Justices green ala · 1980 1 sentence 2001The trend among the modern courts is to give the term `public purpose' a broad expansive definition." Id. at 956, citing Opinion of the Justices No. 269, 384 So.2d 1051 (Ala. 1980).	1	2001–2001
Clark v. National Bank of Commerce green ark · 1991 2 sentences 2000Clark v. National Bank of Commerce, 304 Ark. 352 , 802 S.W.2d 452 (1991). 2000Clark v. National Bank of Commerce, 304 Ark. 352 , 802 S.W.2d 452 (1991).	1	2000–2000
In Re Estate of Conover green ark · 1990 2 sentences 1992In re Estate of Conover, 304 Ark. 268 , 801 S.W.2d 299 (1990). 1992In re Estate of Conover, 304 Ark. 268 , 801 S.W.2d 299 (1990).	1	1992–1992
McLane v. Chancey, Administrator green ark · 1947 2 sentences 1981McLane v. Chancey, Admr., 211 Ark. 280 , 200 S.W. 2d 782 (1947). 1981McLane v. Chancey, Admr., 211 Ark. 280 , 200 S.W. 2d 782 (1947).	1	1981–1981
Wynn v. Sklar & Phillips Oil Company green ark · 1973 2 sentences 1974Wynn v. Sklar & Phillips Oil Co., 254 Ark. 332 , 493 S.W. 2d 439 ; 26 CJS 1012, Deeds Sec. 140 (2). 1974Wynn v. Sklar & Phillips Oil Co., 254 Ark. 332 , 493 S.W. 2d 439 ; 26 CJS 1012, Deeds Sec. 140 (2).	1	1974–1974
Rader v. Davis green iowa · 1912 2 sentences 1951We agree with the holding in Rader v. Davis, 154 Iowa 306 , 134 N. W. 849 , 38 L. 1951We agree with the holding in Rader v. Davis, 154 Iowa 306 , 134 N. W. 849 , 38 L.	1	1951–1951
Kirk v. Mason neutral ark · 1934	1	1946–1946
Pearrow v. Vaden green ark · 1941	1	1941–1941
Union National Bank v. Kirby neutral ark · 1934	1	1937–1937

Statutes the citing opinions construe

AR § Ark. Code Ann. § 28-26-103 (3)

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

CA 130 (1897–2025) IL 75 (1869–2021) WV 71 (1953–2026) MO 53 (1887–2024) AR 38 (1934–2024) SC 29 (1960–2026) TX 29 (1935–2018) MI 28 (1970–2026) TN 26 (1879–2020) NY 22 (1885–2018) PA 19 (1923–2024) MS 16 (1909–2026) VA 15 (1988–2021) IN 14 (1872–2008) MD 12 (1925–2018) FL 12 (1970–2021) KS 11 (1955–1994) AL 11 (1892–2002) GA 11 (1970–2019) OH 10 (1901–2024) OK 10 (1920–2016) WA 8 (1947–2023) LA 7 (1939–2004) UT 6 (1982–2011) MA 6 (1947–2003) CO 6 (1909–2024) KY 5 (1982–2014) IA 5 (1914–2014) WY 5 (1883–1988) NJ 5 (1953–2015) SD 4 (1898–2002) WI 4 (1967–2016) NC 4 (1934–2016) MT 4 (1893–1960) DE 3 (1959–2019) AZ 2 (1915–2011) CT 2 (1901–1988) ID 2 (1975–1992) NV 2 (1968–2022) OR 2 (1894–1975) ND 2 (1954–2018)

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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