Kuehne & Nagel, Inc. v. Preston, Skahan & Smith International, Inc.
M1998-00983-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a contract dispute between a customs broker and an importer of Russian vodka. The customs broker sued the importer in the Davidson County General Sessions Court seeking to recover $4,781.16, and the importer counterclaimed alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and usury. After the general sessions court dismissed both cases, the parties appealed to the Circuit Court for Davidson County. On the day of trial, the trial court denied the importer's motion to exclude nine invoices that the customs broker had failed to produce during discovery. Thereafter, the trial court, sitting without a jury, awarded the customs broker a $4,623.16 judgment and dismissed the importer's countersuit. On this appeal, the importer asserts that the trial court erred by refusing to exclude the nine invoices and that the evidence preponderates against the judgment. We have determined that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by denying the importer's motion in limine and that the evidence supports the judgment for the customs broker. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Walter C. Kurtz |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
In Re: Estate of Vivian McSwain
M2001-02309-COA-R3-CV
Robert L. Poe, in his capacity as the executor of the Estate of Vivian K. McSwain, filed a motion to set his fee and expenses. Following a bench trial on the executor's motion, the trial court awarded the executor $20,000. The executor appeals, arguing that the award is inadequate. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Frank G. Clement, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
City of Gatlinburg vs. James Odom, d/b/a Thomas Kincade Galleries
E2001-02934-COA-R3-CV
On nine separate occasions, the defendant was cited to the Gatlinburg Municipal Court by the City of Gatlinburg for building without a permit. The citations were consolidated for trial on October 17, 2001. Following an adverse ruling, the defendant attempted to appeal to the Sevier County Circuit Court. In doing so, he filed his appeal bonds in the circuit court. The City moved to dismiss the appeals, contending that the appeal bonds should have been filed in the municipal court. The circuit court dismissed the appeal, finding that it had no jurisdiction of the appeal. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Richard R. Vance |
Sevier County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
Calvin Tankesly v. Sgt. Pugh, et al.
M2000-01520-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Ellen Hobbs Lyle |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
Charles Dallas Cauthern, et al. v. City of White Bluff, Tennessee
M1998-00991-COA-R3-CV
This appeal stems from two landowners' efforts to change the zoning classification of their property from residential to commercial and industrial. After the White Bluff Town Council denied their request, the landowners filed a petition for writ of common-law certiorari in the Chancery Court for Dickson County alleging that the council's action was invalid because one council member who had recused himself from voting on the proposed zoning change actively opposed their request and caused another council member to recuse himself. The trial court, sitting without a jury, denied the landowners' petition, and the landowners have appealed. Treating the petition as a complaint of declaratory judgment, we have determined that the effectiveness of the council member's recusal is a nonjusticiable political question. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court's conclusion that the landowners were not entitled to judicial relief.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Leonard W. Martin |
Dickson County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
Janet Bolton, et al vs. State of Tennessee
E2001-02960-COA-R9-CV
Janet Bolton and Jack Bolton ("Plaintiffs") sued the State of Tennessee ("State"), alleging the State was liable for injuries Janet Bolton received in a motor vehicle accident which occurred on a State highway in Loudon County. The State filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, arguing it was entitled to judgment as a matter of law under the defense of discretionary function immunity. The Tennessee Claims Commission denied the motion. The State appeals. We affirm, in part, and reverse, in part, and remand.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
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Loudon County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
Lawrence County v. Jerry Brewer, et al .
M2001-00078-COA-R3-CV
This matter involves a dispute over payment of solid waste disposal fees, which the Lawrence County Commission attempted to charge the citizens of Lawrence County, and application of late payment penalties to these fees. Lawrence County filed complaints in order to collect overdue solid waste fees that the Commission allegedly enacted on May 25, 1999 by Resolution #11052599. The trial court determined that Resolution #11051599 did not impose any solid waste fees on the residents of Lawrence County and dismissed Plaintiff's complaints. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Robert L. Holloway |
Lawrence County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
Joe Livingston v. Jennifer Elaine Livingston
M2001-02697-COA-R3-CV
This is a divorce case. The trial court granted Joe Phillip Livingston ("Father") a divorce from Jennifer Elaine Livingston ("Mother") on the ground of inappropriate marital conduct and awarded primary physical custody of the parties' two minor children to Father. Mother was granted visitation rights; however, the court ordered that she "refrain from allowing the parties' children to be at the residence of [Mother's] maternal grandmother" during visitation. Mother appeals the award of custody and the granting of the divorce to Father. In addition, Mother also raises a procedural issue and questions the admission of certain evidence. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:John W. Rollins |
Coffee County | Court of Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Rhonda Patricia Mayes - Order
M2001-00423-CCA-R3-CD
The opinion and judgment entered June 24, 2002, are hereby VACATED and WITHDRAWN. A corrected opinion and judgment will be filed in due course.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
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Marshall County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 06/27/02 | |
Jimmy Pardue vs. Theresa Pardue
W2001-01731-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal from the trial court's decision denying appellant's motion to void an Irreconcilable Differences divorce decree because it was granted within ninety-days of the divorce's filing. Though the appellant sought the voiding of the decree as alternative relief, it appears the essence of the relief sought is child support modification. Thus, the attempt to void the decree is a collateral attack on the judgment and the ninety-day requirement cannot be used in a collateral attack to void a divorce decree.
Authoring Judge: Judge D'Army Bailey
Originating Judge:Dewey C. Whitenton |
Fayette County | Court of Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Judy Johnson and Stanley Johnson
W2001-01272-CCA-R3-CD
The husband and wife defendants, Stanley and Judy Johnson, were convicted of eleven counts of cruelty to animals, as the result of conditions at a kennel in Gibson County where they were keeping approximately 350 dogs. Stanley Johnson was sentenced to eleven months and twenty-nine days on each count, with all sentences to be served concurrently, and, as to these sentences, to serve ninety days in the county jail with the remainder on probation. Judy Johnson was sentenced, likewise, to eleven months and twenty-nine days on each count, with all sentences to be served concurrently, but she was to serve six months before being put on probation. Both defendants were fined $1000 in each of the eleven counts. On appeal, they argue that the trial court erred in allowing testimony as to a prior similar complaint against Stanley Johnson and in denying total probation for both. Additionally, they argue that the proof is insufficient to sustain the verdicts. We affirm the judgments of conviction.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge George R. Ellis |
Gibson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Patsy Webster
W2001-01908-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Patsy Webster, appeals the Henry County Circuit Court's ordering her to serve one year of her effective two-year sentence in continuous confinement. She claims that the trial court erred in requiring her to serve a full year in jail because she was eligible as a Range I offender with only a two-year sentence for release after serving thirty percent of her sentence. The state agrees. We hold that the defendant was improperly sentenced and remand the case for resentencing.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Julian P. Guinn |
Henry County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Judy Johnson and Stanley Johnson - Concurring
W2001-01272-CCA-R3-CD
While I concur in the result reached by the majority, I disagree on three points. First, it is my view that the trial court erred by permitting the state to cross-examine Stanley Johnson on a 1993 animal cruelty charge that did not result in a conviction. Tennessee Rule of Evidence 608 permits limited use of character evidence for impeachment purposes. Rule 608 provides in pertinent part as follows:
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R. Wade
Originating Judge:Judge George R. Ellis |
Gibson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Herman Holston
W2001-02004-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Herman Holston, was convicted after a trial by jury of sale of cocaine, a Class C felony, and was sentenced as a Range II offender to eight years and six months confinement in the Department of Correction. On appeal, Holston raises the following issues for our review: (1) whether the evidence was sufficient to support the verdict, and (2) whether his sentence was proper. After a review of the record, we find that Holston's issues are without merit. Accordingly, the judgment of the Shelby County Criminal Court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge David G. Hayes
Originating Judge:Judge Chris B. Craft |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
Larry Morgan d/b/a Morgan Contracting vs. Tellico Plains
E2001-02733-COA-R3-CV
In this contract dispute, the Plaintiff, Morgan Contracting, Inc. ("Morgan") sued the Town of Tellico Plains, alleging that it was due $68,464.86 under the terms of the contract. Tellico Plains answered with the defense that Morgan's claim was time-barred under the sixty-day limitations period set forth in the contract. After a non-jury trial, the Court ruled that Morgan had not filed suit within the contractual limitations period and consequently dismissed Morgan's cause of action. On appeal, Morgan argues that the Trial Court erred in not finding that Tellico Plains waived its right to rely upon the contractual limitations period provision. We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Lawrence H. Puckett |
Monroe County | Court of Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
Robert Jones vs. Vick Idles
E2001-02833-COA-R9-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:William E. Lantrip |
Anderson County | Court of Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
Erin Moneymaker Earley v. Robert A. Moneymaker
2001-02462-COA-R3-CV
Originating Judge:William E. Lantrip |
Anderson County | Court of Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
Robert Jones vs. Vick Idles
E2001-02833-COA-R9-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:William E. Lantrip |
Anderson County | Court of Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
Sherry Hopkins vs. James Hopkins
E2001-02849-COA-R3-CV
In this appeal from the Circuit Court for Sevier County the Appellant, James Franklin Hopkins questions whether the Trial Court erred in awarding alimony to the Appellee, Sherry Mae Hopkins, and in ordering that all of Ms. Hopkins' debts be paid out of proceeds from the sale of the marital residence. Mr. Hopkins also asserts that Ms. Hopkins unlawfully disposed of marital assets. We affirm in part and modify in part.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Ben W. Hooper, II |
Sevier County | Court of Appeals | 06/26/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Ricky Ray Reed, Jr., aka "Ricco"
W2001-02155-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was indicted for first degree murder and convicted by the jury of second degree murder. He filed a petition for post-conviction relief, and was permitted to make a delayed motion for a new trial, which ultimately was denied by the trial court. The defendant appeals the denial, arguing that the evidence at trial was insufficient to support his conviction for second degree murder. After a review of the record, we conclude that there was sufficient evidence to convict the defendant of second degree murder and that the trial court properly denied the defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal and a new trial.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Tipton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 06/25/02 | |
Betsy D. Coker v. Beverly Enterprises Tennessee, Inc.
M2000-01630-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer-appellant questions (1) the trial court's finding that the employee's injury arose out of and in the course of her employment and (2) the award of permanent partial disability benefits based on 65 percent to the leg. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the judgment should be affirmed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (21 Supp.) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed. JOE C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., in which FRANK F. DROWOTA, III, C. J., and JOHN K. BYERS, SR. J., joined. Pamela M. McCord and Richard E. Spicer, Nashville, for the appellant, Beverly Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Beverly Healthcare Robert T. Carter, Tullahoma, Tennessee, for the appellee, Betsy D. Coker MEMORANDUM OPINION The employee or claimant, Ms. Coker, initiated this civil action to recover workers' compensation benefits for an injury by accident arising out of and in the course of her employment as a nurse for Beverly Healthcare. The employer denied liability and denied the claimant suffers any permanent disability. Following a trial on the merits on May 21, 21, the trial court resolved the issues in favor of the claimant and awarded, inter alia, permanent partial disability benefits based on 65 percent to the leg. The employer has appealed. Appellate review is de novo upon the record of the trial court, accompanied by a presumption of correctness of the findings of fact, unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(2). The reviewing court is required to conduct an independent examination of the record to determine where the preponderance of the evidence lies.
Authoring Judge: Joe C. Loser, Jr., Sp. J.
Originating Judge:Jeffrey Stewart, Chancellor |
Franklin County | Workers Compensation Panel | 06/25/02 | |
Dairy Gold vs. Michael Thomas
E2001-02463-COA-R3-CV
In this dispute over a commercial lease, the Chancellor entered Judgment for lessor for limited rents, taxes and attorney's fees. On appeal, we affirm. In this dispute over a commercial lease, the Chancellor entered Judgment for lessor for limited rents, taxes and attorney's fees. On appeal, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:W. Frank Brown, III |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 06/25/02 | |
Jonathan H. vs. James Stewart
E2001-02485-COA-R3-CV
This is a suit brought by Jonathan H., through his mother and next friend, Lisa S., and Lisa S., individually, seeking by means of a writ of certiorari and supercedes, to reverse a determination of the Anderson County School Board expelling Jonathan H. for one year because the Board found that he had violated its zero tolerance policy by possessing drugs on a school campus. We vacate the judgment below, dismiss the appeal and remand.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:William E. Lantrip |
Anderson County | Court of Appeals | 06/25/02 | |
Kasiea Chance vs. Carl Gibson
E2001-02836-COA-R3-JV
This is a suit by Kasiea Delawn Chance, adult daughter of Kayla D. Leonard, and Ms. Leonard, who joins in the prosecution of this suit against Carl Dennis Gibson, Jr., seeking to establish his paternity as to Ms. Chance and recover support from the date of Ms. Chance's birth, medical expenses incident thereto, and attorney fees. We affirm in part; vacate in part and remand.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Jeffrey D. Rader |
Sevier County | Court of Appeals | 06/25/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Ernest Lee Littles
W2001-01706-CCA-R3-CD
An Obion County Circuit Court jury convicted the defendant, Ernest Lee Littles, of rape of a child, a Class A felony. The trial court sentenced him as a child rapist to twenty years in the Tennessee Department of Correction, with 100% of the sentence to be served. In his appeal as of right, the defendant claims only that there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction. We affirm the judgment of the trial court but remand for entry of a corrected judgment
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge William B. Acree |
Obion County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 06/25/02 |