Already have an account? Sign in instead.
You stay signed in for 30 days on this browser.
Continue with Google Continue with MicrosoftNo account yet? Create a free one.
We sent a six-digit code.
It expires in ten minutes, works once, and only in this browser. Five wrong tries void it. Send another code.
Your account is live and the Cloudflare checks are off for this browser.
55 Montana opinions name it 1 courts 1976–2026 18 in the last five years
The cases below were cited by Montana 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.
| Case | Followed | Cited |
|---|---|---|
State v. Grantgreen2 sentences2023“Mere allegations of error without proof of prejudice are insufficient to satisfy the cumulative error doctrine.” State v. Grant, 221 Mont. 122, 137 , 717 P.2d 562, 572 (1986). 2023“Mere allegations of error without proof of prejudice are insufficient to satisfy the cumulative error doctrine.” State v. Grant, 221 Mont. 122, 137 , 717 P.2d 562, 572 (1986). | 2 | 3 |
State v. W. Cunninghamgreen2 sentences2026The cumulative effect of errors “will rarely merit reversal,” but “where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced the defendant’s right to a fair trial,” the cumulative error doctrine “mandates reversal.” State v. Cunningham, 2018 MT 56, ¶¶ 32-33 , 390 Mont. 408 , 414 P.3d 289 ; State v. Novak, 2005 MT 94 , ¶ 35, 326 Mont. 485 , 111 P.3d 199 . ¶70 For all the reasons stated above, there was no prejudicial error at Strobel’s trial, much less cumulative prejudicial error. 2026The cumulative effect of errors “will rarely merit reversal,” but “where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced the defendant’s right to a fair trial,” the cumulative error doctrine “mandates reversal.” State v. Cunningham, 2018 MT 56, ¶¶ 32-33 , 390 Mont. 408 , 414 P.3d 289 ; State v. Novak, 2005 MT 94 , ¶ 35, 326 Mont. 485 , 111 P.3d 199 . ¶70 For all the reasons stated above, there was no prejudicial error at Strobel’s trial, much less cumulative prejudicial error. | 1 | 10 |
State v. Fergusongreen2 sentences2014“The doctrine of cumulative error requires reversal of a conviction where a number of errors, taken together, prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Ferguson, 2005 MT 343, ¶ 126 , 330 Mont. 103 , 126 P.3d 463 . 2014“The doctrine of cumulative error requires reversal of a conviction where a number of errors, taken together, prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Ferguson, 2005 MT 343, ¶ 126 , 330 Mont. 103 , 126 P.3d 463 . | 1 | 6 |
State v. Ottwellgreen2 sentences1990“The doctrine of cumulative error ‘refers to a number of errors which prejudice defendant’s right to a fair trial.’" State v. Ottwell (1989), 239 Mont. 150, 157 , 779 P.2d 500, 504 (citations omitted). 1990“The doctrine of cumulative error ‘refers to a number of errors which prejudice defendant’s right to a fair trial.’" State v. Ottwell (1989), 239 Mont. 150, 157 , 779 P.2d 500, 504 (citations omitted). | 1 | 6 |
State v. Hardmangreen2 sentences2024“The cumulative error doctrine mandates reversal of a conviction where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Hardman, 2012 MT 70, ¶ 35 , 364 Mont. 361 , 276 P.3d 839 (citing State v. 9 Giddings, 2009 MT 61, ¶ 100 , 349 Mont. 347 , 208 P.3d 363 ). 2024“The cumulative error doctrine mandates reversal of a conviction where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Hardman, 2012 MT 70, ¶ 35 , 364 Mont. 361 , 276 P.3d 839 (citing State v. 9 Giddings, 2009 MT 61, ¶ 100 , 349 Mont. 347 , 208 P.3d 363 ). | 1 | 4 |
State v. Giddingsgreen2 sentences2024“The cumulative error doctrine mandates reversal of a conviction where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Hardman, 2012 MT 70, ¶ 35 , 364 Mont. 361 , 276 P.3d 839 (citing State v. 9 Giddings, 2009 MT 61, ¶ 100 , 349 Mont. 347 , 208 P.3d 363 ). 2024“The cumulative error doctrine mandates reversal of a conviction where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Hardman, 2012 MT 70, ¶ 35 , 364 Mont. 361 , 276 P.3d 839 (citing State v. 9 Giddings, 2009 MT 61, ¶ 100 , 349 Mont. 347 , 208 P.3d 363 ). | 1 | 3 |
Vernon Kills on Top v. Stategreen2 sentences2020“Where individual errors would be insufficient alone, the sum of these errors can serve as a basis for reversal under the cumulative error doctrine.” Cunningham, ¶ 32 (citing Kills on Top v. State, 279 Mont. 384, 392 , 928 P.2d 182, 187 (1996)). 6 ¶17 While the cumulative effect of errors will rarely merit reversal, Cunningham, ¶ 33, the errors Smith asserts taken together establish he suffered prejudice. 2020“Where individual errors would be insufficient alone, the sum of these errors can serve as a basis for reversal under the cumulative error doctrine.” Cunningham, ¶ 32 (citing Kills on Top v. State, 279 Mont. 384, 392 , 928 P.2d 182, 187 (1996)). 6 ¶17 While the cumulative effect of errors will rarely merit reversal, Cunningham, ¶ 33, the errors Smith asserts taken together establish he suffered prejudice. | 1 | 3 |
State v. Campbellgreen2 sentences2004However, the existence of prejudice must be established by the defendant, as “mere allegations of error without proof of prejudice are inadequate to satisfy the doctrine.” State v. Campbell (1990), 241 Mont. 323, 329 , 787 P.2d 329, 333 . ¶66 We find no grounds to apply the doctrine of cumulative error in this case. 2004However, the existence of prejudice must be established by the defendant, as “mere allegations of error without proof of prejudice are inadequate to satisfy the doctrine.” State v. Campbell (1990), 241 Mont. 323, 329 , 787 P.2d 329, 333 . ¶66 We find no grounds to apply the doctrine of cumulative error in this case. | 1 | 3 |
State v. Ellerbeegreen2 sentences2026See State v. Ellerbee, 2019 MT 37, ¶ 43 , 394 Mont. 289 , 434 P.3d 910 ; Hardman, ¶ 35. 2026See State v. Ellerbee, 2019 MT 37, ¶ 43 , 394 Mont. 289 , 434 P.3d 910 ; Hardman, ¶ 35. | 1 | 2 |
State v. S. Smithgreen2 sentences2025See State v. Severson, 2024 MT 76, ¶ 45 , 416 Mont. 201 , 546 P.3d 765 (the doctrine applies “in the rare case in which several errors occur, the cumulative effect of which is to deny the defendant the right to a fair trial”). 19 ¶39 Finally, the State argues that Songer’s convictions for his drug offenses in ADC-2022-464, and the revocation of his suspended sentences in ADC-2018-88, should be affirmed outright, ostensibly with the sentences imposed herein by the District Court in those respective proceedings. 2025“The cumulative error doctrine applies in the rare case in which several errors occur, the cumulative effect of which is to deny the defendant the right to a fair trial.” State v. Severson, 2024 MT 76, ¶ 45 , 416 Mont. 201 , 546 P.3d 765 (citing State v. Novak, 2005 MT 294, ¶ 35 , 329 Mont. 309 , 124 P.3d 182 ). | 1 | 2 |
State v. K. Seversongreen2 sentences2025“The cumulative error doctrine applies in the rare case in which several errors occur, the cumulative effect of which is to deny the defendant the right to a fair trial.” State v. Severson, 2024 MT 76, ¶ 45 , 416 Mont. 201 , 546 P.3d 765 (citing State v. Novak, 2005 MT 294, ¶ 35 , 329 Mont. 309 , 124 P.3d 182 ). 2025“The cumulative error doctrine applies in the rare case in which several errors occur, the cumulative effect of which is to deny the defendant the right to a fair trial.” State v. Severson, 2024 MT 76, ¶ 45 , 416 Mont. 201 , 546 P.3d 765 (citing State v. Novak, 2005 MT 294, ¶ 35 , 329 Mont. 309 , 124 P.3d 182 ). | 1 | 2 |
Strickland v. Washingtongreen2 sentences2014Is Chafee entitled to a new trial based upon cumulative error? ¶29 We decline to address the question of whether Chafee is entitled to a new trial pursuant to the cumulative error doctrine given our resolution of Issue One. 10 CONCLUSION ¶30 Based on the foregoing, we vacate the judgment of the District Court and remand this case for a new trial on the charges of accountability for theft and accountability for arson. /S/ PATRICIA COTTER We Concur: /S/ MICHAEL E WHEAT /S/ JAMES JEREMIAH SHEA /S/ BETH BAKER Justice Rice, dissenting. ¶31 I dissent from the Court’s conclusion in Issue 1 that the a 2014Is Chafee entitled to a new trial based upon cumulative error? ¶29 We decline to address the question of whether Chafee is entitled to a new trial pursuant to the cumulative error doctrine given our resolution of Issue One. 10 CONCLUSION ¶30 Based on the foregoing, we vacate the judgment of the District Court and remand this case for a new trial on the charges of accountability for theft and accountability for arson. /S/ PATRICIA COTTER We Concur: /S/ MICHAEL E WHEAT /S/ JAMES JEREMIAH SHEA /S/ BETH BAKER Justice Rice, dissenting. ¶31 I dissent from the Court’s conclusion in Issue 1 that the a | 1 | 2 |
| cluster 662432green | 1 | 1 |
| State v. Larsongreen | 1 | 1 |
| State v. Gregoroffgreen | 1 | 1 |
| Case | Negative | Cited |
|---|---|---|
| No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Montana. Read the followed side critically anyway. | ||
| Case | Cited | Years |
|---|---|---|
State v. Close
green
2 sentences1989We therefore uphold the District Court’s decision in instructing the jury on the entire definition for “knowingly.” The last issue raised on appeal is whether the defendant was denied a fair trial under the doctrine of “cumulative error.” The doctrine of cumulative error “refers to a number of errors which prejudice defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Close (Mont. 1981), [ 191 Mont. 229 ,] 623 P.2d 940, 948 , 38 St.Rep. 177 , 187-88. 1989We therefore uphold the District Court’s decision in instructing the jury on the entire definition for “knowingly.” The last issue raised on appeal is whether the defendant was denied a fair trial under the doctrine of “cumulative error.” The doctrine of cumulative error “refers to a number of errors which prejudice defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Close (Mont. 1981), [ 191 Mont. 229 ,] 623 P.2d 940, 948 , 38 St.Rep. 177 , 187-88. | 6 | 1986–1997 |
Cassidy v. Fontham
green
2 sentences1989We therefore uphold the District Court’s decision in instructing the jury on the entire definition for “knowingly.” The last issue raised on appeal is whether the defendant was denied a fair trial under the doctrine of “cumulative error.” The doctrine of cumulative error “refers to a number of errors which prejudice defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Close (Mont. 1981), [ 191 Mont. 229 ,] 623 P.2d 940, 948 , 38 St.Rep. 177 , 187-88. 1989We therefore uphold the District Court’s decision in instructing the jury on the entire definition for “knowingly.” The last issue raised on appeal is whether the defendant was denied a fair trial under the doctrine of “cumulative error.” The doctrine of cumulative error “refers to a number of errors which prejudice defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Close (Mont. 1981), [ 191 Mont. 229 ,] 623 P.2d 940, 948 , 38 St.Rep. 177 , 187-88. | 4 | 1986–1990 |
State v. Meidinger
green
2 sentences1978We will, however, briefly answer these contentions in light of the Court’s ruling on the doctrine of cumulative error in State v. Meidinger (1972), 160 Mont. 310, 321 , 502 P.2d 58, 65 , where the Court said: “* * * We cannot accept this contention. 1978We will, however, briefly answer these contentions in light of the Court’s ruling on the doctrine of cumulative error in State v. Meidinger (1972), 160 Mont. 310, 321 , 502 P.2d 58, 65 , where the Court said: “* * * We cannot accept this contention. | 4 | 1978–1980 |
State v. Novak
green
2 sentences2025“The cumulative error doctrine applies in the rare case in which several errors occur, the cumulative effect of which is to deny the defendant the right to a fair trial.” State v. Severson, 2024 MT 76, ¶ 45 , 416 Mont. 201 , 546 P.3d 765 (citing State v. Novak, 2005 MT 294, ¶ 35 , 329 Mont. 309 , 124 P.3d 182 ). 2025“The cumulative error doctrine applies in the rare case in which several errors occur, the cumulative effect of which is to deny the defendant the right to a fair trial.” State v. Severson, 2024 MT 76, ¶ 45 , 416 Mont. 201 , 546 P.3d 765 (citing State v. Novak, 2005 MT 294, ¶ 35 , 329 Mont. 309 , 124 P.3d 182 ). | 3 | 2016–2025 |
State v. D. Smith
green
2 sentences2024The cumulative error doctrine requires “reversal of a conviction where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced the defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Smith, 2020 MT 304, ¶ 16 , 402 Mont. 206 , 476 P.3d 1178 . 2024The cumulative error doctrine requires “reversal of a conviction where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced the defendant’s right to a fair trial.” State v. Smith, 2020 MT 304, ¶ 16 , 402 Mont. 206 , 476 P.3d 1178 . | 3 | 2023–2024 |
State v. McKenzie
green
2 sentences1998McKenzie, 581 P.2d at 1226 . 1998McKenzie, 581 P.2d at 1226 . | 2 | 1981–1998 |
Lout v. State
green
2 sentences2026The cumulative effect of errors “will rarely merit reversal,” but “where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced the defendant’s right to a fair trial,” the cumulative error doctrine “mandates reversal.” State v. Cunningham, 2018 MT 56, ¶¶ 32-33 , 390 Mont. 408 , 414 P.3d 289 ; State v. Novak, 2005 MT 94 , ¶ 35, 326 Mont. 485 , 111 P.3d 199 . ¶70 For all the reasons stated above, there was no prejudicial error at Strobel’s trial, much less cumulative prejudicial error. 2026The cumulative effect of errors “will rarely merit reversal,” but “where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced the defendant’s right to a fair trial,” the cumulative error doctrine “mandates reversal.” State v. Cunningham, 2018 MT 56, ¶¶ 32-33 , 390 Mont. 408 , 414 P.3d 289 ; State v. Novak, 2005 MT 94 , ¶ 35, 326 Mont. 485 , 111 P.3d 199 . ¶70 For all the reasons stated above, there was no prejudicial error at Strobel’s trial, much less cumulative prejudicial error. | 1 | 2026–2026 |
Emett v. U.S. Bancorp
neutral
1 sentence2026The cumulative effect of errors “will rarely merit reversal,” but “where numerous errors, when taken together, have prejudiced the defendant’s right to a fair trial,” the cumulative error doctrine “mandates reversal.” State v. Cunningham, 2018 MT 56, ¶¶ 32-33 , 390 Mont. 408 , 414 P.3d 289 ; State v. Novak, 2005 MT 94 , ¶ 35, 326 Mont. 485 , 111 P.3d 199 . ¶70 For all the reasons stated above, there was no prejudicial error at Strobel’s trial, much less cumulative prejudicial error. | 1 | 2026–2026 |
McGarvey v. State
green
2 sentences2024“The defendant must establish prejudice; a mere allegation of error without proof of prejudice is inadequate to satisfy the doctrine.” State v. Cunningham, 2018 MT 56, ¶ 32 , 390 Mont. 408 , 414 P.3d 289 (citing McGarvey v. State, 2014 MT 189, ¶ 36 , 375 Mont. 495 , 329 P.3d 576 ). 2024“The defendant must establish prejudice; a mere allegation of error without proof of prejudice is inadequate to satisfy the doctrine.” State v. Cunningham, 2018 MT 56, ¶ 32 , 390 Mont. 408 , 414 P.3d 289 (citing McGarvey v. State, 2014 MT 189, ¶ 36 , 375 Mont. 495 , 329 P.3d 576 ). | 1 | 2024–2024 |
State v. Gunderson
green
2 sentences2024State v. Denny, 2021 MT 104, ¶ 13 , 404 Mont. 116 , 485 P.3d 1227 (citing State v. Gunderson, 2010 MT 166, ¶ 91 , 357 Mont. 142 , 237 P.3d 74 ). 2024State v. Denny, 2021 MT 104, ¶ 13 , 404 Mont. 116 , 485 P.3d 1227 (citing State v. Gunderson, 2010 MT 166, ¶ 91 , 357 Mont. 142 , 237 P.3d 74 ). | 1 | 2024–2024 |
State v. C. Wells
green
2 sentences2024State v. Wells, 2021 MT 103 , ¶¶ 27–28, 404 Mont. 105 , 485 P.3d 1220 . ¶18 We have reviewed the remaining prosecutorial comments Voyles alleges were improper in context and decline to exercise plain error review of them as our review does 8 not show a manifest miscarriage of justice, leave unsettled a question of the fundamental fairness of the proceeding, or compromise the integrity of the judicial process. ¶19 The cumulative error doctrine mandates reversal when numerous errors taken together have prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial. 2024State v. Wells, 2021 MT 103 , ¶¶ 27–28, 404 Mont. 105 , 485 P.3d 1220 . ¶18 We have reviewed the remaining prosecutorial comments Voyles alleges were improper in context and decline to exercise plain error review of them as our review does 8 not show a manifest miscarriage of justice, leave unsettled a question of the fundamental fairness of the proceeding, or compromise the integrity of the judicial process. ¶19 The cumulative error doctrine mandates reversal when numerous errors taken together have prejudiced a defendant’s right to a fair trial. | 1 | 2024–2024 |
State v. G. Denny
green
2 sentences2024State v. Denny, 2021 MT 104, ¶ 13 , 404 Mont. 116 , 485 P.3d 1227 (citing State v. Gunderson, 2010 MT 166, ¶ 91 , 357 Mont. 142 , 237 P.3d 74 ). 2024State v. Denny, 2021 MT 104, ¶ 13 , 404 Mont. 116 , 485 P.3d 1227 (citing State v. Gunderson, 2010 MT 166, ¶ 91 , 357 Mont. 142 , 237 P.3d 74 ). | 1 | 2024–2024 |
State v. Griffin
neutral
2 sentences2024State v. Griffin, 2016 MT 231, ¶ 7 , 385 Mont. 1 , 386 P.3d 559 . 2024State v. Griffin, 2016 MT 231, ¶ 7 , 385 Mont. 1 , 386 P.3d 559 . | 1 | 2024–2024 |
Lacey v. State
green
2 sentences2022Lacey v. State, 2017 MT 18, ¶ 13 , 386 Mont. 204 , 389 P.3d 233 . ¶27 This Court has acknowledged the cumulative error doctrine, which is the accumulation of errors that prejudice a defendant’s right to a fair trial, but noted that mere allegations of error without proof of prejudice are insufficient to satisfy the doctrine. 2022Lacey v. State, 2017 MT 18, ¶ 13 , 386 Mont. 204 , 389 P.3d 233 . ¶27 This Court has acknowledged the cumulative error doctrine, which is the accumulation of errors that prejudice a defendant’s right to a fair trial, but noted that mere allegations of error without proof of prejudice are insufficient to satisfy the doctrine. | 1 | 2022–2022 |
State v. Allen
green
1 sentence2019Cuyahoga No. 102395, 2016-Ohio-102, ¶ 53 , citing State v. Brown, 100 Ohio St.3d 51 , 2003-Ohio-5059 , 796 N.E.2d 506 , ¶ 48. {¶84} Salti does not identify any additional errors within this assignment of error that were not raised in the second assignment of error. | 1 | 2019–2019 |
State v. Garner
green
2 sentences2019State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 64 , 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995). 2019State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 64 , 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995). | 1 | 2019–2019 |
State v. Beeman
green
2 sentences2019State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 64 , 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995). 2019State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 64 , 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995). | 1 | 2019–2019 |
State v. Brown
green
1 sentence2019Cuyahoga No. 102395, 2016-Ohio-102, ¶ 53 , citing State v. Brown, 100 Ohio St.3d 51 , 2003-Ohio-5059 , 796 N.E.2d 506 , ¶ 48. {¶84} Salti does not identify any additional errors within this assignment of error that were not raised in the second assignment of error. | 1 | 2019–2019 |
| Baxter v. Archie Cochrane Motors, Inc. green | 1 | 2018–2018 |
| State v. W. Lawrence green | 1 | 2018–2018 |
| State v. Bar-Jonah green | 1 | 2016–2016 |
| State v. Jefferson green | 1 | 2014–2014 |
| State v. Jefferson green | 1 | 2014–2014 |
| State v. Flowers green | 1 | 2005–2005 |
| State v. Beavers green | 1 | 2000–2000 |
| State v. Phelps green | 1 | 1986–1986 |
| Krulewitch v. United States green | 1 | 1976–1976 |
| Kotteakos v. United States green | 1 | 1976–1976 |
| Chapman v. California red | 1 | 1976–1976 |
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.
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.