APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Gail Allen v. Saturn Corp.

M2002-01238-COA-R3-CV
Appellants, Gail and Larry Allen, sustained injuries when a tent collapsed during a thunderstorm at a Homecoming at the Saturn Corporation in Spring Hill. They brought suit for their injuries caused by negligence in maintenance and construction of the tent. They dismissed or settled their claims with all Defendants except Saturn Corporation. Saturn filed a Motion for Summary Judgment arguing that Appellants were unable to establish a prima facie case of the Appellee's negligence. The trial court granted Appellee's Motion for Summary Judgment. We affirm the decision of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Jim T. Hamilton
Maury County Court of Appeals 02/13/03
XI Properties v. Racetrac Petroleum

M2001-00977-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiffs, XI Properties Inc. et al., purchased land from the defendant, RaceTrac, adjacent to RaceTrac Petroleum in 1992. Seven years later, XI Properties, while attempting to develop the property, learned RaceTrac had inadvertently conveyed to them portions of RaceTrac parking, curbs and light posts. Plaintiffs proposed to remove the unnatural slope created by the parking lot, but defendants were concerned about their rights and responsibilities. Plaintiffs filed a declaratory judgment. Defendants filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. We reverse the trial court=s grant of summary judgment to XI Properties as to adverse possession by RaceTrac. We remand the issue to the trial court to determine if Racetrac can establish possession of the property. Further we affirm the finding that XI Properties owes no duty to RaceTrac for lateral support, so long as it does not act negligently.
Authoring Judge: Judge Marietta M. Shipley
Putnam County Court of Appeals 02/13/03
State of Tennessee v. Sherry L. Williams

E2002-01288-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Sherry L. Williams, pleaded guilty to 20 forgery charges and three charges of criminal impersonation, with a recommended effective sentence of seven years. The plea agreement provided that the trial court would determine the manner of service of the sentence. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied any form of alternative sentencing and ordered incarceration in the Department of Correction. From this determination, the defendant appeals. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/13/03
James Pylant v. Karen Spivey

M2002-00602-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a dispute over the extent of a father's obligation, under a provision in a property settlement agreement, to pay for his daughter's college education. The daughter chose to attend an expensive private college. The trial court found that father should pay tuition equivalent to the cost of an out-of-state public university. Both parties appealed. We affirm the trial court's decision that the father is obligated to pay reasonable costs, but vacate the judgment because there is insufficient proof of such costs.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Robert L. Holloway
Giles County Court of Appeals 02/13/03
Adrian Scaife vs.Chantelle Roberson

E2002-02666-COA-R3-CV
John D. Knowles, Jr. ("Deceased") died intestate in December of 2000. A Petition for Intestate Administration ("Petition") filed in April of 2001, listed Adrian Scaife ("Plaintiff") as one of Deceased's daughters. This Petition never was granted. Several months later, an Amended Petition for Intestate Administration ("Amended Petition") was filed. The Amended Petition listed Plaintiff as an heir, but did not state Plaintiff's relationship to the Deceased. A. Chantelle Roberson ("Defendant") sought to be appointed administratrix of the Deceased's estate (the "Estate") and signed the Amended Petition. The Amended Petition was granted and Defendant was named administratrix of the Estate in June of 2001. The Notice to Creditors for the Estate was published in June and July of 2001. Notice to Creditor letters were sent to all known creditors and any persons having claims, or believed to have claims, against the Estate. Plaintiff received a copy of the Letters of Administration and a Notice to Creditor letter informing her that in order to inherit from the Deceased, she would need to establish paternity within the four month time period allowed to creditors for filing claims. Plaintiff took no steps to establish paternity within the four month period. In February of 2002, Plaintiff sued seeking to prohibit Defendant from denying Plaintiff is a child of the Deceased. The Trial Court granted Defendant summary judgment. Plaintiff appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Howell N. Peoples
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 02/13/03
Stephen Morgan v. Paula Morgan

M2002-00793-COA-R3-CV
Husband and Wife were declared divorced on the basis of stipulated grounds. Wife appeals the classification and division of the property. We affirm the decision of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Carol A. Catalano
Robertson County Court of Appeals 02/13/03
Brenda Jones vs. David Jones

E2002-01684-COA-R3-CV
In this post-divorce case, David Wayne Jones (Husband) filed a motion requesting the Trial Court to discontinue alimony payments. The sole basis for the motion was that Brenda Gail McNeeley Jones (Wife) was "currently residing with a male individual." Wife denied that a reduction in alimony was appropriate, due to her alleged continuing need and Husband's continuing ability to pay. Wife moved for an increase in alimony payments due to her "increased medical expenses, and vocational disability that [she] suffers by reason of the need for eye surgery." The Trial Court awarded Husband a reduction in the amount of alimony from $1,500 per month to $1,000 per month. On appeal, Husband argues that the Trial Court erred by refusing to eliminate the alimony payments, and Wife argues that the Court erred by reducing them. We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:G. Richard Johnson
Washington County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
In Re: Petition of James F. Watson, General Sessions Court Judge

E2002-02480-COA-R3-CV
This is a declaratory judgment action. Judge James F. Watson was, at all relevant times, the general sessions court judge for McMinn County. Prior to 2000, McMinn County was classified as a county of the second class and Judge Watson was paid in accordance with the statutory compensation scheme for such counties. As a result of the 2000 census, McMinn County became a county of the first class. Judge Watson filed a petition seeking a determination as to the proper calculation of his salary as a class one general sessions court judge. The trial court determined that Judge Watson was entitled to continue receiving the jurisdictional supplements to his salary that he had been receiving as a class two judge. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
McMinn County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
Benjamin Blackwell v. State of Tennessee

W2001-02179-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Benjamin Blackwell, was convicted of second degree murder and, on direct appeal, this court affirmed his conviction. Subsequently, the petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief alleging ineffective assistance of counsel. The post-conviction court dismissed the petition and the petitioner timely appealed. Upon review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn L. Peeples
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/12/03
Herbert Heinze vs. Patricia Severt

E2002-01184-COA-R3-CV
In this appeal from the Chancery Court for Greene County the Appellant, Herbert Arthur Heinze, contends that the Trial Court erred in finding that a valid accord and satisfaction was entered into between him and the Appellee, Patricia Christine Severt (Heinze), with respect to the distribution of proceeds realized from the sale of the parties' marital residence pursuant to a divorce judgment. We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court and remand for collection of costs and enforcement of the judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Thomas R. Frierson, II
Greene County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
Adarryl Devon Brooks v. State of Tennessee

W2002-01157-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Adarryl Devon Brooks, appeals the trial court's denial of his petition for post-conviction relief, which followed his jury convictions for possession of cocaine with intent to sell, criminal impersonation, and failure to appear. On appeal, the petitioner contends his trial counsel was ineffective in failing to adequately investigate his case and in failing to interview prospective witnesses. Upon review of the record and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge William B. Acree
Obion County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/12/03
Wanda Shadwick vs. F.H. Shoemaker

E2002-01525-COA-R3-CV
Wanda Shadwick, individually, and as Executrix of the Estate of her common-law husband, Kenneth Lee Phillips, sued F. H. Shoemaker Distributors, Inc., and Floyd H. Shoemaker, II. The theory of the lawsuit is that the Defendants were guilty of abuse of process in connection with the sale of certain real estate and personal property owned by Kenneth Lee Phillips at the time of his death to pay a claim of the Corporation against his Estate. This claim, in the amount of $25,079.54, had been sustained by the Probate Judge. We find that neither the Corporation nor Mr. Shoemaker are liable for the misdeeds of Max Huff, the first attorney employed by them. Having so found, we reverse the judgment both as to compensatory damages in the amount of $156,000 which, incidentally, was higher than Ms. Shadwick's testimony as to the wholesale value of the personal property, and of punitive damages in the amount of $250,000, which was the amount of the ad damnum clause in the complaint. Mr. Shoemaker filed a counter-complaint seeking to recover the amount paid in delinquent taxes as to a house and lot he purchased at the purported sale, as well as delinquent taxes owed thereon. On this issue the jury found in favor of Ms. Shadwick and we affirm this determination.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Billy Joe White
Scott County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
State, et Rel. Robyn Russell vs. Jackson West

E2002-01667-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Thomas R. Frierson, II
Greene County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
Donald C. McCary v. State of Tennessee

E2002-01106-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Donald C. McCary, appeals the trial court's denial of his petition for post-conviction relief. In this appeal, he alleges (1) that he was not competent to enter pleas of guilty; (2) that he did not knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently plead guilty; (3) that the trial court impermissibly participated in plea negotiations; (4) that he did not receive the effective assistance of counsel; and (5) that he is entitled to post-conviction relief because a presentence report was not prepared before the sentencing hearing. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Carroll L. Ross
Hamilton County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/12/03
John Doe vs. Randall Pedigo

E2002-01311-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Harold Wimberly
Knox County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
State, et Rel. Robyn Russell vs. Jackson West

E2002-01667-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Thomas R. Frierson, II
Greene County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
State of Tennessee v. Angela Caprice Parchman

W2001-02301-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Angela Caprice Parchman, was convicted by a jury in the Obion County Circuit Court of the sale of .5 grams or more of crack cocaine, a Class B felony. The trial court sentenced the appellant as a Range II multiple offender to twelve years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant argues that the evidence was insufficient to support her conviction and that her trial counsel was ineffective. Upon 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 William B. Acree
Obion County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/12/03
State of Tennessee v. John L. Shelton

W2002-00127-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, John L. Shelton, pled guilty to driving after having been declared a motor vehicle habitual offender, and was sentenced to one day in jail and a fine of one dollar. The State appealed, arguing that the sentence was illegal. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/12/03
State of Tennessee v. Alan E. Monday, alias

E2001-01426-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Alan E. Monday, was convicted by a Knox County Criminal Court jury of reckless homicide in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-13-215 (1997). He was sentenced as a career offender to twelve years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant contends (1) that the evidence was insufficient to convict the appellant of reckless homicide; (2) that the trial court erred in failing to require the prosecution to identify the reckless act upon which it relied; and (3) that the trial court erred in sentencing the appellant. Upon 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 Richard R. Baumgartner
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/12/03
John Doe vs. Randall Pedigo

E2002-01311-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Knox County Court of Appeals 02/12/03
State of Tennessee v. John Richenberger

W2002-01788-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, John Richenberger, entered a plea of guilt to driving under the influence, fourth offense, a Class E felony. The trial court imposed a Range I jail sentence of one year, requiring a mandatory minimum of 150 days' service. There was a $3,000.00 fine. In this appeal, the defendant argues that the trial court erred by failing to order a sentence in the community corrections program. The judgment is affirmed and the cause remanded for consideration of correction of the length of the sentence.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge John P. Colton, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/12/03
Zora Elsea vs. Frank Elsea

E2002-00387-COA-R3-CV
In this divorce action, the Trial Court identified, valued and divided marital property and awarded wife alimony. Husband appeals. We affirm the Trial Court.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Jerri S. Bryant
McMinn County Court of Appeals 02/11/03
Donald G. Brooks v. State of Tennessee

M2002-00386-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner, Donald G. Brooks, filed a petition for post-conviction relief from his convictions for first degree felony murder, especially aggravated robbery, theft of property over $1,000 and setting fire to personal property. In his petition, Petitioner alleged that he received ineffective assistance of counsel at trial and on appeal. Following an evidentiary hearing, the post-conviction court concluded that Petitioner's appellate counsel had rendered ineffective assistance when he failed to request a transcript of Petitioner's sentencing hearing on appeal. The post-conviction court found that all of the other grounds presented by Petitioner for post-conviction relief were without merit. After a careful review, we affirm in part and reverse in part the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge John H. Gasaway, III
Montgomery County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/11/03
Jackson Rose vs. Rick Welch

E2002-02042-COA-R3-CV
Attorney R. Jackson Rose ("Plaintiff") was hired by Rick Welch ("Defendant') to defend him on drug related criminal charges. The parties agreed to a flat fee of $25,000 for this legal representation. A retainer of $5,000 was paid up-front. Defendant signed a promissory note for the remaining $20,000. Defendant claims he lost confidence in Plaintiff's ability to adequately represent him after Defendant paid a total of $6,850 in attorney fees. Defendant discharged Plaintiff and obtained new counsel. Plaintiff sued for breach of contract. Defendant filed a counterclaim for legal malpractice and also claimed as a defense, inter alia, that Plaintiff's representation fell below the professional standard of care. The case was tried to a jury. After all of the proof was presented, the Trial Court directed a verdict for Plaintiff because Defendant had offered no expert proof to support his counterclaim or his defense to the breach of contract claim. We hold expert proof was not necessary in order for Defendant to prove he lost confidence in Plaintiff and discharged him with cause for that reason. We, therefore, reverse the entry of the directed verdict as to that issue only and remand the case for trial on the sole issue of termination for cause because of Defendant's "loss of confidence." We affirm all other aspects of the Trial Court's judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:James B. Scott, Jr.
Claiborne County Court of Appeals 02/11/03
Margaret Wightman vs. Truman Clouse

E2002-00318-COA-R3-CV
The Trial Court held plaintiff was entitled to use roadway across defendants' land. On appeal, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Vernon Neal
Cumberland County Court of Appeals 02/11/03