baseless claim in Pennsylvania

118 Pennsylvania opinions name it 2 courts 1977–2026 10 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 (34)

Case	Followed	Cited
Commonwealth v. Hubbardred pa · 1977 · cited in 34 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1978–2023 2 sentences 2023Counsel is not deemed “ineffective in failing to assert a baseless claim, it is only when the claim, which has been forgone, is of arguable merit that inquiry must be made into basis for counsel’s decision not to pursue the matter.” Commonwealth v. Hubbard, 472 Pa. 259 (Pa. 1977). 1983Counsel is not ineffective in failing to assert a baseless claim, but an inquiry into the basis for counsel’s decision must be made if the claim has arguable merit, Commonwealth v. Hubbard, 472 Pa. 259 , 372 A.2d 687 (1977).	8	34
Commonwealth v. Nolegreen pa · 1975 · cited in 8 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1977–1982 2 sentences 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974). 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974).	7	8
Commonwealth v. Cookgreen pa · 1989 · cited in 12 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1989–2017 2 sentences 2017See Commonwealth v. Sheppard, 648 A.2d 563 (Pa. Super. 1994) (“Counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim.”) (citing Commonwealth v. Cook, 557 A.2d 421, 425 (Pa. Super. 1989)). 1990See Commonwealth v. Silo, 509 Pa. 406 , 502 A.2d 173 (1985); Commonwealth v. Cook, 383 Pa.Super. 615 , 557 A.2d 421 (1989) (counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim).	6	12
Commonwealth v. Michaudgreen pasuperct · 2013 · cited in 5 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2014–2020 2 sentences 2020To succeed on a claim that counsel was ineffective, Appellant must demonstrate that: (1) the claim is of arguable merit; (2) counsel had no reasonable strategic basis for his or her action or inaction; and (3) counsel's ineffectiveness prejudiced him. -6- J-S36001-20 Commonwealth v. Michaud, 70 A.3d 862, 867 (Pa. Super. 2013) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). 2019See Michaud, supra. In his final argument, Matthews contends the PCRA court abused its discretion when it failed to grant relief on his claim that the trial court should have issued a curative instruction when Dozier’s confession was introduced at trial.	5	5
Commonwealth v. Silogreen pa · 1985 · cited in 7 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1989–1995 2 sentences 1990See Commonwealth v. Silo, 509 Pa. 406 , 502 A.2d 173 (1985); Commonwealth v. Cook, 383 Pa.Super. 615 , 557 A.2d 421 (1989) (counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim). 1990See Commonwealth v. Silo, 509 Pa. 406 , 502 A.2d 173 (1985); Commonwealth v. Cook, 383 Pa.Super. 615 , 557 A.2d 421 (1989) (counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim).	4	7
Commonwealth v. Paynegreen pasuperct · 2002 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023 2 sentences 2023Commonwealth v. Payne, 794 A.2d 902, 906 (Pa. Super. 2002). 2023See Payne, 794 A.2d at 906 (explaining that counsel cannot be found ineffective for failure to assert a baseless claim).	3	3
Commonwealth v. Henkegreen pasuperct · 2004 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2016–2019 2 sentences 2019Commonwealth v. Henke, 851 A.2d 185, 187 (Pa. Super. 2004) (internal citations omitted). 2016See Commonwealth v. Henke, 851 A.2d 185, 187 (Pa. Super. 2004) (stating that “[c]ounsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to raise a baseless claim”).	3	3
Commonwealth v. Garvingreen pa · 1984 · cited in 6 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1985–1993 2 sentences 1993Commonwealth v. Garvin, 335 Pa.Super. 560 , 485 A.2d 36 (1984). 1993Commonwealth v. Garvin, 335 Pa.Super. 560 , 485 A.2d 36 (1984).	2	6
Commonwealth Ex Rel. Washington v. Maroneygreen pa · 1967 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1978–1980 2 sentences 1980Washington v. Maroney, 427 Pa. 599, 604-05 , 235 A.2d 349, 352-53 (1967) (Footnote omitted.) (Emphasis added.) Further, counsel is not ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim. 1980Washington v. Maroney, 427 Pa. 599, 604-05 , 235 A.2d 349, 352-53 (1967) (Footnote omitted.) (Emphasis added.) Further, counsel is not ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim.	2	3
Commonwealth v. Poplawskigreen pasuperct · 2004 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2025–2026 2 sentences 2026See Poplawski, supra. As such, Appellant is not entitled to relief on his first issue. 2025See Poplawski, supra. Therefore, we discern no error in the PCRA court’s determination that Appellant failed to establish his ineffective assistance of counsel claim.	2	2
Commonwealth v. Robertsgreen pa · 1996 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2004–2005 2 sentences 2005Commonwealth v. Roberts, 545 Pa. 460 , 681 A.2d 1274, 1276 (1996). ¶26 However, in Commonwealth v. Grant, 572 Pa. 48 , 813 A.2d 726 (2002), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stated that “as a general rule, a petitioner should wait to raise claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel until collateral review.” Id. at 738. 2004See Roberts, 681 A.2d at 1276 (holding that counsel cannot be deemed ineffective for failing to raise a baseless claim).	2	2
Commonwealth v. Schreibergreen pa · 1983 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1984–1985 2 sentences 1985Commonwealth v. Hubbard, supra; see also Commonwealth v. Schreiber, 319 Pa.Super. 237 , 466 A.2d 203 (1983).” Commonwealth v. Garvin, 335 Pa.Super. 560, 564 , 485 A.2d 36, 38 (1984). 1984Commonwealth v. Hubbard, supra; see also Commonwealth v. Schreiber, 319 Pa.Super. 367 , 466 A.2d 203 (1983).	2	2
Commonwealth v. Schrothgreen pa · 1981 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1982–1983 2 sentences 1983Commonwealth v. Hubbard, 472 Pa. 259 , 372 A.2d 687 (1977).” Commonwealth v. Schroth, 495 Pa. 561, 564 , 435 A.2d 148, 149 (1981). 1983Commonwealth v. Hubbard, 472 Pa. 259 , 372 A.2d 687 (1977).” Commonwealth v. Schroth, 495 Pa. 561, 564 , 435 A.2d 148, 149 (1981).	2	2
Commonwealth v. Durstgreen pa · 1989 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1989–1991 2 sentences 1991See Commonwealth v. Durst, 522 Pa. 2 , 559 A.2d 504 (1989) (counsel cannot be deemed ineffective for failing to raise a baseless claim). 1991See Commonwealth v. Durst, 522 Pa. 2 , 559 A.2d 504 (1989) (counsel cannot be deemed ineffective for failing to raise a baseless claim).	1	3
Commonwealth v. Sneedgreen pa · 2012 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2016–2021 2 sentences 2021See Sneed, 45 A.3d at 1115 . 2016Commonwealth v. Sneed supra 616 Pa. at 33 , 45 A.3d at 1115 and Commonwealth v. Hutchinson supra 521 Pa. at 488 , 556 A.2d at 372 .	1	2
Commonwealth v. Sheppardgreen pasuperct · 1994 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2017–2018 2 sentences 2018As counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim, Commonwealth v. Sheppard, 648 A.2d 563 (Pa. Super. 1994), we conclude the PCRA court did not err in denying relief on this basis. 2017See Commonwealth v. Sheppard, 648 A.2d 563 (Pa. Super. 1994) (“Counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to assert a baseless claim.”) (citing Commonwealth v. Cook, 557 A.2d 421, 425 (Pa. Super. 1989)).	1	2
Commonwealth v. Grantgreen pa · 2002 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2004–2005 2 sentences 2005Commonwealth v. Roberts, 545 Pa. 460 , 681 A.2d 1274, 1276 (1996). ¶26 However, in Commonwealth v. Grant, 572 Pa. 48 , 813 A.2d 726 (2002), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stated that “as a general rule, a petitioner should wait to raise claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel until collateral review.” Id. at 738. 2005Commonwealth v. Roberts, 545 Pa. 460 , 681 A.2d 1274, 1276 (1996). ¶26 However, in Commonwealth v. Grant, 572 Pa. 48 , 813 A.2d 726 (2002), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stated that “as a general rule, a petitioner should wait to raise claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel until collateral review.” Id. at 738.	1	2
Commonwealth v. Williamsgreen pa · 1983 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1987–1992 2 sentences 1992See Commonwealth v. Williams, 500 Pa. 226, 229 , 455 A.2d 632, 633 (1983) (“Counsel is not ineffective when he fails to assert a baseless claim.”). 1992See Commonwealth v. Williams, 500 Pa. 226, 229 , 455 A.2d 632, 633 (1983) (“Counsel is not ineffective when he fails to assert a baseless claim.”).	1	2
Commonwealth v. Nelsongreen pa · 1987 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1987–1988 2 sentences 1988Commonwealth v. Nelson, 514 Pa. 262, 274-5 , 523 A.2d 728, 735 (1987). 1988Commonwealth v. Nelson, 514 Pa. 262, 274-5 , 523 A.2d 728, 735 (1987).	1	2
Commonwealth v. Graygreen pa · 1977 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982 2 sentences 1982Initially, we must consider whether there is any arguable merit to appellant’s assertions, for it is axiomatic that counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failure to assert a baseless claim. 497 See Commonwealth v. Gray, 473 Pa. 424 , 374 A.2d 1285 (1977); Commonwealth v. Payton, 253 Pa.Superior Ct. 422, 385 A.2d 410 (1978); Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 240 Pa.Superior Ct. 56, 362 A.2d 374 (1976). 1982Initially, we must consider whether there is any arguable merit to appellant’s assertions, for it is axiomatic that counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failure to assert a baseless claim. 497 See Commonwealth v. Gray, 473 Pa. 424 , 374 A.2d 1285 (1977); Commonwealth v. Payton, 253 Pa.Superior Ct. 422, 385 A.2d 410 (1978); Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 240 Pa.Superior Ct. 56, 362 A.2d 374 (1976).	1	2
Commonwealth v. Stahleygreen pasuperct · 2018 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021	1	1
Commonwealth v. Lewisgreen pasuperct · 2013 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021	1	1
Commonwealth v. Montalvogreen pasuperct · 1994 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016	1	1
Commonwealth v. Gaerttnergreen pasuperct · 1994 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015	1	1
Commonwealth v. Birdsonggreen pa · 2011 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014	1	1
In Re WINSHIPgreen scotus · 1970 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006	1	1
Commonwealth v. Westcottgreen pa · 1987 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987	1	1
Commonwealth v. Lyonsgreen pasuperct · 1985 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986	1	1
Commonwealth v. Silvisgreen pasuperct · 1982 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985	1	1
Commonwealth v. Bossickgreen pasuperct · 1982 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1984–1984	1	1
Commonwealth v. Wilkersongreen pa · 1980 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1984–1984	1	1
Commonwealth v. Musigreen pa · 1979 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1983–1983	1	1
Commonwealth v. Boydgreen pasuperct · 1982 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982	1	1
Commonwealth v. Romangreen pa · 1981 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982	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 (37)

Case	Cited	Years
Commonwealth v. Goosby green pa · 1975 2 sentences 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974). 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974).	9	1977–1982
Commonwealth v. Rice green pa · 1974 2 sentences 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974). 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974).	7	1977–1982
Commonwealth v. Harrison green pasuperct · 1974 2 sentences 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974). 1982See e.g., Commonwealth v. Nole, 461 Pa. 314 , 336 A.2d 302 (1975); Commonwealth v. Harrison, 228 Pa. Superior Ct. 42 , 323 A.2d 848 (1974); cf. Commonwealth v. Goosby, 461 Pa. 229 , 336 A.2d 260 (1975); Commonwealth v. Rice, 456 Pa. 90 , 318 A.2d 705 (1974).	7	1977–1982
Commonwealth v. Giknis green pa · 1980 2 sentences 1999Commonwealth v. Giknis, 491 Pa. 215 , 420 A.2d 419 (1980). 1999Commonwealth v. Giknis, 491 Pa. 215 , 420 A.2d 419 (1980).	5	1983–1999
Commonwealth v. Lebo green pasuperct · 1991 2 sentences 1992Commonwealth v. Lebo, 405 Pa.Super. 316 , 592 A.2d 353 (1991) (citations omitted). 1992Commonwealth v. Lebo, 405 Pa.Super. 316 , 592 A.2d 353 (1991) (citations omitted).	2	1992–1992
Commonwealth v. Payton green pasuperct · 1978 2 sentences 1982See Commonwealth v. Gray, 473 Pa. 424 , 374 A.2d 1285 (1977); Commonwealth v. Payton, 253 Pa. Superior Ct. 422 , 385 A.2d 410 (1978); Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 240 Pa. Superior Ct. 56 , 362 A.2d 374 (1976). 1982Initially, we must consider whether there is any arguable merit to appellant’s assertions, for it is axiomatic that counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failure to assert a baseless claim. *497 See Commonwealth v. Gray, 473 Pa. 424 , 374 A.2d 1285 (1977); Commonwealth v. Payton, 253 Pa.Superior Ct. 422, 385 A.2d 410 (1978); Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 240 Pa.Superior Ct. 56, 362 A.2d 374 (1976).	2	1982–1982
Commonwealth v. Hawkins green pasuperct · 1976 2 sentences 1982See Commonwealth v. Gray, 473 Pa. 424 , 374 A.2d 1285 (1977); Commonwealth v. Payton, 253 Pa. Superior Ct. 422 , 385 A.2d 410 (1978); Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 240 Pa. Superior Ct. 56 , 362 A.2d 374 (1976). 1982Initially, we must consider whether there is any arguable merit to appellant’s assertions, for it is axiomatic that counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failure to assert a baseless claim. *497 See Commonwealth v. Gray, 473 Pa. 424 , 374 A.2d 1285 (1977); Commonwealth v. Payton, 253 Pa.Superior Ct. 422, 385 A.2d 410 (1978); Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 240 Pa.Superior Ct. 56, 362 A.2d 374 (1976).	2	1982–1982
Commonwealth v. Sandusky green pasuperct · 2019 1 sentence 2026On this record, we cannot say that Appellant was prejudiced because of trial counsel’s alleged failure to investigate and thus, his ineffective assistance of counsel claim must fail.7 See Sandusky, supra; Stewart, supra. As Appellant has failed to establish that his underlying claim is meritorious, PCRA counsel cannot be held ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless claim.	1	2026–2026
Alex v. Gavin green pa · 2014 1 sentence 2026On this record, we cannot say that Appellant was prejudiced because of trial counsel’s alleged failure to investigate and thus, his ineffective assistance of counsel claim must fail.7 See Sandusky, supra; Stewart, supra. As Appellant has failed to establish that his underlying claim is meritorious, PCRA counsel cannot be held ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless claim.	1	2026–2026
Muhammad v. Strassburger, McKenna, Messer, Shilobod & Gutnick green pa · 1991 1 sentence 2022To manufacture from whole cloth a baseless rule precluding these lawsuits is shameful enough, but to imply that post-settlement legal malpractice plaintiffs are 12 Muhammad, 587 A.2d at 1350 . 13 Burger, supra n.11, at 275 (“From 1950 to 1981 annual court of appeals filings climbed from over 2,800 to more than 26,000.	1	2022–2022
Commonwealth v. Cotton green pa · 1984	1	2018–2018
Commonwealth v. Reyes green pa · 2005	1	2018–2018
Commonwealth v. Tedford green pa · 2008	1	2017–2017
Commonwealth v. Pursell green pa · 1999	1	2017–2017
Commonwealth v. Hutchinson green pa · 1989	1	2016–2016
Commonwealth v. Basemore green pasuperct · 2005	1	2015–2015
Commonwealth v. Rega green pa · 2007	1	2015–2015
Commonwealth v. Baldwin green pa · 2009	1	2015–2015
Commonwealth v. Crosby green pasuperct · 2004	1	2004–2004
Commonwealth v. Rollins green pa · 1990	1	1998–1998
Commonwealth v. Tavares green pa · 1989	1	1990–1990
Commonwealth v. Gass green pa · 1987	1	1987–1987
Commonwealth v. Pursell green pa · 1985	1	1986–1986
Commonwealth v. McNeil green pa · 1985	1	1986–1986
Commonwealth v. Bonacurso green pa · 1983	1	1985–1985
Commonwealth v. Blackburn green pasuperct · 1984	1	1985–1985
Commonwealth v. Evans green pa · 1980	1	1985–1985
Board of Trustees of Carpenters Pension Trust Fund v. Reyes green scotus · 1983	1	1985–1985
Bucci v. Griffin green scotus · 1983	1	1985–1985
Fierros v. United States green scotus · 1983	1	1985–1985
Commonwealth v. Blair green pa · 1980	1	1984–1984
Commonwealth v. Martin green pa · 1978	1	1981–1981
Commonwealth v. Hosack neutral pa · 1979	1	1981–1981
Commonwealth v. Sherard green pa · 1978	1	1980–1980
Commonwealth v. Ashley green pasuperct · 1980	1	1980–1980
Commonwealth v. Gaston green pa · 1977	1	1980–1980
Commonwealth v. Hughes green pasuperct · 1979	1	1980–1980

Statutes the citing opinions construe

PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2502 (8) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9543 (7) PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3701 (6) PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2702 (5) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9544 (5) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9711 (5) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9712 (5) PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 308 (4) PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 907 (4)

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

PA 118 (1977–2026) CA 5 (1957–2022) IN 5 (1991–2019) IL 5 (1987–2021) AL 3 (2012–2026) TX 2 (2014–2020) NV 2 (2017–2019) NM 2 (2023–2023) MA 2 (1983–2025) OK 2 (2009–2021)

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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