heart defense (Texas) · Go Syfert
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heart defense in Texas

61 Texas opinions name it 3 courts 1962–2025 15 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 (31)

CaseFollowedCited
Wiley v. Stategreen
texcrimapp · 2002 · cited in 22 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2003–2024
2 sentences

2023“In other words, the erroneous ruling” implicates the Constitution if it “goes to the heart of the defense.” Wiley v. State, 74 S.W.3d 399, 405 (Tex. Crim.

2023Ultimately, Rogers - 12 this case is a prime example of the ways in which a trial court’s evidentiary rulings can undermine “the heart of the defense.” See Wiley, 74 S.W.3d at 405 .

1522
Ray v. Stategreen
texcrimapp · 2005 · cited in 5 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2014–2022
2 sentences

2022Thus, “[w]hile excluding testimony that would ‘incrementally’ further the defendant’s defensive theory is not constitutional error, excluding evidence that ‘goes to the heart of the defense’ is.” Wilson, 451 S.W.3d at 886 (quoting Ray v. State, 178 S.W.3d 833, 836 (Tex. Crim.

2014See Ray v. State, 178 S.W.3d 833, 836 (Tex.Crim.App.2005) (holding erroneously excluding testimony that incrementally furthers defense is non-constitutional error); Wiley v. State, 74 S.W.3d 899, 405 (Tex.Crim.App.2002) (holding erroneously excluding testimony that “goes to the heart of the defense” is constitutional error).

55
Potier v. Stategreen
texcrimapp · 2002 · cited in 7 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2011–2025
2 sentences

2016Appellant maintains that the excluded evidence “went to the heart of the defense.” See Potier v. State, 68 S.W.3d 657 (Tex.Crim.App.2002) (quoting DePetris v. Kuykendall, 239 F.3d 1057, 1062 (9th Cir.2001)).

2015Potier v. State, 68 S.W.3d 657, 665 (Tex.Crim.App.2002); see also Wiley v. State, 74 S.W.3d 399, 405 (Tex.Crim.App.2002) (erroneous exclusion of evidence is a constitutional violation if it “effectively prevents the defendant from presenting his defensive theory,” or in other words, if the ruling “goes to the heart of the defense”).

27
Davis v. Alaskagreen
scotus · 1974 · cited in 3 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2014–2015
2 sentences

2015Petitioner’s sole defense was that she killed her husband in an honest belief that she 20 See Davis v. Alaska, 415 U.S. 308, 320 , 94 S. Ct. 1105, 1112 (1974). 17 needed to do so to save her life.

2015Petitioner’s sole defense was that she killed her husband in an honest belief that she 20 See Davis v. Alaska, 415 U.S. 308, 320 , 94 S. Ct. 1105, 1112 (1974). 17 needed to do so to save her life.

23
Walker v. Packergreen
tex · 1992 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2025
2 sentences

2025Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 843-844 (emphasis added).

2015Hockey Club, Inc., 427 U.S. 639 (1976)…..….…..7 Remington Arms Co. v. Canales, 837 S.W.2d 624, 625 (Tex.1992)……….……5, 6 Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 843 (Tex. 1992)……………………….....10, 17 STATUTES AND REGULATIONS 34 CFR 99.31(a)(9)(ii)(A)-(B)…………………………………………...…….…..7 Tex. Govt.

22
BMC Software Belgium, NV v. Marchandgreen
tex · 2002 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2019–2020
2 sentences

2020See PHC–Minden, 235 S.W.3d at 175 (citing BMC Software, 83 S.W.3d at 799 ); Hargrave, 710 F.2d at 1160.

2019See PHC–Minden, 235 S.W.3d at 175 (citing BMC Software, 83 S.W.3d at 799 ); Hargrave, 710 F.2d at 1160.

22
Ex Parte Menchacagreen
texcrimapp · 1993 · cited in 3 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2013–2025
2 sentences

2025Id. at 133 .

2014Id.

13
Gary Wayne Wilson v. Stategreen
texapp · 2014 · cited in 3 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2022
2 sentences

2022Holguin v. State, No. 11-20-00143-CR, 2022 WL 1040935 , at *7 (Tex. App.—Eastland, Apr. 7, 2022, no pet. h.) (mem. op., not designated for publication) (citing Wilson v. State, 451 S.W.3d 880, 886 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2014, pet. ref’d)); see Ray v. State, 178 S.W.3d 833, 836 (Tex. Crim.

2022Thus, “[w]hile excluding testimony that would ‘incrementally’ further the defendant’s defensive theory is not constitutional error, excluding evidence that ‘goes to the heart of the defense’ is.” Wilson, 451 S.W.3d at 886 (quoting Ray v. State, 178 S.W.3d 833, 836 (Tex. Crim.

13
Wiley v. Texasgreen
scotus · 2002 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2007–2018
2 sentences

2018In other words, the erroneous ruling goes to the heart of the defense.” Id. (footnote omitted). 12 Discussion Crosby does not argue that any evidentiary rule categorically and arbitrarily prohibited him from offering relevant evidence, so we focus only on the second category: Crosby’s argument that the trial court’s erroneous ruling excluded otherwise relevant, reliable evidence that formed a vital portion of his case and effectively precluded him from presenting a defense.

2018See id.

12
Kelly A. Depetris v. Lew Kuykendall James Gomezgreen
ca9 · 2001 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2003–2016
2 sentences

2016Appellant maintains that the excluded evidence “went to the heart of the defense.” See Potier v. State, 68 S.W.3d 657 (Tex.Crim.App.2002) (quoting DePetris v. Kuykendall, 239 F.3d 1057, 1062 (9th Cir.2001)).

2003Id.

12
DeFunis v. Odegaardgreen
scotus · 1974 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025Appellant points to DeFunis v. Odegaard, wherein Defunis challenged an admissions policy that had allegedly denied him admission based on race. 416 U.S. 312, 315 (1974) (per curiam).

11
In Re Masonite Corp.green
tex · 1999 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025In re Masonite Corp., 997 S.W.2d 194, 198 (Tex. 1999) (orig. proceeding).

11
In Re Nestle USA, Inc.green
tex · 2012 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020The heart of that privilege is the “opportunity to realize gross income.” Id. at 622 (citations omitted).

11
United States v. Anthony Ray Jefferson and Roosevelt Jefferson, Jr.green
ca10 · 1991 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017App. 2002); Potier, 68 S.W.3d at 663 (“At a minimum, a defendant must demonstrate that the excluded evidence was important to his defense.”) (citing United States v. Jefferson, 925 F.2d 1242, 1254 (10th Cir.) (“A violation of the hearsay rule does not automatically equate to a constitutional violation of the Sixth Amendment”).

11
Andras v. Memorial Hospital Systemgreen
texapp · 1994 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016Sys., 888 S.W.2d 567, 572 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1994, writ denied) (holding that sanction of dismissal was not too severe where sanctioned parties violated three orders, informed trial court they would not produced requested documents that “went to the heart of the claim and the defense,” and refused to do so).

11
Butan Valley, N v. v. Smithgreen
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016The facts before us lead us to conclude that lesser sanctions would have provided a punishment more fitting the offense that would have likely 14 promoted compliance.5 See TransAmerican, 811 S.W.2d at 917 ; Butan Valley N.V. v. Smith, 921 S.W.2d 822, 831 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1996, no writ) (holding that record did not support trial court’s statement that lesser sanctions would not have been more appropriate or promoted compliance).

11
In Re Dana Corp.green
tex · 2004 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Relator has no adequate remedy on appeal as the case would proceed to trial without allowing Relator a sufficient opportunity for discovery of evidence which goes to the heart of her claim……………………..…………….........................................9 iv CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...17 PRAYER.............................................................................................................…18 CERTIFICATION………………………………………………………………...19 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .................

11
In Re Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.green
tex · 2005 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Relator has no adequate remedy on appeal as the case would proceed to trial without allowing Relator a sufficient opportunity for discovery of evidence which goes to the heart of her claim……………………..…………….........................................9 iv CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...17 PRAYER.............................................................................................................…18 CERTIFICATION………………………………………………………………...19 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .................

11
Independent Insulating Glass/Southwest, Inc. v. Streetgreen
texapp · 1987 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
11
In Re Prudential Insurance Co. of Americagreen
tex · 2004 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Relator has no adequate remedy on appeal as the case would proceed to trial without allowing Relator a sufficient opportunity for discovery of evidence which goes to the heart of her claim……………………..…………….........................................9 iv CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...17 PRAYER.............................................................................................................…18 CERTIFICATION………………………………………………………………...19 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .................

11
Alvarado v. Farah Manufacturing Co.green
tex · 1992 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Relator has no adequate remedy on appeal as the case would proceed to trial without allowing Relator a sufficient opportunity for discovery of evidence which goes to the heart of her claim……………………..…………….........................................9 iv CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...17 PRAYER.............................................................................................................…18 CERTIFICATION………………………………………………………………...19 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .................

11
Remington Arms Co., Inc. v. Canalesgreen
tex · 1992 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Hockey Club, Inc., 427 U.S. 639 (1976)…..….…..7 Remington Arms Co. v. Canales, 837 S.W.2d 624, 625 (Tex.1992)……….……5, 6 Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 843 (Tex. 1992)……………………….....10, 17 STATUTES AND REGULATIONS 34 CFR 99.31(a)(9)(ii)(A)-(B)…………………………………………...…….…..7 Tex. Govt.

11
Koehler v. Stategreen
texcrimapp · 1984 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Davis v. Alaska, 415 U.S. 308, 316 , 94 S.Ct. 1105 (1974); Koehler v. State, 679 S.W.2d 6, 9 (Tex.Cr.App. 1984).

11
Dietz v. Stategreen
texapp · 2003 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Cuadros-Fernandez v. Stategreen
texapp · 2009 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Kelly v. Stategreen
texapp · 2010 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Jakobleff v. Cerrato, Sweeney & Cohngreen
nyappdiv · 1983 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
11
Chicago Title Insurance v. Superior Courtgreen
calctapp · 1985 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
11
United Jersey Bank v. Wolosoffgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 1984 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
11
Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co. v. DiFedegreen
colo · 1989 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
11
League v. Vanicegreen
neb · 1985 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
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 (15)

CaseCitedYears
Hardiman v. State green
ind · 2000
2 sentences

2005“The heart of the inquiry is whether the declarants had the time for reflection and deliberation.” Id.

2005“The heart of the inquiry is whether the declarants had the time for reflection and deliberation.” Id.

52004–2005
In re H.E.B. Grocery Co. green
tex · 2016
2 sentences

2023Id. at 304 .

2022Id.

22022–2023
King Ranch, Inc. v. Chapman green
tex · 2003
1 sentence

2025But fraud is an affirmative defense that must be specifically 4 In his thirty-third issue, Anderson asserts that “[t]he trial court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction due to the fraudulent nature of the underlying contract.” But the only case he cites for this proposition, King Ranch, Inc. v. Chapman, 118 S.W.3d 742 (Tex. 2003), is inapposite.

12025–2025
TransAmerican Natural Gas Corp. v. Powell green
tex · 1991
1 sentence

2016The facts before us lead us to conclude that lesser sanctions would have provided a punishment more fitting the offense that would have likely 14 promoted compliance.5 See TransAmerican, 811 S.W.2d at 917 ; Butan Valley N.V. v. Smith, 921 S.W.2d 822, 831 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1996, no writ) (holding that record did not support trial court’s statement that lesser sanctions would not have been more appropriate or promoted compliance).

12016–2016
In Re Texas Farmers Insurance Exchange green
texapp · 1999
1 sentence

2015Relator has no adequate remedy on appeal as the case would proceed to trial without allowing Relator a sufficient opportunity for discovery of evidence which goes to the heart of her claim……………………..…………….........................................9 iv CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...17 PRAYER.............................................................................................................…18 CERTIFICATION………………………………………………………………...19 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .................

12015–2015
National Hockey League v. Metropolitan Hockey Club, Inc. green
scotus · 1976
1 sentence

2015Hockey Club, Inc., 427 U.S. 639 (1976)…..….…..7 Remington Arms Co. v. Canales, 837 S.W.2d 624, 625 (Tex.1992)……….……5, 6 Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 843 (Tex. 1992)……………………….....10, 17 STATUTES AND REGULATIONS 34 CFR 99.31(a)(9)(ii)(A)-(B)…………………………………………...…….…..7 Tex. Govt.

12015–2015
Leos v. State Employees Workers' Compensation Division green
tex · 1987
1 sentence

2015Relator has no adequate remedy on appeal as the case would proceed to trial without allowing Relator a sufficient opportunity for discovery of evidence which goes to the heart of her claim……………………..…………….........................................9 iv CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...17 PRAYER.............................................................................................................…18 CERTIFICATION………………………………………………………………...19 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .................

12015–2015
Jampole v. Touchy green
tex · 1984
1 sentence

2015Relator has no adequate remedy on appeal as the case would proceed to trial without allowing Relator a sufficient opportunity for discovery of evidence which goes to the heart of her claim……………………..…………….........................................9 iv CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...17 PRAYER.............................................................................................................…18 CERTIFICATION………………………………………………………………...19 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .................

12015–2015
Hammer v. State green
texcrimapp · 2009
12014–2014
Stephenson v. State green
texapp · 2007
12010–2010
Lal v. Borough of Kennett Square green
scotus · 2002
12007–2007
O'NEAL v. McAninch green
scotus · 1995
11998–1998
United States v. Lane green
scotus · 1986
11998–1998
Rico v. State green
texcrimapp · 1986
11993–1993
Brumley v. State green
· 1886
11962–1962

Statutes the citing opinions construe

TX § Tex. Penal Code § 21.02 (5) TX § Tex. Penal Code § 9.31 (4) TX § Tex. Penal Code § 1.07 (3) TX § Tex. Penal Code § 22.01 (3) TX § Tex. Penal Code § 22.02 (3) TX § Tex. Transp. Code § 724.012 (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 80 (1957–2026) TX 61 (1962–2025) IN 47 (1983–2020) IL 30 (1972–2024) OH 24 (1972–2025) MD 21 (1968–2011) FL 21 (1972–2026) OR 20 (1986–2026) MA 20 (1979–2025) NJ 20 (1961–2026) DC 19 (1978–2016) WV 18 (1985–2025) PA 14 (1877–2025) MI 14 (1984–2024) NY 12 (1977–2023) GA 11 (1982–2022) IA 9 (1995–2025) KS 8 (1982–2022) NH 8 (1977–2008) VA 8 (2001–2026) LA 8 (1995–2011) NM 8 (1954–2025) AZ 8 (1986–2021) WA 8 (1982–2024) VT 7 (1987–2025) WI 6 (1996–2024) CO 6 (1915–2025) DE 5 (2016–2024) MS 4 (1965–2010) MT 4 (1980–2015) NE 4 (2013–2020) NV 4 (1995–2021) MO 4 (1967–2005) CT 4 (1994–2011) NC 3 (1955–2016) WY 3 (1976–2023) ME 3 (2002–2010) AL 2 (1981–2017) TN 2 (1984–2015) AK 2 (1991–2023) UT 2 (1994–2016) SD 2 (1985–2024) KY 2 (1993–1997)

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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