APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

Omawali Shabazz, aka Fred Edmond Dean vs. Greeley Wells

E2001-02315-COA-R3-CV
In this suit, wherein Omawali Ashanti Shabazz, a/k/a, Fred Edmond Dean, seeks to acquire certain materials held in the office of the District Attorney General. The Trial Court denied the relief he sought because, under Tenn.R.Crim. P. 16, he was not entitled to the material while a post-conviction proceeding was pending. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:R. Jerry Beck
Sullivan County Court of Appeals 02/21/02
Joyce Howell vs. Phillip Howell

W2001-01167-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Joe C. Morris
Madison County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
Alfred/Florence Garionis vs. Andre Pride & Charles Holland

W2001-01682-COA-R3-CV
The plaintiffs filed a suit for personal injuries arising out of an automobile accident. Through their attorney, they reached a settlement of their claims. Thereafter, they sought to set aside the settlement upon the grounds that they had not authorized their attorney to accept the defendants' offer. Following an evidentiary hearing, the trial court found that the plaintiffs had authorized their attorney to settle the case and entered an order enforcing the settlement. We hold that the findings of the trial court are supported by a preponderance of the evidence and affirm the lower court.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Acree
Originating Judge:Robert L. Childers
Shelby County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
State of Tennessee v. Gonzalo Moran Garcia

M2000-01760-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Gonzalo Moran Garcia, appeals his conviction by a jury in the Davidson County Criminal Court of one count of possession of one thousand grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, a class A felony. He raises the following issues for our review: (1) whether the trial court erred in denying his pre-trial motion to suppress; (2) whether the trial court erred in admitting at trial the testimony of Daniel A. Rosales, an officer employed by the Houston Police Department in Texas; (3) whether the evidence underlying the appellant’s conviction is sufficient; and (4) whether the trial court erred in rejecting his proposed jury instructions. Following a thorough review f the record and the parties’ briefs, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand this case
to the trial court for a new trial.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Steve R. Dozier
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/20/02
Marilyn Yount v. Bruce Yount

M2001-01335-COA-R3-CV
The trial court granted a divorce to the wife, and awarded her alimony in futuro of $2,000 per month. The husband argues on appeal that the wife does not need any alimony, and that he himself does not have the ability to pay the alimony. The proof shows that he does indeed have the ability to pay, but that the wife's needs are more appropriately served by an award of rehabilitative alimony. We modify the alimony award accordingly.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Carol A. Catalano
Montgomery County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
State/Mae Clark vs. Charles Clark

W2001-01896-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves an obligor parent's failure to comply with court ordered child support obligations. The State of Tennessee, on behalf of a custodial parent, sought to reduce arrearage in the obligations to judgment. The State was successful and the custodial parent was awarded $14,000.00 in arrearage. The obligor parent appealed and, for the following reasons, we affirm the lower court's decision.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Clayburn L. Peeples
Haywood County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
Jarrett W Illiam Utley v. Bridgestone/Firestone

M2001-00090-WC-R3-CV
The employee appeals and contends the trial court erred (1) in finding his claim for a work-related repetitive injury was barred by the statute of limitations, and (2) in concluding that his injury on September 2, 1997 did not result in any permanent disability. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Howell N. Peoples, Special Judge
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray, Chancellor
Sumner County Workers Compensation Panel 02/20/02
State of Tennessee v. Gonzalo Moran Garcia

M2000-01760-CCA-R3-CD

After careful review of the record, I write separately because I reach a different conclusion than that expressed in the majority opinion with respect to the defendant's motion to suppress the evidence obtained during the search of his vehicle. I agree with the majority on all other matters raised in this appeal.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Steve R. Dozier
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/20/02
Eagle Vision vs. Odyssey Medical

W2001-01772-COA-R3-CV
This is an action for misappropriation of trade secrets in which the manufacturer of a surgical product allegedly misappropriated the product design and marketed a competing product after the developer discontinued its relationship with manufacturer. Trial court granted summary judgment in favor of manufacturer on all claims. We reverse and remand.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:D. J. Alissandratos
Shelby County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
David Schwab v. David Miller

M2001-00932-COA-R3-CV
The Chancery Court of Williamson County held that in order to claim a major benefit of an employment contract the employee had to be employed when the other contingencies in the contract were met. We affirm the lower court's interpretation.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:R.E. Lee Davies
Williamson County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
Angela Lem Mons v. P & P Enterpr Ises, Llc

M2001-00616-WC-R3-CV
The employee appeals the finding of the trial court that she failed to carry her burden of proof that her injuries arose out of and in the course of her employment. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Howell N. Peoples, Special Judge
Originating Judge:James E. Walton, Judge
Robertson County Workers Compensation Panel 02/20/02
Don Long vs. Ralph & Edna Langley

W2001-01490-COA-R3-CV
This a lawsuit between the two stockholders of Gene Langley Ford, Inc., an automobile dealership. The issues involve the percentage of ownership owned by the two stockholders and whether the defendant paid himself an excessive salary for managing the business. The Chancellor held that the plaintiff owns forty-nine (49%) of the stock and the defendant owns fifty-one percent (51%). He further held that the defendant's salary was not excessive. We reverse the Chancellor's decision regarding the ownership of the stock and hold that each party owns fifty percent (50%). We affirm the Chancellor's decision that the defendant's salary was reasonable.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Acree
Originating Judge:George R. Ellis
Gibson County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
Shelia Bland vs. Jerry Bland

W2001-01705-COA-R3-CV
Husband appeals from a final decree of divorce as to the amount of alimony awarded and the award of attorney fees. We affirm and modify.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Joe C. Morris
Henderson County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
ANR Pipeline Co., Colonial Pipeline Co., Columbia Gulf Transmission Co., et al. v. TN Board of Equalization

M2001-01098-COA-R12-CV
Pipelines for the transport of petroleum products were installed sub-surface by various companies which acquired easements over affected freeholds. These pipelines were assessed as real estate for purposes of taxation. Petitions for Review were filed by the Pipeline Companies alleging that the pipelines were personal property. The decision of the Board of Equalization is reversed.
Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Williamson County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
Joyce Howell vs. Phillip Howell

W2001-01167-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Joe C. Morris
Madison County Court of Appeals 02/20/02
Judith Steele vs. Columbia Health Care

W2001-01692-COA-R3-CV
This is a medical malpractice case. Plaintiff's husband, Mr. Steele, arrived at Defendant's emergency room complaining of chest pains. An EKG illustrated that he was suffering a heart attack. Mr. Steele underwent subsequent treatments and an additional EKG. The second EKG was abnormal, and Dr. Urankar, a physician at Defendant's emergency room decided to administer tPA, a "clot busting" drug. While Dr. Urankar was preparing to administer the tPA, Mr. Steele's condition significantly worsened, and he eventually died. At trial, Plaintiff introduced expert testimony from Dr. Carr regarding the applicable standard of care and causation. Defendant objected to portions of Dr. Carr's testimony. The jury awarded Plaintiff damages, and Defendant appeals, citing error in Dr. Carr's testimony. We affirm the decision of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:William B. Acree
Weakley County Court of Appeals 02/19/02
Charles Crews (Dexter Ridge Shopping Center) vs. Michael Cahhal, et al.

W1999-02354-COA-R3-CV
This is a breach of contract case. The plaintiff developer leased space to a corporation for use as a restaurant. The shareholders of the corporation entered into a separate agreement with the developer to guarantee the lease. The corporation defaulted on the lease. The developer filed unlawful detainer warrants in general sessions court against both the corporation and the shareholder guarantors. Thereafter, the corporation filed for bankruptcy, thus staying the general sessions court proceedings as to the corporation. The general sessions court dismissed the entire action, including the claim against the guarantors, because the bankruptcy stay prevented the developer from recovering possession. This decision was appealed to circuit court. Meanwhile, the developer had filed a second lawsuit for breach of contract against the guarantors. The second lawsuit was consolidated with the appeal of the unlawful detainer action pending in circuit court. After a trial, the circuit court affirmed the dismissal of the unlawful detainer action and dismissed the breach of contract action based on the doctrine of former suit pending. This appeal followed. We reverse and remand, finding, inter alia, that the action in general sessions court against the guarantors was for breach of contract and, therefore, recovery of possession of the premises was not required in order to obtain an award of damages against the guarantors.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Karen R. Williams
Shelby County Court of Appeals 02/19/02
Kenneth R. Griffin v. State of Tennessee

E2001-01932-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner, Kenneth R. Griffin, appeals from the trial court's summary dismissal of his petition for post-conviction relief. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-30-206, the trial court entered an order dismissing the petition without an evidentiary hearing. In its order, the trial court made a finding of fact that the petition contained no verification of any facts under oath. Since the petition was devoid of verified facts upon which the trial court could grant relief, it concluded that a dismissal was required. On appeal, the State agrees with Petitioner that the trial court's judgment should be reversed. After a thorough review of the record, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand this case for further proceedings.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Lynn W. Brown
Washington County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/19/02
Alan Miller v. City of Murfreesboro

M2001-01478-COA-R9-CV
In this retaliatory demotion case, the City of Murfreesboro appeals the action of the trial court in denying a Motion for Summary Judgment as to all issues. We find no material evidence in the record to establish that the articulated reason for the demotion of these three police officers, all of whom are established by the record to be honest and competent officers, is pretextual. The judgment of the trial court is reversed, and summary judgment entered for Defendant as to all issues.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:John W. Rollins
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 02/19/02
Anthony Doty vs. Patrick Whalen

W2001-01854-COA-R3-CV
Petitioner-inmate filed a petition for writ of mandamus to require the defendants, prison warden and other officials, to restore visitation privileges of the plaintiff's girlfriend and to expunge from the prison records all references to the revocation of the visitation privileges and to the alleged sexual misconduct that precipitated the revocation. After a nonjury trial, the trial court entered an order of dismissal. Plaintiff has appealed. We affirm as modified and remand for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Dewey C. Whitenton
Hardeman County Court of Appeals 02/19/02
Anne Pope v. Leuty & Heath

M2001-00736-COA-R3-CV
The receivers of a group of insolvent life insurance companies brought a malpractice action against an accounting firm that had performed allegedly negligent audits of the companies. The accounting firm denied any negligence, and filed a third party complaint against its professional liability insurer, requesting payment of benefits under an expired policy. The trial court dismissed the third-party complaint, ruling that the insurance policy was a claims-made policy and that the insurer was no longer obligated to its former insured. The court certified its order as final for purposes of appeal. We have concluded that the trial court was correct, and we affirm its order.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Irvin H. Kilcrease, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Appeals 02/19/02
State of Tennessee v. Kenneth England

E2001-01253-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant pled guilty to three counts of retaliation for past action, a Class E felony, and the trial court sentenced him to four years on community corrections. Three separate violation warrants were subsequently issued against the Defendant. Following a revocation hearing, the trial court revoked the Defendant’s placement on community corrections and ordered that the Defendant serve his original sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The Defendant now appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in revoking his community corrections sentence and ordering him to serve his sentence in confinement. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge E. Shayne Sexton
Campbell County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/19/02
State of Tennessee v. Paul Payne, Jr.

W2001-00216-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Paul Payne, Jr., was convicted in a bench trial of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. The trial court imposed a sentence of 11 months and 29 days and suspended all but 48 hours. The defendant was fined $350.00. In this appeal of right, the defendant complains that the stop of his vehicle was unlawful, that the evidence at trial was insufficient, and that there was no reasonable basis for the administration of the blood alcohol test. The judgment is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III
Tipton County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/19/02
Eric Wallace v. State of Tennessee

W2000-02854-CCA-R3-CD

The petitioner, Eric Wallace, appeals the trial court's denial of his petition for post-conviction relief. The issues presented for review are (1) whether the petitioner received effective assistance of counsel; (2) whether the petitioner was denied the right to a speedy trial; and (3) whether the state used improper impeachment evidence. Because the evidence does not preponderate against the findings of the trial court, the order denying post-conviction relief is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R. Wade
Originating Judge:Judge W. Otis Higgs, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 02/19/02
Dennis Osagie v. Peakload Temporary Services

M2001-00852-COA-R3-CV
An employee of a temporary services agency sued the agency for non-payment of wages and for discrimination. The trial court dismissed the claim for non-payment with prejudice, and the claim for discrimination without prejudice. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Hamilton V. Gayden, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Appeals 02/19/02