COURT OF APPEALS OPINIONS

Anna Miller v. Eduardo Miller
W2003-00851-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Joe C. Morris

This appeal arises from a divorce action. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand. Tenn. R. App. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed in part; Reversed in part; and Remanded.
 

Madison Court of Appeals

Barbara Ann Rodgers (Riggs) v. Charles D. Rodgers, Jr.
E2003-01902-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William H. Inman, Sr.
Trial Court Judge: Judge W. Dale Young

Appellant filed a petition to reduce his child support obligation following his loss of employment as a mechanical engineer and his inability to find other employment. Relief was denied, notwithstanding that two children had attained their majority, and the petition was dismissed. Judgment reversed and case remanded.

Blount Court of Appeals

Gary Baker v. Roane State Community College, et al.
M2003-01163-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Highers
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Irvin H. Kilcrease, Jr.

This case involves the timeliness of a grievance filed by Appellant, an employee of Roane State Community College. The hearing officer determined that such grievance was not filed within the limitations period. Appellant appealed this decision to the Chancery Court of Davidson County, which affirmed the decision of the hearing officer. Appellant now appeals to this Court and we affirm.

Davidson Court of Appeals

Joann Mallinak Glassell v. Richard Lee Glassell
E2003-01602-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Sharon J. Bell

Joann Mallinak Glassell ("Plaintiff") was represented by attorney James M. Crain ("Crain") throughout divorce proceedings she filed against Richard Lee Glassell ("Defendant"). After a trial, the Trial Court ordered the equity from the sale of the marital residence to be divided equally between the parties. The Trial Court then applied various off-sets to the amount awarded Plaintiff, thereby reducing the net amount of Plaintiff's recovery to $0.00. The Trial Court concluded that Crain's attorney's fee lien was lower in priority to the various off-sets. Crain appeals, claiming the Trial Court improperly subordinated his attorney's fee lien to the off-sets and that his lien should be given priority. We modify the judgment of the Trial Court and affirm as modified.

Knox Court of Appeals

Albert Thompson v. Johnny W. Sanders, Melinda Thompson, Gayle Sanders, and Ez Cash I, II, III, IV, and V, L.L.C.
W2003-00139-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Trial Court Judge: Judge James F. Russell

The issue in this case is whether we have subject matter jurisdiction over this appeal. The plaintiff sued the defendants for, among other things, breach of contract, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. On July 15, 2002, the trial court entered an order granting summary judgment in favor of the defendants. Thirty-two (32) days later, on August 16, 2002, the plaintiff filed a motion to alter or amend the judgment. The trial court denied the motion to alter or amend, and the plaintiff now appeals. This Court, sua sponte, asked the parties for supplemental briefs regarding whether the appeal was timely. In light of the undisputed facts, we must hold that the plaintiff’s motion to alter or amend was untimely and, consequently, that the plaintiff’s notice of appeal was untimely. Therefore, we must dismiss this appeal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Appeal Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction
 

Shelby Court of Appeals

Allen Blankenship, D/B/A Skullbone Music Park, Inc., v. Gibson County and county Commissioners, et al.
W2003-00735-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor W. Michael Maloan

This is a zoning case. The property owner applied to re-zone the property from agricultural to business. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the county planning commission recommended that the County Commission deny the property owner’s application. The County Commission voted to deny the application. The plaintiff/appellant property owner filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in chancery court, seeking to overturn the decision. The defendant/appellee County Commission filed a motion for summary judgment, which was granted. The property owner now appeals. We affirm, finding no genuine issue of material fact and that the County Commission had a rational basis for its decision.
 

Gibson Court of Appeals

In Re: B.B. & T.S.B.
M2003-01234-COA-R3-PT
Authoring Judge: Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Trial Court Judge: Judge Donald P. Harris

This appeal involves a petition filed by the Department of Children’s Services to terminate the parental rights of Mother to two of her minor children. The trial court granted the petition and Mother appeals the decision. Because we find there was not clear and convincing evidence of a ground for termination, we reverse the judgment.

Perry Court of Appeals

In Re: B.B. & T.S.B. - Concurring
M2003-01234-COA-R3-PT
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Trial Court Judge: Judge Donald P. Harris

I concur in the judgment that grounds for termination of parental rights in this case are not
established by clear and convincing evidence.

Perry Court of Appeals

Jeffrey P. Hopmayer v. Aladdin Industries, L.L.C.
M2003-01583-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Irvin H. Kilcrease, Jr.

Plaintiff filed suit alleging Defendant breached its employment contract by failing to provide Plaintiff with phantom units when Plaintiff was terminated without cause. Defendant denied that Plaintiff's phantom units had vested, and therefore, Plaintiff was not entitled to any phantom units at the time of his termination. The trial court found that the letter memorializing the Defendant's offer of employment was sufficiently definite and met the other requirements for a valid contract, including mutual assent. The trial court also found that the terms of the employment contract did not include any vesting requirements for Plaintiff's phantom units. As a result, the trial court found that Defendant had breached its employment contract and awarded Plaintiff the value of his phantom units contained in the employment agreement plus pre-judgment interest dating back to Plaintiff's termination. Defendant appeals. We affirm.

Davidson Court of Appeals

State Resources Corporation v. Thomas E. Talley
W2003-01775-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor George R. Ellis

Appellee purchased Appellant’s overdue Note from FDIC, who was receiver of The Bank
of Alamo. Appellee sought to enforce the Note and trial court entered Judgment for Appellee.
Appellant contends that Appellee had no right to enforce the Note because Appellee was not a holder in due course. Since no defenses to enforcement were raised by Appellant, the question of whether Appellee is a holder in due course is irrelevant. We affirm.
 

Crockett Court of Appeals

Raymond E. Rollins, Jr., et al., v. The Electric Power Board of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davison County, et al.
M2003-00865-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Trial Court Judge: Judge C. L. Rogers

This appeal concerns a complaint of negligence filed by the appellants Raymond and Sharon Rollins against the Electric Power Board of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County (NES). The alleged negligence involved the cutting and removal by NES of three trees on the appellants' property. The Rollins appeal the trial court's final order in favor of NES. We affirm.

Davidson Court of Appeals

Lilliam E. Griffis, et al., v. Davidson County Metropolitan Government, D/B/A Davidson County Board of Education
M2003-00230-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Trial Court Judge: Judge Carol L. Mccoy

This is an appeal from the grant of Appellee's Motion for Summary Judgment, involving the interpretation of a 1908 Deed, which created a fee simple determinable with a possibility of reverter. Finding that the reversionary language was triggered upon the property ceasing to be used as a classroom facility, we reverse and grant summary judgment to the non-moving Appellants.

Davidson Court of Appeals

Anna (Rutherford) Peychek v. Donald Lewis Rutherford
W2003-01805-COA-R3-JV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Trial Court Judge: Judge Kenneth A. Turner

Appellant filed petition seeking credit against child support arrearage for necessaries provided to minor children. The trial court granted Appellant $10,236.50 in credit toward his support arrearage. Appellant appeals asserting that the trial court erred in giving a percentage of necessaries provided. Finding that the Appellant did not meet his burden of proof in his claim for necessaries and that the evidence in record preponderates against the trial court’s findings, we reverse in part, affirm in part and remand.

Shelby Court of Appeals

Thomas Jackson v. Tennessee Department of Correction, et al.
W2005-02240-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Martha B. Brasfield

This appeal involves a petition for writ of certiorari filed by a state prisoner. The prisoner was found guilty of money laundering by the prison Disciplinary Board, and placed in punitive segregation for ten days, ordered to pay a $5.00 fine, and was recommended him for involuntary administration segregation. The prisoner filed a petition for common law writ of certiorari in the Chancery Court of Lauderdale County alleging that the Disciplinary Board committed multiple violations of its own disciplinary procedures. The trial court issued an order granting certiorari, and respondents filed a certified copy of the disciplinary record for the prisoner with the trial court. After reviewing the record, the trial court held that the Petitioner had failed to prove that the Disciplinary Board exceeded its jurisdiction or acted illegally, fraudulently or arbitrarily, and quashed the petition. Prisoner appeals. We affirm.

Lauderdale Court of Appeals

In Re: C.D.C., Jr.
E2003-01832-COA-R3-PT
Authoring Judge: Judge William H. Inman, Sr.
Trial Court Judge: Judge Thomas J. Wright

This is a proceeding to terminate the parental relationship between father and son. The mother's relationship had been previously terminated at her request. The trial court terminated the father's parental relationship on statutory grounds of non-support, non visitation, and best interests. Father essentially argues that his son, who was born February 12, 1996 in Texas, was hidden from him, thereby frustrating his efforts to support or visit him. The trial court found that the Respondent had little credibility, that he had no permanent address, and that he failed to keep anyone apprised of his address for the last four years. Judgment affirmed.

Greene Court of Appeals

C. Vinson Alexander Jr., M.D. v. Jackson Radiology Associates, P.A., et al.
W2002-02702-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Trial Court Judge: Judge C. Creed McGinley

The trial court imposed sanctions on Plaintiff, who undisputedly spoiled evidence and lied in a sworn deposition, and dismissed Plaintiff’s cause of action. On appeal, Dr. Alexander argues that dismissal was improper. We affirm.
 

Madison Court of Appeals

Wanda Gail Sandlin v. George Samuel Sandlin
M2003-00775-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Vernon Neal

Wife filed for divorce alleging irreconcilable differences or, in the alternative, that Husband was guilty of inappropriate marital conduct. The trial court granted Wife an absolute divorce on the basis of Husband's stipulated inappropriate marital conduct. The trial court further ordered a distribution of marital property and debt, awarded wife alimony in futuro and attorney's fees, and required Husband to maintain a life insurance policy to secure his alimony obligation. Husband appeals. We affirm the award of alimony in futuro, distribution of marital property and debt, and the award of attorney's fees as alimony in solido. However, we vacate the requirement to provide life insurance and remand.

Putnam Court of Appeals

Kay Gilliam Dulin v. Michael Jay Dulin
W2002-02758-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Trial Court Judge: Judge George H. Brown, Jr.

Father of minor child appeals the trial court’s order finding him in contempt of court, assessing arrearages of child support and attorney fees on the ground that the court lacked personal jurisdiction in the original divorce action and all subsequent proceedings. We affirm.
 

Shelby Court of Appeals

Rita Werne v. Robert Sanderson, et al.
W2002-02118-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Walter L. Evans

The trial court found Plaintiff was the owner of disputed stock, but had failed to prove monetary damages. We affirm in part and remand for further proceedings regarding damages.

Shelby Court of Appeals

Parris Lester v. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
M2003-02409-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Trial Court Judge: Judge John D. Wootten, Jr.

This appeal concerns a restaurant's liability for the conduct of an employee who verbally abused and bumped a customer. The customer filed suit against the restaurant in the Circuit Court for Wilson County seeking damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The trial court granted the restaurant a summary judgment and the customer appealed. The sole issue on appeal is whether the employee was acting within the scope of his employment when he harassed and bumped the customer. Because we find as a matter of law the employee was not acting within the scope of his employment, we affirm the summary judgment.

Wilson Court of Appeals

State of Tennessee, et al., v. Jamie Burnette, et al.
M2003-01742-COA-R3-PT
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Trial Court Judge: Judge Charles F. Crawford

This appeal involves the juvenile court's termination of parental rights to two children, A.L.B. (d.o.b. 10/25/96), and B.L.B. (d.o.b. 12/01/98). Appellant argues that the trial court's findings regarding abandonment of the children, persistent conditions, and the children's best interests are unsupported by clear and convincing evidence. We affirm the trial court.

Lincoln Court of Appeals

John McVoy v. Mary Ann Parks
M2003-01841-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Tom E. Gray

This appeal involves an order of protection. After several public confrontations with his former girlfriend, the petitioner sought an order of protection from the Chancery Court for Sumner County. The trial court granted the order of protection, and the former girlfriend appealed to this court. Because the evidence does not preponderate against the trial court's decision, we affirm.

Sumner Court of Appeals

Kevin Demers v. Walter Whittenburg
M2003-00184-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Trial Court Judge: Judge John H. Gasaway, III

This case involves two Rule 12.02(6) motions to dismiss converted to motions for summary judgment through the filing of additional affidavits with Plaintiff’s response to these motions. Although the trial court dismissed all claims against Defendants for failure to state a claim under Rule 12.02(6), we must review the evidence using a Rule 56 motion for summary judgment standard. Plaintiff alleged numerous business torts, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and defamation in this action against Defendants. However, Plaintiff failed to provide any evidence from which a jury could return a verdict in favor of Plaintiff on any count alleged. The trial court also granted Rule 11 sanctions against Plaintiff. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed, but on summary judgment grounds.

Robertson Court of Appeals

Kevin Demers v. Walter Whittenburg - Concurring
M2003-00184-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Trial Court Judge: Judge John H. Gasaway, III

While I concur with the decision to affirm the trial court’s dismissal of Mr. Demers’s claims in this case, I write separately to point out that the outcome may very well have been different had we employed the standard customarily used to review orders granting a Tenn. R. Civ. P. 12.02(6) motion to dismiss. However, by using affidavits to oppose the motion to dismiss, Mr. Demers has succeeded in converting the Tenn. R. Civ. P. 12.02(6) motion to a motion for summary  Thus, rather than reviewing Mr. Demers’s amended complaint to determine whether it states claims upon which relief can be granted, we need only determine whether, based on the undisputed facts, the defendants have demonstrated that they are entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.

Robertson Court of Appeals

Cheryl O'Brien v. Rheem Manufacturing Company
M2003-00530-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Trial Court Judge: Judge John H. Gasaway, III

In this appeal an unsuccessful plaintiff seeks review of a jury verdict approved by the trial court, in favor of the defendant manufacturer. We affirm.

Montgomery Court of Appeals