impossible standard in Pennsylvania

23 Pennsylvania opinions name it 3 courts 1971–2025 5 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 (8)

Case	Followed	Cited
Irvin v. Dowdgreen scotus · 1961 · cited in 12 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1971–2024 2 sentences 2024“To hold that the mere existence of any preconceived notion as to the guilt or innocence of an accused, without more, is sufficient to rebut the presumption of a prospective juror’s impartiality would be to establish an impossible standard.” Id. at 723 , 81 S.Ct. 1639 . 2024“To hold that the mere existence of any preconceived notion as to the guilt or innocence of an accused, without more, is sufficient to rebut the presumption of a prospective juror’s impartiality would be to establish an impossible standard.” Id. at 723 , 81 S.Ct. 1639 .	4	12
Commonwealth v. Richardsongreen pa · 1978 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1978–1980 2 sentences 1980It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” See also Commonwealth v. Sutton, 485 Pa. 47 , 400 A.2d 1305 (1979); Commonwealth v. Casper, supra; Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571 , 383 A.2d 510 (1978). 1980It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” See also Commonwealth v. Sutton, 485 Pa. 47 , 400 A.2d 1305 (1979); Commonwealth v. Casper, supra; Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571 , 383 A.2d 510 (1978).	2	3
Gravinese v. Johns-Manville Corp.green pa · 1984 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1984–1986 2 sentences 1986See Gravinese v. Johns-Manville, 324 Pa.Super. 432, 436 , 471 A.2d 1233, 1237 (1984). 1986See Gravinese v. Johns-Manville, 324 Pa.Super. 432, 436 , 471 A.2d 1233, 1237 (1984).	2	2
United States v. George Keith Williamsgreen ca5 · 1978 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1978–1979 2 sentences 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.’ “See also, e. g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978). 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.' "See also, e.g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978).	2	2
Mitzelfelt v. Kamringreen pa · 1990 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2014–2025 2 sentences 2025These are the cases in which, irrespective of the quality of the medical treatment, a certain percentage of patients will suffer harm.” Mitzelfelt v. Kamrin, 584 A.2d at 888, 892 (Pa. 1990). 2014Id. (emphasis in original). 3 Following Mitzelfelt , in Billman v. Saylor, 761 A.2d 1208 (Pa.Super.2000), which only dealt with whether an increased risk of harm case was properly made out sufficient to go to the jury, the court adopted the “impossible standard” language in describing when an increased risk of harm instruction is appropriate: In Mitzelfelt, supra, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court explained that in some cases, the standard of proof regarding medical expert testimony is an impossible standard.	1	2
Commonwealth v. Powellgreen pa · 1974 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1978–1979 2 sentences 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.’ “See also, e. g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978). 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.’ “See also, e. g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978).	1	2
Webber v. Shelleygreen ca9 · 2003 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015 1 sentence 2015We agree with the Commonwealth Court’s finding that the mere possibility of error cannot bar the use of a voting system as “the unfortunate reality is that the possibility of electoral fraud can never be completely eliminated, no matter which type of ballot is used.” Banfield III, 442 M.D. 2006, at *8 (citing Weber v. Shelley, 347 F.3d 1101, 1106-107 (9th Cir. 2003) (emphasis in original)).	1	1
Commonwealth v. Martingreen pa · 1975 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979 2 sentences 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” Commonwealth v. Martin, 465 Pa. 134, 149 , 348 A.2d 391, 399 (1975), quoting Irvin v. Dowd, 366 U.S. 717, 723 , 81 S.Ct. 1639, 1642 , 6 L.Ed.2d 751, 756 (1961). 5 . 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” Commonwealth v. Martin, 465 Pa. 134, 149 , 348 A.2d 391, 399 (1975), quoting Irvin v. Dowd, 366 U.S. 717, 723 , 81 S.Ct. 1639, 1642 , 6 L.Ed.2d 751, 756 (1961). 5 .	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (10)

Case	Cited	Years
Commonwealth v. Martinolich green pa · 1974 2 sentences 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.’ “See also, e. g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978). 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.’ “See also, e. g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978).	2	1978–1979
Phelps v. United States green scotus · 1974 2 sentences 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.’ “See also, e. g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978). 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.' "See also, e.g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978).	2	1978–1979
District of Columbia v. Walters green scotus · 1974 2 sentences 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.’ “See also, e. g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978). 1979It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.' "See also, e.g., Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571, 578 , 383 A.2d 510, 514 (1978); Commonwealth v. Powell, supra, 459 Pa. at 260 , 328 A.2d at 511 ; Commonwealth v. Martinolich, 456 Pa. 136, 147-48 , 318 A.2d 680, 687 , appeal dismissed and cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1065 , 95 S.Ct. 651 , 42 L.Ed.2d 661 (1974); see generally United States v. Williams, 568 F.2d 464, 467-68 (5th Cir. 1978).	2	1978–1979
Banfield, Aplts. v. Secretary of the Com green pa · 2015 2 sentences 2021The Supreme Court characterized the electors’ argument as “advocating that the DREs be held to an impossible standard of invulnerability.” Id. at 174 . 2021Thus, the Election Code does not require “an impossible standard of invulnerability” or “impose a requirement that cannot be achieved.” Id.	1	2021–2021
Billman v. Saylor green pasuperct · 2000 1 sentence 2014Id. (emphasis in original). 3 Following Mitzelfelt , in Billman v. Saylor, 761 A.2d 1208 (Pa.Super.2000), which only dealt with whether an increased risk of harm case was properly made out sufficient to go to the jury, the court adopted the “impossible standard” language in describing when an increased risk of harm instruction is appropriate: In Mitzelfelt, supra, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court explained that in some cases, the standard of proof regarding medical expert testimony is an impossible standard.	1	2014–2014
Miller v. Sacred Heart Hospital green pasuperct · 2000 1 sentence 2000Miller, supra. ¶ 9 In Mitzelfelt, supra, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court explained that in some cases, the standard of proof regarding medical expert testimony is an impossible standard.	1	2000–2000
Commonwealth v. Casper green pa · 1978 2 sentences 1986It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” Commonwealth v. Casper, supra, 481 Pa. at 152 , 392 A.2d at 292 , quoting Irvin v. Dowd, 366 U.S. 717, 722-723 , 81 S.Ct. 1639, 1642 , 6 L.Ed.2d 751, 756 (1961). 1986It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” Commonwealth v. Casper, supra, 481 Pa. at 152 , 392 A.2d at 292 , quoting Irvin v. Dowd, 366 U.S. 717, 722-723 , 81 S.Ct. 1639, 1642 , 6 L.Ed.2d 751, 756 (1961).	1	1986–1986
Schwarzbach v. Dunn green pasuperct · 1977 2 sentences 1980Commonwealth v. Hoss, 469 Pa. 195 , 364 A.2d 1335 (1976); Schwarzbach v. Dunn, 252 Pa.Super. 454 , 381 A.2d 1295 (1977). 1980Commonwealth v. Hoss, 469 Pa. 195 , 364 A.2d 1335 (1976); Schwarzbach v. Dunn, 252 Pa.Super. 454 , 381 A.2d 1295 (1977).	1	1980–1980
Commonwealth v. Hoss green pa · 1976 2 sentences 1980Commonwealth v. Hoss, 469 Pa. 195 , 364 A.2d 1335 (1976); Schwarzbach v. Dunn, 252 Pa.Super. 454 , 381 A.2d 1295 (1977). 1980Commonwealth v. Hoss, 469 Pa. 195 , 364 A.2d 1335 (1976); Schwarzbach v. Dunn, 252 Pa.Super. 454 , 381 A.2d 1295 (1977).	1	1980–1980
Commonwealth v. Sutton green pa · 1979 2 sentences 1980It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” See also Commonwealth v. Sutton, 485 Pa. 47 , 400 A.2d 1305 (1979); Commonwealth v. Casper, supra; Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571 , 383 A.2d 510 (1978). 1980It is sufficient if the juror can lay aside his impression or opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.” See also Commonwealth v. Sutton, 485 Pa. 47 , 400 A.2d 1305 (1979); Commonwealth v. Casper, supra; Commonwealth v. Richardson, 476 Pa. 571 , 383 A.2d 510 (1978).	1	1980–1980

Where else courts name it

AL 74 (1914–2014) CA 61 (1981–2026) IL 24 (1903–2025) PA 23 (1971–2025) TN 20 (1875–2021) IN 16 (1969–2020) GA 12 (1979–1991) TX 10 (1984–2019) LA 8 (1982–2022) OK 7 (1969–2023) MO 7 (1987–2024) AZ 7 (1968–2021) NY 6 (1960–2022) FL 6 (1977–2008) WI 5 (1964–2005) IA 5 (1978–2018) VA 4 (1998–2023) ID 4 (1973–2004) MI 4 (1997–2024) CO 4 (1983–2025) NH 3 (1974–2010) MD 3 (1981–2003) NC 3 (1890–1993) NJ 3 (1980–1988) MN 3 (2024–2024) WV 3 (1980–2000) WY 3 (1979–1989) MT 3 (1999–2013) ND 3 (1980–1989) NV 3 (1967–1994) KY 2 (2021–2022) HI 2 (1989–2020) OH 2 (2017–2020) NE 2 (1979–1981) VT 2 (2010–2013) CT 2 (1987–1989) WA 2 (2002–2002)

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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