highest standard (Pennsylvania) · Go Syfert
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highest standard in Pennsylvania

44 Pennsylvania opinions name it 6 courts 1967–2026 13 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 (13)

CaseFollowedCited
Commonwealth v. Donoughgreen
pa · 1954 · cited in 4 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
2 sentences

2014Commonwealth v. Do- nough, 377 Pa. 46 , 103 A.2d 694, 697 (1954).

2014Commonwealth v. Do- nough, 377 Pa. 46 , 103 A.2d 694, 697 (1954).

44
Commonwealth v. Maldonadogreen
pa · 2003 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2014–2017
2 sentences

2017The clear and convincing evidence standard is the highest standard of proof utilized in civil proceedings, requiring “evidence that is so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the [trier of fact] to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy, of the truth of the precise facts [in] issue.” Commonwealth v. Maldonado, 576 Pa. 101 , 838 A.2d 710, 715 (2003) (alterations in the original; internal quotation marks and citation omitted). [2] 2.

2017The clear and convincing evidence standard is the highest standard of proof utilized in civil proceedings, requiring “evidence that is so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the [trier of fact] to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy, of the truth of the precise facts [in] issue.” Commonwealth v. Maldonado, 576 Pa. 101 , 838 A.2d 710, 715 (2003) (alterations in the original; internal quotation marks and citation omitted). [2] 2.

22
In Re Franciscusgreen
pa · 1977 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
2 sentences

2014See Franciscus, 369 A.2d at 1194 .

2014See Franciscus, 369 A.2d at 1194 .

22
Sprague v. Waltergreen
pasuperct · 1995 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2003–2011
2 sentences

2011See Sprague v. Walter, 656 A.2d 890 (Pa. Super. 1995).

2003See Sprague v. Walter, 441 Pa.Super. 1 , 656 A.2d 890, 904 (1995).

22
Matter of Braiggreen
pa · 1989 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
2 sentences

2005This standard requires evidence “so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy of the truth of the precise facts in issue.” Matter of Braig, 520 Pa. 409 , 554 A.2d 493, 495 (1989).

2005This standard requires evidence “so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy of the truth of the precise facts in issue.” Matter of Braig, 520 Pa. 409 , 554 A.2d 493, 495 (1989).

22
Norton v. Glenngreen
pa · 2004 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
2 sentences

2005Indeed, “[t]he actual malice standard goes so far as to forbid imposition of liability even in those instances where the defendant negligently publishes false, defamatory statements about a public figure or public official.” Norton v. Glenn, 580 Pa. 212 , 860 A.2d 48, 56 (2004). ¶ 12 “[T]he ‘actual malice’ standard is a constitutionally mandated safeguard, and, as such, must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, the highest standard of proof for civil claims.” Lewis, 833 A.2d at 192 .

2005Indeed, “[t]he actual malice standard goes so far as to forbid imposition of liability even in those instances where the defendant negligently publishes false, defamatory statements about a public figure or public official.” Norton v. Glenn, 580 Pa. 212 , 860 A.2d 48, 56 (2004). ¶ 12 “[T]he ‘actual malice’ standard is a constitutionally mandated safeguard, and, as such, must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, the highest standard of proof for civil claims.” Lewis, 833 A.2d at 192 .

22
Commonwealth v. Batts, Q., Aplt.red
pa · 2017 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026It is well known the burden of proof in a criminal case is the highest standard, beyond a reasonable doubt. [See Commonwealth v. Batts, 163 A.3d 410, 453 (Pa. 2017) (“Proof beyond a reasonable - 21 - J-S15028-26 doubt … is a criminal standard and carries the highest evidentiary burden.”).] The [trial] court did state that Mother’s criminal trial will not be weighed against her.

11
Stewart v. Mottsgreen
pa · 1995 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Nardo v. City of Phila., 988 A.2d 740 , 741 n.2 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2010) (citing Stewart v. Motts, 654 A.2d 535, 540 (Pa. 1995)).

11
Commonwealth v. Smithgreen
pa · 2011 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017The Commonwealth was required to prove every element of the crimes charged against K.B. “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Commonwealth v. Smith, 17 A.3d 873, 908 (Pa. 2011). “[T]he ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ standard is the highest standard of proof and applies to criminal proceedings that impact an individual’s liberty interest, an interest worthy of the highest protection.” In re S.H., 96 A.3d 448 , 455 n.7 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2014).

11
Commonwealth v. Griffingreen
pasuperct · 2013 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017He argues that a “sentence within the highest standard range (27-33 months), with all other sentences running concurrent, would protect the public, equate with the gravity of the offense in relation to the impact on the community, and provide for [Appellant’s] rehabilitative needs.” Id. at 30-31. 9 “Challenges to the discretionary aspects of sentencing do not entitle an appellant to review as of right.” Commonwealth v. Griffin, 65 A.3d 932, 935 (Pa. Super. 2013) (citation omitted).

11
In re Estate of Cellagreen
pasuperct · 2010 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013O’ Donnell, supra; Adamski, supra. “The clear and convincing evidence standard is the highest standard of proof for civil claims” and “requires evidence so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy of the truth of the precise facts in issue.” In re Estate of Cella, 12 A.3d 374, 380 (Pa.Super.2010) (citations omitted).

11
Suber v. Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquencygreen
pacommwct · 2005 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
1 sentence

2010Suber v. Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, 885 A.2d 678, 682 (Pa.Cmwlth.2005).

11
Manning v. WPXI, INC.green
pasuperct · 2005 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
1 sentence

2010Manning v. WPXI, Inc., 886 A.2d 1137, 1144 (Pa.Super.2005), appeal denied, 589 Pa. 731 , 909 A.2d 305 (2006).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (24)

CaseCitedYears
In Re WINSHIP green
scotus · 1970
2 sentences

2025Id.

2025Id.

102025–2025
Curran v. Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. green
pa · 1988
2 sentences

2019Moreover, evidence adduced is not adjudged by an objective standard; rather, “actual malice” must be proven applying a subjective standard by evidence “that the defendant in fact entertained serious doubts as to the truth of his publication.” See Curran, 546 A.2d at 642 .

2019Moreover, evidence adduced is not adjudged by an objective standard; rather, “actual malice” must be proven applying a subjective standard by evidence “that the defendant in fact entertained serious doubts as to the truth of his publication.” See Curran, 546 A.2d at 642 .

32019–2019
Milkovich v. Lorain Journal Co. green
scotus · 1990
2 sentences

2019Thus, the actual malice standard, by design, assures “that public debate will not suffer for lack of ‘imaginative expression’ or ‘rhetorical hyperbole’ which has traditionally added much to the discourse of this Nation.” Milkovich, 497 U.S. at 2 , 110 S.Ct. 2695 . “[T]he First Amendment requires that we protect some falsehood in order to protect speech that matters.” Thus, the “actual malice” standard is a constitutionally mandated safeguard and, as such, must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, the highest standard of proof for civil claims.

2019Thus, the actual malice standard, by design, assures “that public debate will not suffer for lack of ‘imaginative expression’ or ‘rhetorical hyperbole’ which has traditionally added much to the discourse of this Nation.” Milkovich, 497 U.S. at 2 , 110 S.Ct. 2695 . “[T]he First Amendment requires that we protect some falsehood in order to protect speech that matters.” Thus, the “actual malice” standard is a constitutionally mandated safeguard and, as such, must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, the highest standard of proof for civil claims.

22003–2019
Lewis v. Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. green
pasuperct · 2003
2 sentences

2005Indeed, the actual malice standard “goes so far as to forbid imposition of liability even in those instances where the defendant negligently publishes false, defamatory statements about a public figure or public official.” Norton v. Glenn, 580 Pa. 212 , 860 A.2d 48, 56 (2004). ¶ 21 The actual malice standard “is a constitutionally mandated safeguard, and, as such, must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, the highest standard of proof for civil claims.” Lewis, 833 A.2d at 192 .

2005Indeed, “[t]he actual malice standard goes so far as to forbid imposition of liability even in those instances where the defendant negligently publishes false, defamatory statements about a public figure or public official.” Norton v. Glenn, 580 Pa. 212 , 860 A.2d 48, 56 (2004). ¶ 12 “[T]he ‘actual malice’ standard is a constitutionally mandated safeguard, and, as such, must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, the highest standard of proof for civil claims.” Lewis, 833 A.2d at 192 .

22005–2005
Nardo v. City of Philadelphia green
pacommwct · 2010
1 sentence

2026Nardo v. City of Phila., 988 A.2d 740 , 741 n.2 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2010) (citing Stewart v. Motts, 654 A.2d 535, 540 (Pa. 1995)).

12026–2026
Commonwealth v. Caldwell green
pasuperct · 2015
1 sentence

2022Id.

12022–2022
Staudenmayer v. Staudenmayer green
pa · 1998
1 sentence

2019"When faced with contradictory testimony regarding verba in praesenti, the party claiming a common law marriage may introduce evidence of constant cohabitation and reputation of marriage in support of his or her claim." Studenmayer, 714 A.2d at 1021 .

12019–2019
In Re: Vencil, N. Appeal of: PA State Police green
pa · 2017
2 sentences

2019The clear and convincing evidence standard is the highest standard of proof utilized in civil proceedings, requiring "evidence that is so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the [trier of fact] to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy, of the truth of the precise facts [in] issue." In re Vencil, 638 Pa. 1 , 152 A.3d 235 , footnote 1 (Pa. 2017), citations omitted.

2019The clear and convincing evidence standard is the highest standard of proof utilized in civil proceedings, requiring "evidence that is so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the [trier of fact] to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy, of the truth of the precise facts [in] issue." In re Vencil, 638 Pa. 1 , 152 A.3d 235 , footnote 1 (Pa. 2017), citations omitted.

12019–2019
Dick v. Commonwealth, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing green
pacommwct · 2010
1 sentence

2018“Clear and convincing evidence is the highest standard in the civil system.” Dick, 3 A.3d at 711 .

12018–2018
Miller v. Keystone Insurance green
pa · 1994
2 sentences

2018When a person is in a fiduciary relationship, that person has "the highest standard of duty implied by law ...." Miller v. Keystone Insurance Company , 535 Pa. 531 , 636 A.2d 1109 , 1116 (1994).

2018When a person is in a fiduciary relationship, that person has "the highest standard of duty implied by law ...." Miller v. Keystone Insurance Company , 535 Pa. 531 , 636 A.2d 1109 , 1116 (1994).

12018–2018
Yenchi, E. v. Ameriprise Financial, Aplts. green
pa · 2017
1 sentence

2018As our Supreme Court in Yenchi v. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. , 161 A.3d 811 , 819-20 (2017), explained: A fiduciary duty requires a party to act with the utmost good faith in furthering and advancing the other person's interests, including a duty to disclose all relevant information.

12018–2018
G.H. v. Department of Public Welfare green
pacommwct · 2014
1 sentence

2017The Commonwealth was required to prove every element of the crimes charged against K.B. “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Commonwealth v. Smith, 17 A.3d 873, 908 (Pa. 2011). “[T]he ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ standard is the highest standard of proof and applies to criminal proceedings that impact an individual’s liberty interest, an interest worthy of the highest protection.” In re S.H., 96 A.3d 448 , 455 n.7 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2014).

12017–2017
Estate of Swift Ex Rel. Swift v. Northeastern Hospital of Philadelphia green
pasuperct · 1997
1 sentence

2014A business invitee is owed the highest standard of care purpose directly or indirectly connected with business dealings with the possessor Id. at 722-23 .

12014–2014
Adamski v. Allstate Insurance Co. green
pasuperct · 1999
1 sentence

2013O’ Donnell, supra; Adamski, supra. “The clear and convincing evidence standard is the highest standard of proof for civil claims” and “requires evidence so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy of the truth of the precise facts in issue.” In re Estate of Cella, 12 A.3d 374, 380 (Pa.Super.2010) (citations omitted).

12013–2013
O'Donnell Ex Rel. Mitro v. Allstate Insurance Co. green
pasuperct · 1999
1 sentence

2013O’ Donnell, supra; Adamski, supra. “The clear and convincing evidence standard is the highest standard of proof for civil claims” and “requires evidence so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitancy of the truth of the precise facts in issue.” In re Estate of Cella, 12 A.3d 374, 380 (Pa.Super.2010) (citations omitted).

12013–2013
Manning v. WXPI, INC. neutral
pa · 2006
1 sentence

2010Manning v. WPXI, Inc., 886 A.2d 1137, 1144 (Pa.Super.2005), appeal denied, 589 Pa. 731 , 909 A.2d 305 (2006).

12010–2010
Borough of Wilkinsburg v. Colella green
pacommwct · 2008
1 sentence

2010The petitioners’ reliance on the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court’s 2008 decision in Borough of Wilkinsburg v. Colella, 961 A.2d 265 (Pa. Commn.

12010–2010
Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. v. Hepps green
scotus · 1986
12003–2003
Commonwealth, Department of Transportation v. E-Z Parks, Inc. green
pacommwct · 1993
12002–2002
Stiver v. Parker green
ca3 · 1992
11997–1997
Schriner v. Pa. Power & Light Co. green
pa · 1985
11989–1989
Cline v. Pittsburg Railways Co. neutral
pa · 1910
11982–1982
Lanigan v. LEWIS green
pasuperct · 1967
11978–1978
Angelo v. Pittsburgh Railways Co. neutral
pasuperct · 1959
11967–1967

Statutes the citing opinions construe

PA § 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2511 (10) PA § 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6303 (6) PA § 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6341 (6) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8343 (6) PA § 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6338 (5)

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

IL 44 (1895–2026) PA 44 (1967–2026) OH 43 (1976–2026) CA 30 (1971–2024) MN 18 (1939–2026) MO 18 (1914–2023) LA 17 (1983–2025) WA 15 (1972–2026) NJ 13 (1973–2024) IA 11 (1990–2017) NY 11 (1901–2000) CT 9 (1995–2019) TX 9 (1924–2016) GA 9 (1907–2013) MD 8 (1986–2022) IN 8 (1978–2025) FL 7 (1988–2022) MA 7 (1978–2026) MT 6 (1927–2004) MS 6 (1974–2023) DE 6 (2017–2025) OR 6 (1980–2023) CO 6 (1987–2021) KS 5 (2013–2026) TN 4 (1951–2004) KY 4 (1939–2025) AK 4 (1998–2024) MI 3 (2001–2022) WV 3 (1986–2020) DC 3 (1979–2000) WY 3 (1987–2007) NM 3 (2012–2018) ME 3 (1981–2003) NC 3 (2001–2026) SC 2 (1922–2013) VA 2 (2018–2025) HI 2 (1999–2005) UT 2 (1998–2011) WI 2 (1909–1981)

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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