Please enter some keywords to search.
| State of Tennessee v. Jeffrey Lynn Murphy
M2002-00984-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Jeffrey Lynn Murphy, pled guilty to one count of fraud and was placed on probation for three years. The Defendant's supervising officer subsequently filed a probation violation warrant and a hearing was held. The trial court revoked the Defendant's probation and ordered him to serve his sentence in the Department of Correction. The Defendant now appeals, claiming that the trial court should have extended his period of probation, instead. We affirm the trial court's judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Lillie Ann Sells |
DeKalb County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/13/02 | |
| Jackie Wright & Kimberly Green vs. Azalea Rains
E2002-01107-COA-R3-CV
Cager M. Casey ("Deceased") executed a revocable inter vivos trust agreement in July of 1992. The trust named a number of family members and friends as beneficiaries ("Appellees"). In January of 1999, Deceased executed a will. While this will does not specifically reference the trust, it does direct Deceased's PaineWebber stock be sold at his death and the proceeds given to Jackie L. Wright, Kimberly A. Green ("Appellants") and other members of the Wright family. Deceased owned no stock in PaineWebber. However, the trust was administered by UBS PaineWebber, Inc. ("PaineWebber"). Appellants submitted the 1999 will for probate and were granted letters testamentary. PaineWebber refused to turn over the trust investments absent court order. Appellants sued Appellees and PaineWebber. After trial, the Probate Court entered its judgment on November 29, 2001, holding the 1999 will did not alter the trust and the trust would, by its terms, distribute the trust assets to the trust beneficiaries. Appellants appeal the November 29, 2001 judgment. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:William H. Russell |
Loudon County | Court of Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| John Robert Benson v. State of Tennessee
M2001-02510-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner was convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder and three counts of reckless endangerment and received an effective sentence of thirty years. On direct appeal, this court affirmed the petitioner's convictions and sentence. The petitioner now contends that his trial counsel provided ineffective representation. After reviewing the record, we conclude that the petitioner has failed to meet his burden of demonstrating that his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance. Accordingly, we affirm the denial of the petition for post-conviction relief.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge W. Charles Lee |
Bedford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| In Re: Estate of Donald Henderson, Jeff Henderson vs. Kenneth Henderson
E2002-01155-COA-R3-CV
Donald Ben Henderson ("Deceased") died in 1998. Jeff Henderson ("Appellant") is the Deceased's grandson. Kenneth Henderson ("Appellee") is the Deceased's son. Appellant and Appellee each submitted documents for probate purporting to be the last will and testament of the Deceased. In total, three wills and a revocation were filed with the Probate Court. The Probate Court entered its Order of Probate on October 18, 2001, holding that none of the three documents submitted should be admitted to probate as the Deceased's will. Based upon this determination, the Probate Court held the Deceased died intestate. More than thirty days after October 18, 2001, Appellee filed a motion to excuse the administrator ad litem and requested he be appointed personal representative of the estate. Appellant opposed the motion and filed a will contest. The Probate Court's order of April 23, 2002, appointed Appellee personal representative of the estate and stated its earlier order holding the Deceased died intestate was a final order. Appellant appealed. Appellee argues this Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the appeal because the notice of appeal was filed late. We hold the notice of appeal was not filed timely. We, therefore, are without jurisdiction to hear this appeal and, accordingly, dismiss the appeal.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Edwin C. Harris |
Monroe County | Court of Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| Taylor & Fleishman vs. Kenneth Seaton
E2002-00075-COA-R3-CV
This is a suit to recover a contractual attorney fee. By virtue of circumstances plaintiff Dudley Taylor had the exclusive standing to contest a petition for the involuntary bankruptcy of Taylor and Associates, LLP, from whom defendant and five other individuals had received preferential payments which were required to be returned to the Trustee if the bankruptcy was approved. Conversely, if the bankruptcy was not approved, the defendant and others similarly situated would retain the preferential payments. The plaintiffs had invested a substantial sum with Taylor and Associates, LLP, but had received no preferences. Dudley Taylor devised a plan whereby, for a fee, he would intervene in the bankruptcy and oppose it, and if he were successful the defendant would retain the preferential payments. The defendant proposed a contract by which the plaintiff, for a non-refundable up-front fee of $100,000.00, and a $200,000.00 additional fee contingent upon success, agreed to oppose the bankruptcy as a party litigant. He was successful, but the defendant refused to pay the fee, asserting the invalidity of the contract on various grounds, including ethical considerations. The Chancellor allowed a recovery. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Sr. Judge William H. Inman
Originating Judge:Sharon J. Bell |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| E2002-1735-COA-R3-CV
E2002-1735-COA-R3-CV
Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Melvin L. Harper
E2001-01089-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Melvin L. Harper, was convicted by a jury in the Criminal Court of Sullivan County of aggravated robbery, a Class B felony. The appellant was sentenced as a Range II multiple offender to twenty years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant challenges: (1) the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction of armed robbery; (2) the trial court's granting of the State's motion to amend the indictment on the day of trial; (3) the wording of the trial court's jury instructions regarding lesser-included offenses; and (4) the sentence imposed by the trial court. After a careful review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Adrianne Elizabeth Noles
W2002-01558-CCA-R3-CD
Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-13-213(a)(1) (1997), the defendant, Adrianne Elizabeth Noles, was charged with vehicular homicide by recklessness in the Haywood County Circuit Court. She submitted a guilty plea to the charge, a Class C felony, and agreed to have the trial court determine the length and manner of service of her sentence. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed a three-year sentence to be served in the Department of Correction. Aggrieved of the trial court’s rejection of any sentencing alternative to incarceration, she appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn L. Peeples |
Haywood County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Tracy R. Pipes
W2002-00433-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Tracy R. Pipes, appeals the Hardin County Circuit Court's revocation of her drug-offense probation. The court ordered her to serve the effective eight-year sentence in the Department of Correction. Because the record supports the lower court's actions, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Hardin County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| Nancy Webber vs. Gary Webber
E2002-01355-COA-R3-CV
The Trial Court held it had jurisdiction over marital property and alimony. Husband argued since the divorce was granted in Nevada, the Nevada Decree was res judicata on these issues. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:William E. Lantrip |
Anderson County | Court of Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| Wanda F. Cherry, et al vs. First State Bank
E2002-00981-COA-R3-CV
Wanda F. Cherry and Daniel R. Greene ("Plaintiffs") are the owners of property located on the parkway in Pigeon Forge. Wayne Burroughs ("Burroughs") owned property adjacent to the Plaintiffs' property, but Burroughs' property did not adjoin the parkway. Burroughs leased Plaintiff's property and used their property and his property to operate a business. During this time, Burroughs borrowed money from First State Bank ("Defendant"). Burroughs' leasehold interest in Plaintiffs' property was part of the collateral for this loan. After Burroughs filed for bankruptcy, his leasehold interest in Plaintiffs' property was sold at auction. Defendant was the highest bidder at the auction. Defendant paid rent for a period of time, but then stopped paying rent. Plaintiffs sued for past due rent. The Trial Court granted summary judgment to Plaintiffs and awarded damages totaling $127,968.60. Defendant appeals the grant of summary judgment to Plaintiffs. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Ben W. Hooper, II |
Sevier County | Court of Appeals | 12/12/02 | |
| City of Oak Hill v. AAMP
M2001-00688-COA-R3-CV
This appeal concerns the City of Oak Hill's efforts to enforce its exclusively residential zoning restrictions over a parcel of land situated at the city's eastern border. The city appeals the trial court's finding that "parcel 109" was located outside of Oak Hill's city boundary and, therefore, not subject to the city's zoning ordinances. We affirm the action of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Carol L. Mccoy |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| James Staggs v. Lori Staggs
M2001-01192-COA-R3-CV
The trial court transferred custody of the parties' two children from the mother to the father. The mother argues on appeal that there was no change of circumstances to support a change of custody, and no proof that the change would be in the best interest of the children. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Leonard W. Martin |
Dickson County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| Peter Zabaski v. Mary Ann Zabaski
M2001-02013-COA-R3-CV
The trial court granted a divorce to the parents of an only child with a history of severe medical problems, and awarded them joint custody. The wife contends on appeal that the trial court's order of custody and visitation was not in the child's best interest. She also argues that the court erred by setting the husband's child support obligation too low, and by failing to award her alimony in futuro. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Marietta M. Shipley |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| F. T. Greer v. Joseph Marci
M2001-02536-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from the denial of the Chancery Court of Sumner County of Plaintiffs' request for an injunction. The dispute involves the construction of a brick entranceway which connects a county road to Defendants' driveway easement over the Plaintiffs' property. The entranceway lies within the "metes and bounds" of a county road. The Chancellor refused to grant an injunction ordering removal of the entranceway holding that the county was the only party with standing to seek removal of obstructions within the right-of-way of a county road. We disagree with the Chancellor and find that the Plaintiffs own fee simple title to the pertinent portion of the right-of-way and therefore have standing to assert their ownership rights independent of the county. We therefore reverse the finding of the Chancellor and remand the case for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas W. Graham
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray |
Sumner County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| Brenda Barton v. Anvil International, Inc.,
W2001-02523-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 insists (1) the trial court erred in considering an examining physician's opinion as not being based on statutory guidelines and (2) the award of permanent partial disability benefits based on 5 percent to one arm and 45 percent to the other arm is excessive.1 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 JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and MICHAEL MALOAN, SP. J., joined. Jeffery G. Foster, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellant, Anvil International, Inc. Scott G. Kirk, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellee, Brenda Barton MEMORANDUM OPINION The employee or claimant, Ms. Barton, initiated this civil action to recover workers' compensation disability benefits for a work-related injury. The employer, Anvil International, denied liability for permanent disability. After a trial on the merits, the trial court awarded, among other things, benefits based on permanent partial disability to both arms. The employer has appealed. 1 An injury to both arms is a scheduled injury and the better practice is to average the awards to each arm for a single award base d on a per centage of b oth arm s. Scales v. City of Oak Ridge, 53 S.W .3d 649 at n. 1 (Tenn. 2 1). Th e issue d eem ed w aived since it wa s not raised in this a ppe al. For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1985, 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) (21 Supp.). 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:Joe C. Morris, Chancellor |
Chester County | Workers Compensation Panel | 12/11/02 | |
| James Pemerton & Deborah Pemerton v. Beauty Wall Painting
M2001-01638-COA-R3-CV
This is a breach of warranty case. The plaintiff homeowners contracted with the defendant painter to have their home painted. The contract included a one-year warranty on labor and materials. After the work was completed, the paint began to peel, blister, and separate from the wood siding. The homeowners sued the painter under the warranty. The trial court found that the homeowners complained of the problems within the one-year warranty period. The trial court awarded the homeowners damages for the amount paid to the painter, substantial damages for repairs, and discretionary costs. On appeal, the painter argued that the trial judge failed to properly understand the testimony of the parties regarding the painter's actions after being informed of the paint problems, and therefore, improperly discredited the painter's testimony with regard to the issue of the date the homeowners told the painter about the defective work. We affirm, finding that the defendant painter failed to show any basis for reversing the credibility determination of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Carol L. Soloman |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| Paul E. Johnson v. The Metropolitan Government Of
M2001-00633-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Don R. Ash
Originating Judge:Carol L. Mccoy |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| Sandra Sparkman & Joe Sparkman vs. Bluecross Blueshield
E2002-00932-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiffs' action was dismissed by the Trial Court on the grounds plaintiffs failed to exhaust administrative appeals. On appeal, we Vacate and Remand.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Samuel H. Payne |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| Sandra Kay Powers, et al. v. American Interstate Insurance Company, et al
W2001-02751-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 insists the competent evidence preponderates against the trial court's finding that the deaths of two employees occurred in the course of their employment and in favor of a finding that the employees had materially deviated from their employment at the time of their deaths in a vehicular accident. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the judgment of the trial court 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 JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and W. MICHAEL MALOAN, SP. J., joined. Stephen Craig Kennedy, Selmer, Tennessee, for the appellants, Staton's Home Furnishings and American Interstate Insurance Company Art D. Wells, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellee, Sandra Kay Powers, as guardian and next friend of Jessica Witherspoon, Billy Joe Witherspoon and Cody Witherspoon, minor children of David Witherspoon, deceased Gayden Drew, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellee, Robbie McEwen, administrator of the Estate of Timothy Gallimore, deceased MEMORANDUM OPINION By these consolidated civil actions, the claimants sued to recover workers' compensation benefits, as provided by the Workers' Compensation Act, Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6- 11 et seq, for the accidental deaths of David Witherspoon and Charles Timothy Gallimore on July 29, 1999. The employer, Staton's Home Furnishings, and its insurer, American Interstate Insurance Company, denied liability. After a trial on the merits, the trial court awarded death benefits to the estate of Gallimore and dependents' benefits to the children of Witherspoon. The employer and its insurer have appealed. For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1985, 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) (21 Supp.). 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:George R. Ellis, Chancellor |
Gibson County | Workers Compensation Panel | 12/11/02 | |
| Ray Wright v. Brittany Pate
11-01-135-M
Originating Judge:A. Andrew Jackson |
Dickson County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| McLane Co. v. State
M2002-00838-COA-R3-CV
Licensed wholesale tobacco distributor filed petition against the State seeking the disclosure of identities of all licensed tobacco wholesale distributors in the State of Tennessee pursuant to the provisions of the Tennessee Public Records Act. State opposed petition on the grounds that disclosure of this information was controlled by the taxpayer confidentiality provisions of the revenue statutes. Chancery Court granted petition and ordered disclosure of the names and addresses of all licensed wholesale tobacco distributors in Tennessee but, on the state's motion, stayed its order pending appeal. State appeals. We reverse and dismiss.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Irvin H. Kilcrease, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| Edward Howell vs. NHC Healthcare
E2002-01321-COA-R3-CV
The Trial Court refused to enforce an Agreement for Mediation and Arbitration. On appeal, we Affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Harold Wimberly |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| Greg Melton v. Gerald Melton
M2002-00532-COA-R3-CV
Beneficiaries of irrevocable insurance Trust filed a Complaint against the Trustees, seeking to have the corpus of the trust distributed and the Trust terminated by its own terms. One Trustee, acting pro se, answered the Complaint. Beneficiaries filed a Motion for Summary Judgment supported by their joint affidavits. No response or countervailing affidavit was filed, and an Order was entered granting the Motion. Trustee appeals. We affirm
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:J. B. Cox |
Bedford County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 | |
| John Garland vs. Tonia Garland
E2002-00949-COA-R3-CV
In this divorce action, the wife appeals the alimony award and amount of attorney's fees awarded to her. On appeal, we Affirm as Modified.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:James W. Mckenzie |
Rhea County | Court of Appeals | 12/11/02 |