forfeiture clause (West Virginia) · Go Syfert
← West Virginia issues

forfeiture clause in West Virginia

26 West Virginia opinions name it 2 courts 1902–2023 5 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by West Virginia 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 (14)

CaseFollowedCited
Potesta v. United States Fidelity & Guaranty Co.green
wva · 1998 · cited in 2 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
2 sentences

2023Waiver can only be used to continue coverage which would otherwise be lost by a technical non-compliance with a forfeiture clause.” Potesta, at 320, 504 S.E.2d at 147 (citation omitted).

2023Waiver can only be used to continue coverage which would otherwise be lost by a technical non-compliance with a forfeiture clause.” Potesta, at 320, 504 S.E.2d at 147 (citation omitted).

22
Giles v. Californiagreen
scotus · 2008 · cited in 2 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

22
State v. Mechlinggreen
wva · 2006 · cited in 2 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2021–2022
2 sentences

2021Va. 366 , 633 S.E.2d 311 (2006)(“Under the doctrine of forfeiture, an accused who obtains the absence of a witness by wrongdoing forfeits the constitutional right to confrontation.”). 2 In so holding, the majority embarks on a steady path of erosion of the 1 In the United States Constitution the Sixth Amendment provides: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall . . . be confronted with the witnesses against him[.]” Likewise, the Confrontation Clause contained in the article III, section 14 of the West Virginia Constitution provides that in “[t]rials of crimes, and misdemeanors . . . th

2021Nevertheless, as previously mentioned, the Court held in syllabus point that “[u]nder the doctrine of forfeiture, an accused who obtains the absence of a witness by wrongdoing forfeits the constitutional right to confrontation.” Id. at 369 , 633 S.E.2d at 314 , Syl.

12
Davis v. Washingtongreen
scotus · 2006 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

11
Kevin Cody v. Commonwealth of Virginiagreen
vactapp · 2018 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

11
United States v. James Dinkinsgreen
ca4 · 2012 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

11
United States v. Josephine Virginia Gray, A/K/A Josephine Stribbling, A/K/A Josephine Millsgreen
ca4 · 2005 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

2021Statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused the declarant’s unavailability. — A statement offered against a party that wrongfully caused — or acquiesced in wrongfully causing — the declarant’s unavailability as a witness, and did so intending that result. 18 Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 833 (2006). 19 People v. Reneaux, 50 Cal. App. 5th 852 , 865 (2020), reh’g denied (July 14, 2020), review denied (Aug. 26, 2020) (internal quotations omitted). 20 See Giles v. California, 554 U.S. 353, 367 (2008) (describing Federal Rule of Evidence 804(b)(6) as codification of the common law

11
Zanetos v. Sparksgreen
ohioctapp · 1984 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016Va. 39, 46 , 152 S.E. 785, 788 (1930); see also Zanetos v. Sparks, 468 N.E.2d 938, 940 (Ohio Ct. App. 1984) (“The forfeiture clause for nonpayment of rent is not strictly construed, rather, it is viewed as merely security for the payment of rent.”).

11
Beech Fork Coal Co. v. Pocahontas Corp.green
wva · 1930 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016Va. 39, 46 , 152 S.E. 785, 788 (1930); see also Zanetos v. Sparks, 468 N.E.2d 938, 940 (Ohio Ct. App. 1984) (“The forfeiture clause for nonpayment of rent is not strictly construed, rather, it is viewed as merely security for the payment of rent.”).

11
Gallery v. SECONDARY SCH. ACTIVITIES COM'Ngreen
wva · 1999 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Moreover, as we explained in Gallery v. Secondary Schools Activities Commission, 205 W.Va. 364 , 518 S.E.2d 368 (1999), the limited record developed on the forfeiture rule prevents us from identifying the scope of any collateral consequences that could result from failing to rule on this issue.

2008See id. at 368 , 518 S.E.2d at 372 (refusing to decide mooted issue of whether SSAC rules may constitutionally prohibit home-schooled athletes from participating in interscholastic sports given limited record development). 15 Another compelling reason for not applying Israel to this case arises from the fact that while issues centered on sports-team eligibility are ineluctably rendered moot by a student’s graduation, the forfeiture rule does not similarly evade judicial review.

11
People v. Williamsgreen
cal · 1999 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007The Kerby court rejected the forfeiture approach not only because the protection should not be unintentionally lost but also because the forfeiture rule is "an exercise in futility." People v. Williams, 21 Cal.4th 335 , 87 Cal.Rptr.2d 412 , 981 P.2d 42, 45 (1999).

2007The Kerby court rejected the forfeiture approach not only because the protection should not be unintentionally lost but also because the forfeiture rule is "an exercise in futility." People v. Williams, 21 Cal.4th 335 , 87 Cal.Rptr.2d 412 , 981 P.2d 42, 45 (1999).

11
Christian Land Corp. v. C. & C. Co.green
wva · 1992 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
2 sentences

1995Co., 188 W.Va. 26, 29 , 422 S.E.2d 503, 507 (1992) (per curiam) (holding that a “catchall, dragnet forfeiture clause for breach of any contractual covenant is inadequate” and will not terminate a lease). 10 Finally, we recognize that a forfeiture is not available when monetary damages can make whole the party to be benefited by the forfeiture.

1995Co., 188 W.Va. 26, 29 , 422 S.E.2d 503, 507 (1992) (per curiam) (holding that a “catchall, dragnet forfeiture clause for breach of any contractual covenant is inadequate” and will not terminate a lease). 10 Finally, we recognize that a forfeiture is not available when monetary damages can make whole the party to be benefited by the forfeiture.

11
Bethlehem Steel Corp. v. Shonk Land Co.green
wva · 1982 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
2 sentences

1995See Easley Coal Co. v. Brush Creek Coal Co., supra. In the case sub judice, the termination clause of the lease was similar to the forfeiture provision. quoted in Bethlehem Steel Corp. v. Shonk Land Co., 169 W.Va. at 316 , 288 S.E.2d at 143 , which we found to be “[a] catchall, dragnet forfeiture clause for breach of any contractual covenant [that] is inadequate.” 8 Because the lease’s forfei *751 ture provision does not give “clear and definite expression” to which broken covenant or condition may be used to declare a forfeiture, we find the lease’s forfeiture clause inadequate to declare a f

1995See Easley Coal Co. v. Brush Creek Coal Co., supra. In the case sub judice, the termination clause of the lease was similar to the forfeiture provision. quoted in Bethlehem Steel Corp. v. Shonk Land Co., 169 W.Va. at 316 , 288 S.E.2d at 143 , which we found to be “[a] catchall, dragnet forfeiture clause for breach of any contractual covenant [that] is inadequate.” 8 Because the lease’s forfei *751 ture provision does not give “clear and definite expression” to which broken covenant or condition may be used to declare a forfeiture, we find the lease’s forfeiture clause inadequate to declare a f

11
Cushman v. Outwatergreen
vt · 1960 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
2 sentences

1986Forfeiture clauses are not favored by this Court, Cushman v. Outwater, 121 Vt. 426, 433 , 159 A.2d 89, 94 (1960), and thus prospective fines should likewise be disfavored." [5] In a somewhat analogous situation, we held in Gant v. Gant, ___ W.Va. ___, 329 S.E.2d 106 (1985), that a circuit court was without jurisdiction to impose a one-percent-per-day penalty in a contempt proceeding against a husband.

1986Forfeiture clauses are not favored by this Court, Cushman v. Outwater, 121 Vt. 426, 433 , 159 A.2d 89, 94 (1960), and thus prospective fines should likewise be disfavored." [5] In a somewhat analogous situation, we held in Gant v. Gant, ___ W.Va. ___, 329 S.E.2d 106 (1985), that a circuit court was without jurisdiction to impose a one-percent-per-day penalty in a contempt proceeding against a husband.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (17)

CaseCitedYears
Peerless Carbon Black Co. v. Gillespie green
· 1920
2 sentences

2005Also, "[a] covenant or condition, to suffice as the basis of a forfeiture clause in a contract, expressed in general terms, must be certain, definite and unequivocal in meaning." Syllabus Point 3, Id.

2005Also, “[a] covenant or condition, to suffice as the basis of a forfeiture clause in a contract, expressed in general terms, must be certain, definite and unequivocal in meaning.” Syllabus Point 3, Id.

51922–2005
Mayo v. West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission green
wva · 2008
2 sentences

2011Id. at 94 , 672 S.E.2d at 230 .

2011Id. at 94 , 672 S.E.2d at 230 .

22011–2011
Israel Ex Rel. Israel v. West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission green
wva · 1989
2 sentences

2008As support for its authority to address the forfeiture rule, the trial court looked to Israel v. Secondary Schools Activities Commission, 182 W.Va. 454 , 388 S.E.2d 480 (1989), a decision which addresses under what circumstances a court can rule upon technically moot issues.

2008As support for its authority to address the forfeiture rule, the trial court looked to Israel v. Secondary Schools Activities Commission, 182 W.Va. 454 , 388 S.E.2d 480 (1989), a decision which addresses under what circumstances a court can rule upon technically moot issues.

12008–2008
Gallery v. West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission neutral
wva · 1999
2 sentences

2008Moreover, as we explained in Gallery v. Secondary Schools Activities Commission, 205 W.Va. 364 , 518 S.E.2d 368 (1999), the limited record developed on the forfeiture rule prevents us from identifying the scope of any collateral consequences that could result from failing to rule on this issue.

2008Moreover, as we explained in Gallery v. Secondary Schools Activities Commission, 205 W.Va. 364 , 518 S.E.2d 368 (1999), the limited record developed on the forfeiture rule prevents us from identifying the scope of any collateral consequences that could result from failing to rule on this issue.

12008–2008
State v. Kerby green
nm · 2007
2 sentences

2007The Kerby court reasoned that “[i]f we adopted the forfeiture rule in the instant case, Defendant would have a compelling ineffective assistance of counsel claim because he would not have been convicted but for his attorney’s failure to raise the statute of limitations defense.” 156 P.3d at 710 .

2007The Kerby court reasoned that "[i]f we adopted the forfeiture rule in the instant case, Defendant would have a compelling ineffective assistance of counsel claim because he would not have been convicted but for his attorney's failure to raise the statute of limitations defense." 156 P.3d at 710 .

12007–2007
Crawford v. Washington green
scotus · 2004
2 sentences

2006In both Crawford, 541 U.S. at 62 , 124 S.Ct. 1354 (citing Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145, 158-59 , 25 L.Ed. 244 (1870)) and in Davis , 547 U.S. at -(Slip Op. at 18-19), the U.S. Supreme Court identified the doctrine of forfeiture as a means by which an accused might lose the protection afforded by the Confrontation Clause.

2006In both Crawford, 541 U.S. at 62 , 124 S.Ct. 1354 (citing Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145, 158-59 , 25 L.Ed. 244 (1870)) and in Davis , 547 U.S. at -(Slip Op. at 18-19), the U.S. Supreme Court identified the doctrine of forfeiture as a means by which an accused might lose the protection afforded by the Confrontation Clause.

12006–2006
Reynolds v. United States green
scotus · 1879
2 sentences

2006In both Crawford, 541 U.S. at 62 , 124 S.Ct. 1354 (citing Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145, 158-59 , 25 L.Ed. 244 (1870)) and in Davis , 547 U.S. at -(Slip Op. at 18-19), the U.S. Supreme Court identified the doctrine of forfeiture as a means by which an accused might lose the protection afforded by the Confrontation Clause.

2006In both Crawford, 541 U.S. at 62 , 124 S.Ct. 1354 (citing Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145, 158-59 , 25 L.Ed. 244 (1870)) and in Davis , 547 U.S. at -(Slip Op. at 18-19), the U.S. Supreme Court identified the doctrine of forfeiture as a means by which an accused might lose the protection afforded by the Confrontation Clause.

12006–2006
Easley Coal Co. v. Brush Creek Coal Co. green
wva · 1922
2 sentences

1992A covenant or condition merely implied, or an express one not clearly within the forfeiture clause, will not sustain a claim of forfeiture by reason of its breach. 91 W.Va. at 296-97 , 112 S.E. at 514 .

1992A covenant or condition merely implied, or an express one not clearly within the forfeiture clause, will not sustain a claim of forfeiture by reason of its breach. 91 W.Va. at 296-97 , 112 S.E. at 514 .

11992–1992
Gant v. Gant green
wva · 1985
2 sentences

1986Forfeiture clauses are not favored by this Court, Cushman v. Outwater, 121 Vt. 426, 433 , 159 A.2d 89, 94 (1960), and thus prospective fines should likewise be disfavored.” 5 In a somewhat analogous situation, we held in Gant v. Gant, 174 W.Va. 740 , 329 S.E.2d 106 (1985), that a circuit court was without jurisdiction to impose a one-percent-per-day penalty in a contempt proceeding against a husband.

1986Forfeiture clauses are not favored by this Court, Cushman v. Outwater, 121 Vt. 426, 433 , 159 A.2d 89, 94 (1960), and thus prospective fines should likewise be disfavored." [5] In a somewhat analogous situation, we held in Gant v. Gant, ___ W.Va. ___, 329 S.E.2d 106 (1985), that a circuit court was without jurisdiction to impose a one-percent-per-day penalty in a contempt proceeding against a husband.

11986–1986
Lowther Oil Co. v. Guffey green
wva · 1902
1 sentence

1978Va. 88, 43 S.E. 101 (1902), an earlier case in which the single syllabus point provided: Where a grant of oil and gas, and oil and gas privileges, in consideration of one dollar, without *496 limitation as to time, contains a forfeiture clause in these words; “In case no well is completed within two years from this date, then this grant shall immediately become null and void as to both parties, provided that second party may prevent such forfeiture from year to year by paying to the first annually in advance eighteen and seventy-five one hundredths dollars at her residence until such well is c

11978–1978
Craig v. Hukill green
wva · 1892
1 sentence

1927Craig v. Hukill, 37 W.

11927–1927
Horse Creek Coal Land Co. v. Trees neutral
wva · 1915
1 sentence

1923Va. 441 , we held that provisions of a contract effecting a forfeiture or exacting a penalty are strictly construed against the party for whose benefit they were incorporated in the instrument; also by the sixth point of the syllabus, that, “If a covenant or condition subsequent on which a forfeiture clause is predicated is susceptible of two reasonable interpretations and has been performed agreeably to one of them, no forfeiture is incurred or suffered.” In Horse Creek Coal Land Co. v. Trees et al., 75 W.

11923–1923
Brown v. Marion National Bank green
scotus · 1898
1 sentence

1911In Brown v. Bank, 169 U. S. 416 , Justice Harlan says: “No matter how many renewals may have been made, if the bank has charged a greater rate of interest then the law allows, it must, if the forfeiture clause of the statute be relied on, and the matter is thus brought to the attention of the court, lose the entire interest which the note carries or which has been agreed to be paid.” But as we have said we do not decide the question of pleading; for the benefit of the court and counsel on another trial, we refer to the authorities found on the subject.

11911–1911
Cochran v. Pew neutral
· 1893
1 sentence

1907The conclusion and judgment of this Court was based upon the following decisions of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania: Galey v. Kellarman, 123 Pa. St. 491; Wills v. Gas Co., 130 Pa. St. 222; Leatherman v. Olliver, 151 Pa. St. 646; Phillips v. Vandergrift, 146 Pa. St. 357; McMillan v. Philadelphia Co., 159 Pa. St. 142; Cochran v. Pew, 159 Pa. 184 ; Conger v. Transportation Co., 165 Pa. St. 561.

11907–1907
King v. Mullins green
· 1898
1 sentence

1906An instance is King v. Mullins, 171 U. S. 404 , where it was held that the fact that legal proceedings are given under the process to enforce forfeiture of land for non-entry, for taxes avoided the imputation of unconstitutionality against the forfeiture clause of our constitution.

11906–1906
Halstead v. Jessup neutral
ind · 1898
1 sentence

1906The only case found which ■conflicts with this view is Halstead v. Jessup, 150 Ind. 85 , in which the rights of the parties were governed by a contract and in which the court held that the purchaser, in the absence of a forfeiture clause in the contract, might remove the timber sold after the expiration of the time fixed for its removal.

11906–1906
Eclipse Oil Co. v. South Penn Oil Co. green
wva · 1899
11902–1902

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WV § W. Va. Code § 18-2-25 (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 1324 (1864–2026) IL 690 (1891–2026) WI 179 (1925–2026) TX 102 (1893–2026) OH 80 (1895–2026) PA 61 (1893–2025) WA 52 (1910–2022) NY 51 (1900–2026) LA 41 (1904–2017) MI 40 (1895–2026) MN 38 (1893–2026) NJ 37 (1910–2026) AZ 32 (1912–2023) WV 26 (1902–2023) FL 26 (1930–2025) TN 23 (1914–2025) GA 21 (1905–2014) MO 20 (1897–2022) MA 19 (1942–2023) OR 19 (1903–2020) IA 18 (1916–2026) KY 18 (1934–2023) MD 16 (1906–2022) SC 16 (1950–2022) MT 15 (1919–2023) ND 15 (1890–2022) NM 15 (1891–2024) IN 15 (1899–2026) UT 14 (1905–2020) VA 14 (1993–2020) CO 14 (1939–2025) MS 13 (1911–2022) OK 12 (1913–2024) AR 12 (1913–2024) AK 12 (1976–2022) ID 11 (1911–2016) AL 11 (1909–2023) DC 11 (1978–2021) KS 10 (1908–2026) WY 9 (1921–2018) NC 9 (1925–2026) NE 8 (1933–2024) VT 8 (1913–2022) CT 8 (1960–2022) SD 7 (1907–2005) NV 6 (1950–2022) DE 5 (1951–2024) ME 3 (2006–2016) PR 2 (1930–1968)

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.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check