paramount principle in West Virginia

71 West Virginia opinions name it 2 courts 1953–2026 19 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 (13)

Case	Followed	Cited
Legg v. Felintongreen wva · 2006 · cited in 34 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2013–2026 2 sentences 2026“It is a paramount principle of jurisprudence that a court speaks only through its orders,” so “it is clear that where a [lower] court’s written order conflicts with its oral statement, the written order controls.” Legg v. Felinton, 219 W. 2026“It is a paramount principle of jurisprudence that a court speaks only through its orders,” so “it is clear that where a [lower] court’s written order conflicts with its oral statement, the written order controls.” Legg v. Felinton, 219 W.	27	34
State v. Whitegreen wva · 1992 · cited in 12 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2006–2026 2 sentences 2016Simply put, “[i]t is a paramount principle of jurisprudence that a court speaks only through its orders.” Legg v. Felinton, 219 W.Va. 478, 483 , 637 S.E.2d 576, 581 (2006)(citing State v. White, 188 W.Va. 534 , 536 n.2, 425 S.E.2d 210 , 212 n.2 (1992)). 2016Simply put, “[i]t is a paramount principle of jurisprudence that a court speaks only through its orders.” Legg v. Felinton, 219 W.Va. 478, 483 , 637 S.E.2d 576, 581 (2006)(citing State v. White, 188 W.Va. 534 , 536 n.2, 425 S.E.2d 210 , 212 n.2 (1992)).	9	12
Weiss v. Sotogreen wva · 1957 · cited in 9 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1957–2007 2 sentences 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: “The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940). 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: "The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy." Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940).	2	9
Weiss v. Sotogreen wva · 1957 · cited in 7 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1959–2007 2 sentences 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: “The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940). 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: "The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy." Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940).	2	7
In Re: Conleygreen wva · 1940 · cited in 3 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1957–2007 2 sentences 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: "The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy." Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940). 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: "The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy." Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940).	2	3
Cresap v. Cresapgreen wva · 1890 · cited in 3 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1953–1957 2 sentences 1957Goetz v. Old National Bank of Martinsburg, 140 W.Va. 422 , 84 S.E.2d 759 ; Harper v. Cumberland and Allegheny Gas Company, 140 W.Va. 193 , 83 S.E.2d 522 ; Young v. Lewis, 138 W.Va. 425 , 76 S.E.2d 276 ; Ball v. Ball, 136 W.Va. 852 , 69 S.E.2d 55 ; Hunt v. Furman, 132 W.Va. 706 , 52 S.E.2d 816 ; Stephenson v. Kuntz, 131 W.Va. 599 , 49 S.E.2d 235 ; Wheeling Dollar Savings and Trust Company v. Stewart, 128 W.Va. 703 , 37 S.E.2d 563 ; Hedrick v. Hedrick, 125 W.Va. 702 , 25 S.E.2d 872 ; In re Reed's Estate, 125 W.Va. 555 , 26 S.E.2d 222 ; Wilcox v. Mowrey, 125 W.Va. 333 , 24 S.E.2d 922 ; Harris v. 1957Goetz v. Old National Bank of Martinsburg, 140 W.Va. 422 , 84 S.E.2d 759 ; Harper v. Cumberland and Allegheny Gas Company, 140 W.Va. 193 , 83 S.E.2d 522 ; Young v. Lewis, 138 W.Va. 425 , 76 S.E.2d 276 ; Ball v. Ball, 136 W.Va. 852 , 69 S.E.2d 55 ; Hunt v. Furman, 132 W.Va. 706 , 52 S.E.2d 816 ; Stephenson v. Kuntz, 131 W.Va. 599 , 49 S.E.2d 235 ; Wheeling Dollar Savings and Trust Company v. Stewart, 128 W.Va. 703 , 37 S.E.2d 563 ; Hedrick v. Hedrick, 125 W.Va. 702 , 25 S.E.2d 872 ; In re Reed's Estate, 125 W.Va. 555 , 26 S.E.2d 222 ; Wilcox v. Mowrey, 125 W.Va. 333 , 24 S.E.2d 922 ; Harris v.	2	3
Hobbs v. Brennemangreen wva · 1923 · cited in 2 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1957–2005 2 sentences 2005In Hobbs v. Brenneman, 94 W.Va. 320, 323 , 118 S.E. 546, 549 (1923), we described the role of the judiciary in ascertaining the intention of the testator as follows: When the intention is ascertained from an examination of all its parts the problem is solved. 2005In Hobbs v. Brenneman, 94 W.Va. 320, 323 , 118 S.E. 546, 549 (1923), we described the role of the judiciary in ascertaining the intention of the testator as follows: When the intention is ascertained from an examination of all its parts the problem is solved.	1	2
State Ex Rel. Erlewine v. Thompsongreen wva · 1973 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025 1 sentence 2025Erlewine v. Thompson, 156 W.	1	1
Painter v. Colemangreen wva · 2002 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024 2 sentences 2024As our Supreme Court has observed, “[d]ecisions involving construction of wills always begin with the following axiom: The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Painter v. Coleman, 211 W. 2024Va. 451, 454 , 566 S.E.2d 588, 591 (2002) (internal quotations omitted).	1	1
In re Walter G.green wva · 2013 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020 2 sentences 2020Petitioner is correct that we have long held that “[i]t is a paramount principle of jurisprudence that a court speaks only through its orders.” In re Walter G., 231 W. 2020Va. 108, 114 , 743 S.E.2d 919, 925 (2013).	1	1
Estate of Fussell v. Fortneygreen wva · 2012 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015 2 sentences 2015Pt. 2, Estate of Fussell v. Fortney, 229 W.Va. 622, 623 , 730 S.E.2d 405, 406 (2012) (Internal quotations and citations.). 2015Pt. 2, Estate of Fussell v. Fortney, 229 W.Va. 622, 623 , 730 S.E.2d 405, 406 (2012) (Internal quotations and citations.).	1	1
Berry v. Union National Bankgreen wva · 1980 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991 2 sentences 1991See also Berry v. Union National Bank, 164 W.Va. 258 , 262 S.E.2d 766 (1980); Farmers & Merchants Bank v. Farmers & Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 101 S.E.2d 769 (1976); Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); and Goetz v. Old National Bank, 140 W.Va. 422 , 84 S.E.2d 759 (1954). 1991See also Berry v. Union National Bank, 164 W.Va. 258 , 262 S.E.2d 766 (1980); Farmers & Merchants Bank v. Farmers & Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 101 S.E.2d 769 (1976); Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); and Goetz v. Old National Bank, 140 W.Va. 422 , 84 S.E.2d 759 (1954).	1	1
Diamond v. Parkersburg-Aetna Corporationgreen wva · 1961 · cited in 1 West Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1984–1984 1 sentence 1984The paramount principle is that “[t]he object of construction, as applied to a written constitution, is to give effect to the intent of the people in adopting it.” Diamond v. Parkersburg-Aetna Corporation, 146 W.Va. 543, 555 , 122 S.E.2d 436, 443 (1961) (emphasis in original). 4 Although there are no West Virginia cases construing the language involved here, State ex rel.	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (53)

Case	Cited	Years
Farmers & Merchants Bank of Keyser v. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Keyser green wva · 1975 2 sentences 2019“The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W. 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: "The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy." Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940).	8	1982–2019
FARMERS & MERCH BK. v. Farmers & Merch. Bk. green wva · 1975 2 sentences 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: “The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940). 2007We have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: "The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy." Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see also Syllabus Point 4, Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); In re Conley, 122 W.Va. 559, 561 , 12 S.E.2d 49, 50 (1940).	7	1982–2019
Goetz v. Old National Bank of Martinsburg green wva · 1954 2 sentences 1991See also Berry v. Union National Bank, 164 W.Va. 258 , 262 S.E.2d 766 (1980); Farmers & Merchants Bank v. Farmers & Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 101 S.E.2d 769 (1976); Weiss v. Soto, 142 W.Va. 783 , 98 S.E.2d 727 (1957); and Goetz v. Old National Bank, 140 W.Va. 422 , 84 S.E.2d 759 (1954). 1968Va. 422 , 84 S. E. 2d 759 , in this manner: “The paramount rule in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator must be given effect, unless that intention violates some positive rule of law.” See Wheeling Dollar Savings & Trust Com 33 pany v. Stewart, 128 W.	6	1957–1991
Hemphill v. Aukamp green wva · 1980 2 sentences 2024“The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a trust is that the intention of the settlor prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Syllabus Point 1, Hemphill v. Aukamp, 164 W. 1991The specific rule, as set forth in syllabus point 1 of Hemphill v. Aukamp, 164 W.Va. 368 , 264 S.E.2d 163 (1980), states: The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a trust is that the intention of the settlor prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.	3	1991–2024
Hinton v. Milburn's Ex'rs neutral wva · 1883 2 sentences 1957Goetz v. Old National Bank of Martinsburg, 140 W.Va. 422 , 84 S.E.2d 759 ; Harper v. Cumberland and Allegheny Gas Company, 140 W.Va. 193 , 83 S.E.2d 522 ; Young v. Lewis, 138 W.Va. 425 , 76 S.E.2d 276 ; Ball v. Ball, 136 W.Va. 852 , 69 S.E.2d 55 ; Hunt v. Furman, 132 W.Va. 706 , 52 S.E.2d 816 ; Stephenson v. Kuntz, 131 W.Va. 599 , 49 S.E.2d 235 ; Wheeling Dollar Savings and Trust Company v. Stewart, 128 W.Va. 703 , 37 S.E.2d 563 ; Hedrick v. Hedrick, 125 W.Va. 702 , 25 S.E.2d 872 ; In re Reed's Estate, 125 W.Va. 555 , 26 S.E.2d 222 ; Wilcox v. Mowrey, 125 W.Va. 333 , 24 S.E.2d 922 ; Harris v. 1954Hinton v. Milburn, 23 W.	3	1953–1957
McCreery v. Johnston green wva · 1922 2 sentences 1954Va. 80 , 110 S. E. 464 , the rule is stated as follows: The paramount rule in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator must be given effect,, unless that intention violates some positive rule of law or public policy. 1953Va. 80 , 110 S. E. 464 , the rule is stated as follows: The paramount rule in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator must be given effect, unless that intention violates some positive rule of law or public policy.	3	1953–1957
Wheeling Dollar Savings & Trust Co. v. Stewart neutral wva · 1946 2 sentences 1968Va. 422 , 84 S. E. 2d 759 , in this manner: “The paramount rule in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator must be given effect, unless that intention violates some positive rule of law.” See Wheeling Dollar Savings & Trust Com 33 pany v. Stewart, 128 W. 1968*Va. 703 , 37 S. E. 2d 563 ; Hedrick v. Hedrick, 125 W.	2	1957–1968
Hedrick v. Hedrick green wva · 1943 2 sentences 1968Va. 703 , 37 S. E. 2d 563 ; Hedrick v. Hedrick, 125 W. 1957Goetz v. Old National Bank of Martinsburg, 140 W.Va. 422 , 84 S.E.2d 759 ; Harper v. Cumberland and Allegheny Gas Company, 140 W.Va. 193 , 83 S.E.2d 522 ; Young v. Lewis, 138 W.Va. 425 , 76 S.E.2d 276 ; Ball v. Ball, 136 W.Va. 852 , 69 S.E.2d 55 ; Hunt v. Furman, 132 W.Va. 706 , 52 S.E.2d 816 ; Stephenson v. Kuntz, 131 W.Va. 599 , 49 S.E.2d 235 ; Wheeling Dollar Savings and Trust Company v. Stewart, 128 W.Va. 703 , 37 S.E.2d 563 ; Hedrick v. Hedrick, 125 W.Va. 702 , 25 S.E.2d 872 ; In re Reed's Estate, 125 W.Va. 555 , 26 S.E.2d 222 ; Wilcox v. Mowrey, 125 W.Va. 333 , 24 S.E.2d 922 ; Harris v.	2	1957–1968
Dantzic v. Dantzic neutral wva · 2008 2 sentences 2018Pt. 2, Dantzic v. Dantzic, 222 W.Va. 535 , 668 S.E.2d 164 (2008) (quoting Syl. 2018Pt. 2, Dantzic v. Dantzic, 222 W.Va. 535 , 668 S.E.2d 164 (2008) (quoting Syl.	1	2018–2018
State of ex rel. Bowling v. Greenbrier County Commission green wva · 2002 2 sentences 2016DISCUSSION Initially, we observe that, in contested election cases, we must “remain ever mindful 326 of the paramount principle that election laws are to be construed in favor of enfranchisement, not disenfranchisement.” Bowling, 212 W.Va. at 649 , 575 S.E.2d at 259 . 2016DISCUSSION Initially, we observe that, in contested election cases, we must “remain ever mindful 326 of the paramount principle that election laws are to be construed in favor of enfranchisement, not disenfranchisement.” Bowling, 212 W.Va. at 649 , 575 S.E.2d at 259 .	1	2016–2016
In Re the Estate of Teubert green wva · 1982 2 sentences 2005Clearly, as we stated in Syllabus Point 8 of In re Estate of Teubert, 171 W.Va. 226 , 298 S.E.2d 456 (1982), “[t]he law favors testacy over intestacy.” Likewise, we have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: “The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see als 2005Clearly, as we stated in Syllabus Point 8 of In re Estate of Teubert, 171 W.Va. 226 , 298 S.E.2d 456 (1982), “[t]he law favors testacy over intestacy.” Likewise, we have consistently held that decisions involving the construction of a will always begin with the recognition that: “The paramount principle in construing or giving effect to a will is that the intention of the testator prevails, unless it is contrary to some positive rule of law or principle of public policy.” Syllabus Point 1, Farmers and Merchants Bank v. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 158 W.Va. 1012 , 216 S.E.2d 769 (1975); see als	1	2005–2005
Diamond v. Parkersburg-Aetna Corp. green wva · 1961 1 sentence 1984The paramount principle is that “[t]he object of construction, as applied to a written constitution, is to give effect to the intent of the people in adopting it.” Diamond v. Parkersburg-Aetna Corporation, 146 W.Va. 543, 555 , 122 S.E.2d 436, 443 (1961) (emphasis in original). 4 Although there are no West Virginia cases construing the language involved here, State ex rel.	1	1984–1984
State Ex Rel. Summerfield v. Maxwell green wva · 1964 2 sentences 1984Summerfield v. Maxwell, 148 W.Va. 535 , 135 S.E.2d 741 (1964) is instructive. 1984Summerfield v. Maxwell, 148 W.Va. 535 , 135 S.E.2d 741 (1964) is instructive.	1	1984–1984
Otta v. Otta green illappct · 1965 2 sentences 1971This rule of construction overrides all other rules of construction such as the favored construction of early vesting. 16 A.L.R.2d Anno., 1378; Security National Bank & Trust Co. v. Willim, supra; Otta v. Otta, 58 Ill. 1971This rule of construction overrides all other rules of construction such as the favored construction of early vesting. 16 A.L.R.2d Anno., 1378; Security National Bank & Trust Co. v. Willim, supra ; Otta v. Otta, 68 Ill.App.2d 63 , 207 N.E.2d 147 .	1	1971–1971
Mills v. Village of Milan green illappct · 1966 1 sentence 1971This rule of construction overrides all other rules of construction such as the favored construction of early vesting. 16 A.L.R.2d Anno., 1378; Security National Bank & Trust Co. v. Willim, supra ; Otta v. Otta, 68 Ill.App.2d 63 , 207 N.E.2d 147 .	1	1971–1971
Mauzy v. Nelson green wva · 1963 1 sentence 1967Mauzy v. Nelson, 147 W.	1	1967–1967
State v. Mitchell green wva · 1900	1	1964–1964
State v. Lake neutral wva · 1932	1	1964–1964
State v. Zitzelsberger green wva · 1946	1	1964–1964
State v. Simmons green wva · 1925 2 sentences 1964State v. Ash, 139 W.Va. 374 , syl., 80 S.E.2d 339 ; State v. Zitzelsberger, 129 W.Va. 229 , pt. 1 syl., 39 S.E.2d 835 ; State v. Garner, 128 W.Va. 726 , pt. 1 syl., 38 S.E.2d 337 ; State v. Livesay, 127 W.Va. 579 , pt. 1 syl., 34 S.E.2d 24 ; State v. Lake, 112 W.Va. 665 , 166 S.E. 384 ; State v. Simmons, 99 W.Va. 702 , pt. 1 syl., 129 S.E. 757 ; State v. Mitchell, 47 W.Va. 789 , pt. 2 syl., 35 S.E. 845 . 1964State v. Ash, 139 W.Va. 374 , syl., 80 S.E.2d 339 ; State v. Zitzelsberger, 129 W.Va. 229 , pt. 1 syl., 39 S.E.2d 835 ; State v. Garner, 128 W.Va. 726 , pt. 1 syl., 38 S.E.2d 337 ; State v. Livesay, 127 W.Va. 579 , pt. 1 syl., 34 S.E.2d 24 ; State v. Lake, 112 W.Va. 665 , 166 S.E. 384 ; State v. Simmons, 99 W.Va. 702 , pt. 1 syl., 129 S.E. 757 ; State v. Mitchell, 47 W.Va. 789 , pt. 2 syl., 35 S.E. 845 .	1	1964–1964
State v. Garner neutral wva · 1946	1	1964–1964
State v. Livesay green wva · 1945	1	1964–1964
State v. Ash green wva · 1954	1	1964–1964
Ball v. Ball neutral wva · 1952	1	1957–1957
Liston v. Jenkins neutral wva · 1867	1	1957–1957
Bell's Admr. v. Humphrey green · 1874	1	1957–1957
Whelan v. Reilly green · 1872	1	1957–1957
Magers v. Edward neutral · 1878	1	1957–1957
French v. French neutral wva · 1877	1	1957–1957
Graham v. Graham green wva · 1883	1	1957–1957
Couch v. Eastham neutral wva · 1887	1	1957–1957
Broderick v. Broderick's Ex'r neutral wva · 1891	1	1957–1957
Harper v. CUMBERLAND & ALLEGHENY GAS COMPANY neutral wva · 1954	1	1957–1957
Young v. Lewis green wva · 1953	1	1957–1957
In Re Estate of Reed green wva · 1943	1	1957–1957
Harris v. Eskridge green wva · 1942	1	1957–1957
Stephenson v. Kuntz green wva · 1948	1	1957–1957
Wilcox v. Mowrey neutral wva · 1943	1	1957–1957
Brookover v. Grimm neutral wva · 1937	1	1957–1957
Davis v. Davis neutral wva · 1937	1	1957–1957

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WV § W. Va. Code § 49-4-604 (6) WV § W. Va. Code § 49-4-601 (5) WV § W. Va. Code § 49-1-201 (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 130 (1897–2025) IL 75 (1869–2021) WV 71 (1953–2026) MO 53 (1887–2024) AR 38 (1934–2024) SC 29 (1960–2026) TX 29 (1935–2018) MI 28 (1970–2026) TN 26 (1879–2020) NY 22 (1885–2018) PA 19 (1923–2024) MS 16 (1909–2026) VA 15 (1988–2021) IN 14 (1872–2008) MD 12 (1925–2018) FL 12 (1970–2021) KS 11 (1955–1994) AL 11 (1892–2002) GA 11 (1970–2019) OH 10 (1901–2024) OK 10 (1920–2016) WA 8 (1947–2023) LA 7 (1939–2004) UT 6 (1982–2011) MA 6 (1947–2003) CO 6 (1909–2024) KY 5 (1982–2014) IA 5 (1914–2014) WY 5 (1883–1988) NJ 5 (1953–2015) SD 4 (1898–2002) WI 4 (1967–2016) NC 4 (1934–2016) MT 4 (1893–1960) DE 3 (1959–2019) AZ 2 (1915–2011) CT 2 (1901–1988) ID 2 (1975–1992) NV 2 (1968–2022) OR 2 (1894–1975) ND 2 (1954–2018)

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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