disproportionality analysis (Texas) · Go Syfert
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disproportionality analysis in Texas

19 Texas opinions name it 3 courts 1995–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Texas 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 (20)

CaseFollowedCited
Robert McGruder v. Steven W. Puckettgreen
ca5 · 1992 · cited in 5 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1999–2015
2 sentences

2015Texas courts have 31 adopted the disproportionality test used by the Fifth Circuit in McGruder v. Puckett, 954 F.2d 313,316 (5th Cir. 1992).

2000Subsequent Texas cases construing Solem and Harmelin have concluded that a disproportionality analysis survives, and have applied the original Solem test or a modification thereof as articulated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in McGruder v. Puckett , 954 F.2d 313, 316 (5 th Cir.), cert. denied , 506 U.S. 849 , 113 S.Ct. 146 (1992).

55
Harmelin v. Michigangreen
scotus · 1991 · cited in 5 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1999–2015
2 sentences

2015The Threshold Comparison The first step in a disproportionality analysis is a comparison of the 63 Sneed v. State, 406 S.W. 3d 638, 643 (Tex. App. – Eastland 2013, no pet.); Harmelin v. Michigan, 501 U.S. 957, 1004-05 , 111 S. Ct. 2680 , 115 L.

2015The Threshold Comparison The first step in a disproportionality analysis is a comparison of the 63 Sneed v. State, 406 S.W. 3d 638, 643 (Tex. App. – Eastland 2013, no pet.); Harmelin v. Michigan, 501 U.S. 957, 1004-05 , 111 S. Ct. 2680 , 115 L.

25
Hyde v. Stategreen
texapp · 1986 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007See Hyde v. State , 723 S.W.2d 754, 755 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1986, no pet.), holding that we had no authority to review the reasonableness of punishments assessed by the juries and the trial courts of this State if within the range of punishment prescribed by statute for the offense, except under a disproportionality analysis. driving while intoxicated.

2007See Hyde v. State , 723 S.W.2d 754, 755 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1986, no pet.) (holding that we had no authority to review the reasonableness of punishments assessed by the juries and the trial courts of this State if within the range of punishment prescribed by statute for the offense, except under a disproportionality analysis). ad occurred.

22
Wiley v. Stategreen
texapp · 2003 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025See, e.g., Wiley v. State, 112 S.W.3d 173, 175 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, pet. ref’d). 2 Rushton was known in the neighborhood.

11
Joe Anthony Alvarez v. Stategreen
texapp · 2017 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
1 sentence

2018See, e.g., Alvarez v. State, 525 S.W.3d 890, 893 (Tex. App.—Eastland 2017, pet. ref’d) (noting that the trial court heard testimony that the defendant “reoffended upon subsequent release on bond”); Gray v. State, No. 04-12-00244-CR, 2012 WL 5507106 , at *2 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Nov. 14, 2012, no pet.) (mem. op., not designated for publication) (noting that defendant’s “bond pending his trial for the instant offense was revoked after he tested positive for use of marihuana”); Leflore v. State, No. 07-10-00295-CR, 2010 WL 5128784 , at *2 (Tex. App.—Amarillo Dec. 16, 2010, no pet.) (mem. op., no

11
Williamson v. Stategreen
texapp · 2005 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
1 sentence

2018Williamson v. State, 175 S.W.3d 522, 523-24 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2005, no pet.).

11
Markus Ray Sneed v. Stategreen
texapp · 2013 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015The Threshold Comparison The first step in a disproportionality analysis is a comparison of the 63 Sneed v. State, 406 S.W. 3d 638, 643 (Tex. App. – Eastland 2013, no pet.); Harmelin v. Michigan, 501 U.S. 957, 1004-05 , 111 S. Ct. 2680 , 115 L.

11
Davis v. Stategreen
texcrimapp · 1997 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
1 sentence

2007See Davis v. State , 947 S.W.2d 240 , 242–43 (Tex. Crim.

11
Jordan v. Stategreen
texcrimapp · 1973 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
1 sentence

2003See Jordan v. State , 495 S.W.2d 949, 952 (Tex. Crim.

11
Davis v. Stategreen
texapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000Compare, e.g., Mathews v. State , 918 S.W.2d 666, 669 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying modification of Solem test); Puga v. State , 916 S.W.2d 547, 549-50 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1996, no pet.)(same); Lackey v. State , 881 S.W.2d 418, 421 (Tex. App.--Dallas 1994, pet. ref'd)(same); with Simmons v. State , 944 S.W.2d 11, 14 (Tex. App.--Tyler 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying Solem test); Davis v. State , 905 S.W.2d 655, 664 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1995, pet. ref'd).

11
Mathews v. Stategreen
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000Compare, e.g., Mathews v. State , 918 S.W.2d 666, 669 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying modification of Solem test); Puga v. State , 916 S.W.2d 547, 549-50 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1996, no pet.)(same); Lackey v. State , 881 S.W.2d 418, 421 (Tex. App.--Dallas 1994, pet. ref'd)(same); with Simmons v. State , 944 S.W.2d 11, 14 (Tex. App.--Tyler 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying Solem test); Davis v. State , 905 S.W.2d 655, 664 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1995, pet. ref'd).

11
Sullivan v. Stategreen
texapp · 1998 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000See Sullivan v. State , 975 S.W.2d. 755, 757 (Tex. App.--Corpus Christi 1998, no pet.)(discussing history and status of disproportionality doctrine).

11
Simmons v. Stategreen
texapp · 1997 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000Compare, e.g., Mathews v. State , 918 S.W.2d 666, 669 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying modification of Solem test); Puga v. State , 916 S.W.2d 547, 549-50 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1996, no pet.)(same); Lackey v. State , 881 S.W.2d 418, 421 (Tex. App.--Dallas 1994, pet. ref'd)(same); with Simmons v. State , 944 S.W.2d 11, 14 (Tex. App.--Tyler 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying Solem test); Davis v. State , 905 S.W.2d 655, 664 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1995, pet. ref'd).

11
Puga v. Stategreen
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000Compare, e.g., Mathews v. State , 918 S.W.2d 666, 669 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying modification of Solem test); Puga v. State , 916 S.W.2d 547, 549-50 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1996, no pet.)(same); Lackey v. State , 881 S.W.2d 418, 421 (Tex. App.--Dallas 1994, pet. ref'd)(same); with Simmons v. State , 944 S.W.2d 11, 14 (Tex. App.--Tyler 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying Solem test); Davis v. State , 905 S.W.2d 655, 664 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1995, pet. ref'd).

11
Lackey v. Stategreen
texapp · 1994 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000Compare, e.g., Mathews v. State , 918 S.W.2d 666, 669 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying modification of Solem test); Puga v. State , 916 S.W.2d 547, 549-50 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1996, no pet.)(same); Lackey v. State , 881 S.W.2d 418, 421 (Tex. App.--Dallas 1994, pet. ref'd)(same); with Simmons v. State , 944 S.W.2d 11, 14 (Tex. App.--Tyler 1996, pet. ref'd)(applying Solem test); Davis v. State , 905 S.W.2d 655, 664 (Tex. App.--Texarkana 1995, pet. ref'd).

11
Diaz-Galvan v. Stategreen
texapp · 1997 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
1 sentence

1999Punishment is "grossly disproportionate to a crime only when an objective comparison of the gravity of the offense against the severity of the sentence reveals the sentence to be extreme." Diaz-Galvan v. State , 942 S.W.2d 185, 186 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 1997, pet. ref'd) (citing Harmelin v. Michigan , 501 U.S. 957 (1991)).

11
Thomas v. Stategreen
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
1 sentence

1999In reviewing a disproportionality claim under the federal constitution, the threshold question is whether appellant's sentence "is grossly disproportionate to the crime." Thomas v. State , 916 S.W.2d 578, 583 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1996, no pet.) (citing McGruder v. Puckett , 954 F.2d 313, 316 (5th Cir.), cert. denied , 506 U.S. 849 (1992)).

11
Malone v. Stategreen
texapp · 1993 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
1 sentence

1996Id; see Ex parte Arnold, 916 S.W.2d 640 (Tex.App.—Austin 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that if the “primary effect” of sanction is remedial, then it cannot be considered punishment); Helber v. State, 915 S.W.2d 955 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that Halper requires a disproportionality test under which a sanction becomes punishment when its deterrent or retributive effect far outweighs the remedial effect); Ex parte Tharp, 912 S.W.2d 887, 894 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, pet. granted) (adopting the disproportionality test); Malone v. State, 864 S.W.2d 156, 159 (Tex.App.—F

11
Ex Parte Arnoldgreen
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
1 sentence

1996Id; see Ex parte Arnold, 916 S.W.2d 640 (Tex.App.—Austin 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that if the “primary effect” of sanction is remedial, then it cannot be considered punishment); Helber v. State, 915 S.W.2d 955 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that Halper requires a disproportionality test under which a sanction becomes punishment when its deterrent or retributive effect far outweighs the remedial effect); Ex parte Tharp, 912 S.W.2d 887, 894 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, pet. granted) (adopting the disproportionality test); Malone v. State, 864 S.W.2d 156, 159 (Tex.App.—F

11
Ex Parte Tharpgreen
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
1 sentence

1996Id; see Ex parte Arnold, 916 S.W.2d 640 (Tex.App.—Austin 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that if the “primary effect” of sanction is remedial, then it cannot be considered punishment); Helber v. State, 915 S.W.2d 955 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that Halper requires a disproportionality test under which a sanction becomes punishment when its deterrent or retributive effect far outweighs the remedial effect); Ex parte Tharp, 912 S.W.2d 887, 894 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, pet. granted) (adopting the disproportionality test); Malone v. State, 864 S.W.2d 156, 159 (Tex.App.—F

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (7)

CaseCitedYears
Solem v. Helm red
scotus · 1983
2 sentences

2022Solem, 463 U.S. at 292 ; Simpson, 488 S.W.3d at 323 .

2008Citing Solem v. Helm , 463 U.S. 277 (1983), appellant argues for a disproportionality analysis guided by objective criteria.

61996–2022
Simpson, Mark Twain green
texcrimapp · 2016
2 sentences

2022Solem, 463 U.S. at 292 ; Simpson, 488 S.W.3d at 323 .

2018Without a record of the initial plea proceedings, we cannot determine what evidence the trial court may have considered relevant to the disproportionality analysis, including “harm caused or threatened to the victim, the culpability of the offender, [or] the offender’s prior adjudicated and unadjudicated offenses.” Simpson, 488 S.W.3d at 323 .

22018–2022
Chandler v. Jones green
scotus · 1992
2 sentences

2000Subsequent Texas cases construing Solem and Harmelin have concluded that a disproportionality analysis survives, and have applied the original Solem test or a modification thereof as articulated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in McGruder v. Puckett , 954 F.2d 313, 316 (5 th Cir.), cert. denied , 506 U.S. 849 , 113 S.Ct. 146 (1992).

1999In reviewing a disproportionality claim under the federal constitution, the threshold question is whether appellant's sentence "is grossly disproportionate to the crime." Thomas v. State , 916 S.W.2d 578, 583 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1996, no pet.) (citing McGruder v. Puckett , 954 F.2d 313, 316 (5th Cir.), cert. denied , 506 U.S. 849 (1992)).

21999–2000
United States v. Halper red
scotus · 1989
2 sentences

1995We therefore applied the disproportionality analysis of Halper, 490 U.S. at 449 , 109 S.Ct. at 1902 , to determine if prosecution for the criminal offenses would subject the defendant to double jeopardy.

1995We therefore applied the disproportionality analysis of Halper, 490 U.S. at 449 , 109 S.Ct. at 1902 , to determine if prosecution for the criminal offenses would subject the defendant to double jeopardy.

21995–1996
McGruder v. Puckett green
scotus · 1992
1 sentence

2000Subsequent Texas cases construing Solem and Harmelin have concluded that a disproportionality analysis survives, and have applied the original Solem test or a modification thereof as articulated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in McGruder v. Puckett , 954 F.2d 313, 316 (5 th Cir.), cert. denied , 506 U.S. 849 , 113 S.Ct. 146 (1992).

12000–2000
United States v. Jerry Wayne Tilley, and Susan Wells Tilley, Tommy Ross Anderson and Sarah Jane Anderson green
ca5 · 1994
2 sentences

1996Id.

1996Id.

11996–1996
Helber v. State green
texapp · 1996
1 sentence

1996Id; see Ex parte Arnold, 916 S.W.2d 640 (Tex.App.—Austin 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that if the “primary effect” of sanction is remedial, then it cannot be considered punishment); Helber v. State, 915 S.W.2d 955 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1996, no pet. h.) (holding that Halper requires a disproportionality test under which a sanction becomes punishment when its deterrent or retributive effect far outweighs the remedial effect); Ex parte Tharp, 912 S.W.2d 887, 894 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, pet. granted) (adopting the disproportionality test); Malone v. State, 864 S.W.2d 156, 159 (Tex.App.—F

11996–1996

Statutes the citing opinions construe

TX § Tex. Penal Code § 12.32 (5) TX § Tex. Penal Code § 21.11 (3) TX § Tex. Penal Code § 22.021 (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

WV 46 (1980–2024) TX 19 (1995–2025) MS 15 (2000–2022) OR 11 (1984–2024) CA 10 (1991–2025) MA 7 (1976–2019) OH 4 (1990–2016) ME 4 (2011–2020) WA 4 (2018–2023) IA 3 (1998–2023) AZ 3 (1985–2004) FL 3 (2000–2008) KS 3 (1980–2014) NY 2 (1975–1994) PA 2 (2017–2017) VA 2 (1982–1993) IN 2 (1994–2000)

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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