abstract instruction (West Virginia) · Go Syfert
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abstract instruction in West Virginia

21 West Virginia opinions name it 1 courts 1924–2024 1 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 (2)

CaseFollowedCited
Anselm Holman v. Thomas Page, Menard Correctional Centergreen
ca7 · 1996 · cited in 2 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2002–2003
2 sentences

2003But even wide sentencing discretion in the abstract is not a violation of due process or equal protection. [T]he issue is the appropriateness of the sentence given the defendant’s crime: ‘Discretion, even if it ends in grossly unequal treatment according to culpability, does not entitle a guilty defendant to avoid a sentence appropriate to his own crime.’ Recht, 213 W.Va. at 519 , 583 S.E.2d at 816 , quoting Holman v. Page, 95 F.3d 481, 486 (7th Cir.1996) (citation omitted).

2003But even wide sentencing discretion in the abstract is not a violation of due process or equal protection. [T]he issue is the appropriateness of the sentence given the defendant's crime: `Discretion, even if it ends in grossly unequal treatment according to culpability, does not entitle a guilty defendant to avoid a sentence appropriate to his own crime.' Recht, 213 W.Va. at 519 , 583 S.E.2d at 816 , quoting Holman v. Page, 95 F.3d 481, 486 (7th Cir.1996) (citation omitted).

22
State v. Gangwergreen
wva · 1982 · cited in 2 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1983–1988
2 sentences

1988This error, however, does not require a new trial under the general rule stated in Syllabus Point 7 of State v. Gangwer, 169 W.Va. 177 , 286 S.E.2d 389 (1982): “It is not reversible error for a trial court to give an abstract instruction where the instruction is not misleading or inapplicable to the case.” Furthermore, the record reveals that only a general objection to the instruction was made at trial.

1988This error, however, does not require a new trial under the general rule stated in Syllabus Point 7 of State v. Gangwer, 169 W.Va. 177 , 286 S.E.2d 389 (1982): “It is not reversible error for a trial court to give an abstract instruction where the instruction is not misleading or inapplicable to the case.” Furthermore, the record reveals that only a general objection to the instruction was made at trial.

12

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 (26)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Whitt green
wva · 1924
2 sentences

1971In State v. Whitt, 96 W.Va. 268 , 122 S. E. 742 (1924), this is the third syllabus point, insofar as is material: Where the facts and circumstances of a homicide case are such that they may, in the minds of the jurors, rebut a mere inference of malice on the part of the accused, an abstract instruction to the effect that * * * deliberation, wilfulness, and malice may be inferred from the use of a deadly weapon, and which omits to mention any of the various circumstances tending to rebut such inference, is erroneous.

1971In State v. Whitt, 96 W.Va. 268 , 122 S. E. 742 (1924), this is the third syllabus point, insofar as is material: Where the facts and circumstances of a homicide case are such that they may, in the minds of the jurors, rebut a mere inference of malice on the part of the accused, an abstract instruction to the effect that * * * deliberation, wilfulness, and malice may be inferred from the use of a deadly weapon, and which omits to mention any of the various circumstances tending to rebut such inference, is erroneous.

31924–1971
State Ex Rel. Appleby v. Recht green
wva · 2002
2 sentences

2003But even wide sentencing discretion in the abstract is not a violation of due process or equal protection. [T]he issue is the appropriateness of the sentence given the defendant's crime: `Discretion, even if it ends in grossly unequal treatment according to culpability, does not entitle a guilty defendant to avoid a sentence appropriate to his own crime.' Recht, 213 W.Va. at 519 , 583 S.E.2d at 816 , quoting Holman v. Page, 95 F.3d 481, 486 (7th Cir.1996) (citation omitted).

2003But even wide sentencing discretion in the abstract is not a violation of due process or equal protection. [T]he issue is the appropriateness of the sentence given the defendant's crime: `Discretion, even if it ends in grossly unequal treatment according to culpability, does not entitle a guilty defendant to avoid a sentence appropriate to his own crime.' Recht, 213 W.Va. at 519 , 583 S.E.2d at 816 , quoting Holman v. Page, 95 F.3d 481, 486 (7th Cir.1996) (citation omitted).

22003–2024
State v. Welch green
wva · 1892
2 sentences

1966In State v. Whitt, 96 W.Va. 268 , 122 S.E. 742 , the Court states in the third syllabus point which, insofar as is material, says: "Where the facts and circumstances of a homicide case are such that they may, in the minds of the jurors, rebut a mere inference of malice on the part of the accused, an abstract instruction to the effect that deliberation, wilfulness, and malice may be inferred from the use of a deadly weapon, and which omits to mention any of the various circumstances tending to rebut such inference, is erroneous." Incidentally, that instruction was taken from State v. Welch, 36

1966Va. 268 , 122 S. E. 742 , the Court states in the third syllabus point which, insofar as is material, says: “Where the facts and circumstances of a homicide case are such that they may in the minds of the jurors rebut a mere inference of malice on the part of the accused, an abstract instruction to the effect that deliberation, wilfulness and malice may be inferred from the use of a deadly weapon; and which omits to mention any of the various circumstances tending to rebut such inference, is erroneous.” Incidentally, that instruction was taken from State v. Welch, 36 W.

21966–1971
Wilson v. Edwards green
wva · 1953
2 sentences

1966Wilson v. Edwards, 138 W.Va. 613 , 77 S.E.2d 164 ; Underwood v. Goff, 131 W.Va. 662 , 48 S.E.2d 860 .

1966Wilson v. Edwards, 138 W.Va. 613 , 77 S.E.2d 164 ; Underwood v. Goff, 131 W.Va. 662 , 48 S.E.2d 860 .

21966–1966
Mulroy v. Co-Operative Transit Company green
wva · 1956
2 sentences

1966It is true that the instruction is abstract in form but this Court has held that though it is not reversible error to refuse to give an abstract instruction, Payne v. Kinder, 147 W.Va. 352 , 127 S.E.2d 726 ; Mulroy v. Co-Operative Transit Company, 142 W.Va. 165 , 95 S.E.2d 63 , and the numerous cases cited in the opinion in the Mulroy case, and that though an abstract instruction ordinarily should be refused, it is not necessarily reversible error to give an abstract instruction.

1966It is true that the instruction is abstract in form but this Court has held that though it is not reversible error to refuse to give an abstract instruction, Payne v. Kinder, 147 W.Va. 352 , 127 S.E.2d 726 ; Mulroy v. Co-Operative Transit Company, 142 W.Va. 165 , 95 S.E.2d 63 , and the numerous cases cited in the opinion in the Mulroy case, and that though an abstract instruction ordinarily should be refused, it is not necessarily reversible error to give an abstract instruction.

21966–1966
Underwood v. Goff neutral
wva · 1948
2 sentences

1966Wilson v. Edwards, 138 W.Va. 613 , 77 S.E.2d 164 ; Underwood v. Goff, 131 W.Va. 662 , 48 S.E.2d 860 .

1953Underwood v. Goff, 131 W.

21953–1966
Payne v. Kinder green
wva · 1962
2 sentences

1966It is true that the instruction is abstract in form but this Court has held that though it is not reversible error to refuse to give an abstract instruction, Payne v. Kinder, 147 W.Va. 352 , 127 S.E.2d 726 ; Mulroy v. Co-Operative Transit Company, 142 W.Va. 165 , 95 S.E.2d 63 , and the numerous cases cited in the opinion in the Mulroy case, and that though an abstract instruction ordinarily should be refused, it is not necessarily reversible error to give an abstract instruction.

1966It is true that the instruction is abstract in form but this Court has held that though it is not reversible error to refuse to give an abstract instruction, Payne v. Kinder, 147 W.Va. 352 , 127 S.E.2d 726 ; Mulroy v. Co-Operative Transit Company, 142 W.Va. 165 , 95 S.E.2d 63 , and the numerous cases cited in the opinion in the Mulroy case, and that though an abstract instruction ordinarily should be refused, it is not necessarily reversible error to give an abstract instruction.

21966–1966
Thrasher v. Amere Gas Utilities Co. green
wva · 1953
2 sentences

1962Thrasher v. Amere Gas Utilities Company, 138 W.

1956Thrasher v. Amere Gas Utilities Company, 138 W.

21956–1962
State v. Cooper green
wva · 1983
2 sentences

1988General objections are ordinarily not sufficient to preserve the error for appellate review, as is stated in Syllabus Point 3 of Gangwer : “The general rule is that a party may not assign as error the giving of an instruction unless he objects, stating distinctly the matters to which he objects and the grounds of his objection.” See State v. Cooper, 172 W.Va. 266 , 304 S.E.2d 851 (1983); Rule 30, W.Va.R.Cr.P.

1988General objections are ordinarily not sufficient to preserve the error for appellate review, as is stated in Syllabus Point 3 of Gangwer : “The general rule is that a party may not assign as error the giving of an instruction unless he objects, stating distinctly the matters to which he objects and the grounds of his objection.” See State v. Cooper, 172 W.Va. 266 , 304 S.E.2d 851 (1983); Rule 30, W.Va.R.Cr.P.

11988–1988
State v. Starr green
wva · 1975
2 sentences

1987E.g., State v. Harris, 169 W.Va. 150 , 286 S.E.2d 251 (1982); State v. Starr, 158 W.Va. 905 , 216 S.E.2d 242 (1975); State v. Cantor, 93 W.Va. 238 , 116 S.E. 396 (1923).

1987E.g., State v. Harris, 169 W.Va. 150 , 286 S.E.2d 251 (1982); State v. Starr, 158 W.Va. 905 , 216 S.E.2d 242 (1975); State v. Cantor, 93 W.Va. 238 , 116 S.E. 396 (1923).

11987–1987
State v. Harris green
wva · 1982
2 sentences

1987E.g., State v. Harris, 169 W.Va. 150 , 286 S.E.2d 251 (1982); State v. Starr, 158 W.Va. 905 , 216 S.E.2d 242 (1975); State v. Cantor, 93 W.Va. 238 , 116 S.E. 396 (1923).

1987E.g., State v. Harris, 169 W.Va. 150 , 286 S.E.2d 251 (1982); State v. Starr, 158 W.Va. 905 , 216 S.E.2d 242 (1975); State v. Cantor, 93 W.Va. 238 , 116 S.E. 396 (1923).

11987–1987
State v. Cantor neutral
wva · 1923
2 sentences

1987E.g., State v. Harris, 169 W.Va. 150 , 286 S.E.2d 251 (1982); State v. Starr, 158 W.Va. 905 , 216 S.E.2d 242 (1975); State v. Cantor, 93 W.Va. 238 , 116 S.E. 396 (1923).

1987E.g., State v. Harris, 169 W.Va. 150 , 286 S.E.2d 251 (1982); State v. Starr, 158 W.Va. 905 , 216 S.E.2d 242 (1975); State v. Cantor, 93 W.Va. 238 , 116 S.E. 396 (1923).

11987–1987
State v. Porter green
wva · 1925
2 sentences

1982State v. Porter, 98 W.Va. 390 , 127 S.E. 386 (1925).

1982State v. Porter, 98 W.Va. 390 , 127 S.E. 386 (1925).

11982–1982
Smith v. State green
ga · 1948
1 sentence

1966Wilson v. Edwards, 138 W.Va. 613 , 77 S.E.2d 164 ; Underwood v. Goff, 131 W.Va. 662 , 48 S.E.2d 860 .

11966–1966
Matthews v. Cumberland & Allegheny Gas Co. green
wva · 1953
1 sentence

1956Matthews v. Cumberland and Allegheny Gas Company, 138 W.

11956–1956
Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, Inc. neutral
wva · 1950
2 sentences

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, 134 W.

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

11953–1953
Wiseman v. Terry neutral
wva · 1932
2 sentences

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

11953–1953
Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Bros. & Smith neutral
wva · 1932
2 sentences

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

11953–1953
Morrison v. Roush neutral
wva · 1931
2 sentences

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

11953–1953
Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Co. neutral
· 1914
2 sentences

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

11953–1953
Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corp. neutral
wva · 1922
2 sentences

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

1953Frampton v. Consolidated Bus Lines, W.Va., 62 S.E.2d 126 ; Wiseman, Adm'x v. Terry, 111 W.Va. 620 , 163 S.E. 425 ; Mercer Funeral Home v. Addison Brothers & Smith, 111 W.Va. 616 , 163 S.E. 439 ; Morrison v. Roush, 110 W.Va. 398 , 158 S.E. 514 ; Ross v. Lake & Export Coal Corporation, 92 W.Va. 229 , 116 S.E. 155 ; Frank v. Monongahela Valley Traction Company, 75 W.Va. 364 , 83 S.E. 1009 .

11953–1953
Parker v. National Mutual Building & Loan Ass'n green
· 1904
1 sentence

1935Parker v. Bldg. & Loan Ass’n., 55 W.

11935–1935
State Road Commission v. County Court of Kanawha County green
wva · 1932
1 sentence

1934Va. 98 , 163 S. E. 815 . *541 The facts there were different from the facts here, but the abstract principle involved in that case is identical with the one involved here.

11934–1934
State v. Stafford green
wva · 1921
1 sentence

1927State v. Stafford, 89 W.

11927–1927
Guyandot Valley R'y Co. v. Buskirk green
wva · 1905
1 sentence

1926Co. v. Buskirk, 57 W.

11926–1926
Reed v. Commonwealth neutral
va · 1900
1 sentence

1924Read v. Com., 98 Va. 817 .

11924–1924

Where else courts name it

TX 167 (1867–2026) GA 143 (1900–2025) CA 45 (1903–2026) MS 35 (1957–2024) MO 32 (1882–2018) OH 29 (1952–2023) OR 27 (1905–2014) AL 27 (1846–2016) NC 26 (1889–2025) IL 24 (1886–2019) WV 21 (1924–2024) AR 20 (1898–2016) CO 18 (1904–2016) MD 17 (1932–2022) FL 15 (1848–2015) NY 14 (1881–2025) AZ 12 (1922–2020) WA 12 (1904–2026) KS 10 (1909–1993) KY 10 (1922–2013) IA 10 (1941–2021) IN 10 (1886–1984) PA 9 (1917–2025) NJ 8 (1952–2026) CT 7 (1934–2011) MA 7 (1928–2019) MI 6 (1920–2026) NM 5 (2009–2020) OK 5 (1925–1970) DE 5 (1968–2008) VA 5 (1900–2010) MT 4 (1920–1936) TN 4 (1947–2003) RI 3 (1980–2023) MN 3 (1908–2007) DC 3 (2011–2018) UT 3 (1982–2007) NV 3 (2018–2018) WY 3 (1924–2023) LA 3 (1850–2000) SD 2 (1909–2025) ME 2 (1935–1969) NE 2 (1920–1921)

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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