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Eddie Heath, v. Jayne S. Creson, Waylon Wininger, and Pat Hutchinson, and A.C. Gilless
02A01-9505-00105
In this action, Plaintiff Eddie Heath (“Heath”) filed a pro se complaint for declaratory judgment to determine whether he provides a taxable service under the Business Tax Act. Heath brought suit against A.C. Gilless (“Gilless”), the Shelby County Sheriff, Jayne S. Creson (“Creson”), the Shelby County Clerk, as well as two employees of the Shelby County Clerk’s Office, Waylon Wininger (“Wininger”) and Pat Hutchinson (“Hutchinson”). The trial court dismissed Heath’s complaint, finding that it failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly Kirby Lillard
Originating Judge:Chancellor C. Neal Small |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 12/04/01 | |
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State of Tennessee v. Garland Godsey
E2000-01944-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was tried and convicted of second degree murder in the Cumberland County Criminal Court in connection with an aggravated assault of a bar patron who died approximately one month later. The trial court sentenced the defendant as a violent offender to 25 years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the defendant takes issue with the trial court's failure to instruct the jury on "diminished capacity" and with the length of the sentence he received. Based upon our review, we affirm the judgment below.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Leon C. Burns, Jr. |
Cumberland County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/04/01 | |
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State of Tennessee, v. Michael Anthony Pike
02C01-9509-CC-00261
The Appellant, Michael Anthony Pike, appeals as of right his sentences for simple possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He argues on appeal that the trial judge erred by not placing him in community corrections or, in the alternative, by not giving him the minimum statutory sentences. After a careful review of the record on appeal, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge William M. Barker
Originating Judge:Judge Julian P. Guinn |
Henry County | Court of Appeals | 12/04/01 | |
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Tommy Wayne Simpson v. State of Tennessee
E2000-02993-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant appeals from the dismissal of his petition for writ of habeas corpus. We conclude that the State of Tennessee never surrendered jurisdiction over defendant and that defendant's sentence did not expire. We accordingly affirm the judgment from the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge E. Eugene Eblen |
Morgan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/04/01 | |
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Lori Lee Grissom (Brown) v, Jeffrey Donald Grissom
03A01-9607-CV-00219
This appeal came on to be heard upon the record from the Circuit Court of Knox County and briefs filed on behalf of the respective parties. Upon consideration thereof, this Court is of the opinion that there is reversible error in the trial court's judgment.
Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Originating Judge:Judge Bill Swann |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 12/04/01 | |
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State of Tennessee, Elton Donald Bowers, A/K/A Rashid Qawwi
02C01-9509-CC-00282
The defendant, Elton Donald Bowers, also known as Rashid Qawwi, was convicted of aggravated robbery and possession of a weapon with the intent to employ in the commission of the robbery. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-402 and Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-307. The trial court ordered the weapons conviction merged with the aggravated robbery, classified the defendant as a career offender, and imposed a thirty-year sentence.
Authoring Judge: Judge Gary R. Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Franklin Murchison |
Madison County | Court of Appeals | 12/04/01 | |
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State of Tennessee, v. Robert Willis Chance, Jr.
02C01-9605-CC-00178
The appellant, Robert Willis Chance, pled guilty to one count of second degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the sentences were to be served concurrently. The Hardin County Circuit Court imposed a sentence of twenty-three years for each conviction. In his sole issue, the appellant contends that the trial court erred in imposing twenty-three year sentences because of the misapplication of Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210 (1995 Supp.), regarding the presumptive sentence of a class A felony.
Authoring Judge: Judge David G. Hayes
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Hardin County | Court of Appeals | 12/04/01 | |
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In re: Ernest L. White, Conservatorship, v. Loretta DeLoach, Substitute Conservator
01A01-9704-PB-00154
This appeal involves the adequacy of a conservator’s accounting of a disabled person’s estate. After the conservator filed her final accounting in the Probate Court of Davidson County, the personal representative of the disabled person’s estate objected to the accuracy and completeness of the accounting. The probate court conducted a bench trial and approved the conservator’s amended final accounting. On this appeal, the personal representative asserts that the final accounting was irregular and that the conservator has failed to account for all of the disabled person’s funds. We have determined that the conservator’s final accounting cannot be reconciled and, therefore, that the order approving the final accounting must be vacated.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Paul Kevin Nelson, v. The Application Group, Inc.
01A01-9703-CV-00137
I concur with the court’s conclusion that The Application Group, Inc. is entitled to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 60.02(1) relief under the facts of this case. However, I have prepared this separate opinion to state that I do not concur with the court’s sweeping conclusion that “Rule 60.02(1) relief should be granted when the lawyer realizes his [or her] oversight and takes steps to correct it.” I know of no precedent for the notion that efforts to correct an error, by themselves, are always enough to entitle a lawyer to post-judgment relief. They are only one of the many factors to consider when engaging in the fact-intensive analysis required by Tenn. R. Civ. P. 60.02(1).
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
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Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Metropolitan Nashville Fire Fighters Association Local 763 and B.R. Hall, Jr., v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, et al.
01A01-9701-CH-00019
This case is before the Court on appeal from the Chancery Court of Davidson
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Chancellor Irvin H. Gilcrease, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Jack Jordan, v. Frances J. Marchetti
01A01-9607-CH-00340
This case involves an action for rescission of a deed to land allegedly procured through promissory fraud and duress. The trial court dismissed the case on the grounds that it had been brought after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly Kirby Lillard
Originating Judge:Chancellor Cornelia A. Clark |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Ron M Artin v. Blount County , Tennessee
E2000-01138-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employer appeals and contends the trial court erred in finding the employee to be 1 percent disabled because no expert medical proof established permanency of the disability. We sustain the contention of the employer and reverse the award of permanent disability. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Blount County Circuit Court Reversed. HOWELL N. PEOPLES, SP. J., in which WILLIAM M. BARKER, JR., JUSTICE, and JOHN K. BYERS, SR. J., joined. Michael K. Atkins, Knoxville, Tennessee, for the Appellant Blount County, Tennessee Kevin Shepherd, Maryville, Tennessee, for the Appellee Ron Martin MEMORANDUM OPINION Background Facts Plaintiff, Ron Martin (Martin) was employed by the Blount County Sheriff's Department as a criminal investigator on June 16, 1993. That day, Martin, in the course and scope of his employment, investigated a fire scene at Pope's Plant Farm. There is no 1 indication that Martin had any health problems prior to this time. While investigating the fire scene, Martin became ill. He also found evidence that Malathion and other pesticides were present in the building at the time of the fire. Martin returned to work the next day but went home after becoming sick at work. Martin first sought treatment from his family physician, Dr. Kim Cline. Later, Martin was seen by Dr. Marek Pienkowski, an immunologist. In the course of his treatment, Martin was also seen by Drs. Hargrove, Porter and Warwick, though no proof was submitted regarding either the treatment provided or the opinions formed by these physicians. An independent medical examination was performed by Dr. Arnold Hudson, Jr., a pulmonologist On November 8, 1993, according to Dr. Pienkowski, Martin reached maximum medical improvement. Martin returned to work with the only restriction being that "it is absolutely essential that he avoid all chemical exposure." This prevented Martin from resuming his duties as an arson investigator. For approximately one year, Martin remained with the Blount County Sheriff's department primarily performing clerical duties. From January 1995 through July 1997, Martin worked in various positions with the Blount County Court Clerk's office. Martin was employed by Blount County for almost four years after he reached maximum medical improvement before he was placed on disability retirement. From the date of exposure, Martin complained of joint pain, lethargy, and fatigue. These symptoms caused Martin to be unable to perform the light clerical duties he was assigned upon his return to the Sheriff's Department and resulted in him being placed in the Court Clerk's office. Despite being moved to another position, Martin remained unable to perform the tasks assigned to him. The parties stipulated the June 16, 1993 injury was compensable and agreed upon the appropriate compensation rate. No outstanding medical bills were left unpaid, nor were there any issues regarding the payment or non-payment of temporary total disability benefits. The only issue at trial was whether Martin suffers from a permanent vocational disability. As proof on this issue, the depositions of three physicians, Drs. Cline, Pienkowski, and Hudson, and two vocational experts, Drs. Nadolsky and Caldwell, were submitted, and the testimony of Martin and Dale Gorley, chief of detectives of the Blount County Sheriff's Department was heard. The trial court found that Martin suffers from a 1% total vocational disability. Blount County appeals this finding. Standard of Review The extent of vocational disability is a question of fact to be determined from all of the evidence, including lay and expert testimony. Nelson v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 8 S.W.3d 625, 628 (Tenn. 1999); Worthington v. Modine Mfg. Co., 798 S.W.2d 232, 234 2
Authoring Judge: Howell N. Peoples, Special Judge
Originating Judge:W. Dale Young, Circuit Court Judge |
Blount County | Workers Compensation Panel | 12/03/01 | |
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Patricia Ann Wolfe, Bette L. Roberts, Patricia Pelton, Odie L. Mann, Boyd Stubblefield, and Richard G. Ray vs. The University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee Space Institute - Concurring
01A01-9611-CH-00514
I concur with the results of the Court’s opinion. Based on my independent review of the evidence both in support of and in opposition to the motion for summary judgment, I have determined that the six plaintiffs have not produced evidence from which a jury could reasonably conclude that the reasons given by the University of Tennessee Space Institute for the adverse employment actions taken against each of the plaintiffs were pretextual or that the employment actions were taken for prohibited reasons.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
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Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | ||
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Southern Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc., v. Ashland Healthcare Center, Inc., et. al.
01A01-9607-CH-00345
Defendant Ashland Healthcare Center, Inc. (Ashland), appeals the judgment entered against it in this breach of contract action. The contract at issue was between Plaintiff/Appellee Southern Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. (Southern Rehab), andOakmont Healthcare Center (Oakmont). In imposing liability against Ashland, the trial court ruled that Pete Prins, the administrator of Oakmont and an employee of third-party defendant Monarch Nursing Homes, Inc. (Monarch), had the authority to bind Ashland to the contract between Southern Rehab and Oakmont. For the reasons hereinafter stated, we reverse the judgment against Ashland and remand for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Chancellor Leonard W. Martin |
Cheatham County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Steven Ray Norfleet v. J. W. Goad Construction, Inc.,
M2001-00425-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this case, the employer and its insurer contend (1) the action is time barred, (2) the claim is barred by the plaintiff's failure to give timely notice, (3) the award of benefits is excessive, (4) the award of bad faith sanctions is erroneous, and (5) the trial court erred in awarding attorney fees for the collection of unpaid medical expenses. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the award of attorney fees against the employer should be vacated, and the judgment otherwise affirmed.1 Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed as Modified. JOE C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., in which FRANK F. DROWOTA, III, J., and HAMILTON V. GAYDEN, JR, SP. J., joined. D. Brett Burrow and Gordon C. Aulgur, Nashville, Tennessee, for the appellants, J. W. Goad Construction, Inc., Sue Goad, Executrix for the estate of Jackie W. Goad, deceased, and Maryland Casualty Company. Thomas R. Meeks and Gregory D. Smith, Clarksville, Tennessee, for the appellee, Steven Ray Norfleet. MEMORANDUM OPINION 1 Because the Ru le 59 motio n has no t been add ressed by the trial c ourt, the appeal may be premature. However, because the injury occurred more than eight years ago, we have elec ted to add ress the m erits of the appeal. This case needs to be finally resolved. This civil action was commenced on October 1, 1996 following voluntary dismissal of a timely filed complaint on August 14, 1995. No issue was raised in the answer to the second complaint as to its timeliness. Following a trial on the merits on July 31, 2, the trial court awarded permanent partial disability benefits based on 63 percent to the body as a whole, discretionary costs, bad faith penalties, temporary total disability benefits and medical expenses. The judgment was filed on October 3, 2. On November 14, 2, the trial court awarded attorney fees of $19,5. pursuant to 5-6-24(b)(2).2 Although the defendant had filed a timely Tenn. R. Civ. P. 59 motion, the award of attorney fees appears from the record to be unrelated to that motion. On February 26, 21, the trial court ordered the appellants to provide medical treatment for the appellee, pending appeal. So did a Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel. At the time of the trial, the injured employee or claimant was 45 years old. He was injured on April 1, 1993, when he fell from a scaffold. The treating physician, Dr. Steven McLaughlin treated him for multiple injuries, including an elbow injury, a shoulder injury and carpal tunnel syndrome, all causally related to the fall, as well as a knee injury occurring during rehabilitation. Permanent impairment ratings of 5 percent to the elbow, 1 percent to the shoulder and 1 percent to the wrist were estimated by the doctor. The claimant has not returned to work for the same employer. Relying largely on the testimony of Dr. McLaughlin, the trial court awarded, inter alia, permanent partial disability benefits based on 63 percent to the body as a whole and temporary total disability benefits for 51 2/7th weeks. Appellate review of findings of fact is de novo upon the record of the trial court accompanied by a presumption of correctness of the findings, unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(2). This tribunal is not bound by the trial court's findings but instead conducts an independent examination of the record to determine where the preponderance lies. Galloway v. Memphis Drum Serv., 822 S.W.2d 584, 586 (Tenn. 1991). Where the trial judge has seen and heard the witnesses, especially if issues of credibility and weight to be given oral testimony are involved, considerable deference must be accorded those circumstances on review, because it is the trial court that had the opportunity to observe the witnesses' demeanor and to hear the in-court testimony. Long v. Tri-Con Ind., Ltd., 996 S.W.2d 173, 178 (Tenn. 1999). The appellate tribunal, however, is as well situated to gauge the weight, worth and significance of deposition testimony as the trial judge. Walker v. 2 (2) In addition to any attorney fees provided for pursuant to the provisions of _ 5 -6-22 6, a co urt ma y award attorney fees and reasonable costs to include reaso nable and nece ssary court repo rter expenses a nd exp ert witness fees for depo sitions and trials incurred when the employer fails to furnish appropriate med ical, surgica l and dental treatment or care, medicine, medical and surgical supplies, crutches, artificial me mbe rs and other a ppa ratus to an employee provided for pursuant to a settlement or judgment under this chapter. -2-
Authoring Judge: Joe C. Loser, Jr., Sp. J.
Originating Judge:Carol Catalano, Chancellor |
Montgomery County | Workers Compensation Panel | 12/03/01 | |
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Ronald D. McKinna, v. Lasco, Inc.
02A01-9604-CH-00083
We have for consideration a thoughtful petition to re-hear in which the employer insists that our enquiry was abortive since we failed (1) to examine the proffered reason for the employee’s termination, (2) to examine the plaintiff’s evidence of pretext, and (3) to find that age discrimination was a motivating factor in the determination.
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
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Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Montee H. Carrutheres Johnson, v. Nathan Johnson
02A01-9603-CH-00061
This is a divorce case involving an Illinois decree. An Illinois court granted a divorce to the husband and awarded the marital residence in Tennessee to the husband. The Tennessee trial court enforced the Illinois court’s award of property, and the wife appeals. Because the Illinois court did not have personal jurisdiction over the wife, we reverse and remand.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly Kirby Lillard
Originating Judge:Chancellor D. J. Alissandratos |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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United American Bank of Memphis, v. Mylan Financial Services, Inc. and Stanley R. Waxman, Stanley R. Waxman, v. United American Bank of Memphis
02A01-9605-CV-00094
This case involves an action to recover on a loan guarantee. The trial court entered a
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly Kirby Lillard
Originating Judge:Judge Janice M. Holder |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Prism Partners, L.P., v. Michael D. Figlio, v. Prism Partners, L.P. Larry Cherry
01A01-9703-CV-00103
In this unlawful detainer action, Defendant Michael D. Figlio appeals the trial court’s final judgment which held that Plaintiff/Appellee Prism Partners, L.P., had free and clear 2 title to the subject property, ordered Figlio to vacate the subject property, and dismissed Figlio’s counterclaim for conspiracy. The trial court’s judgment also dismissed Figlio’s thirdparty complaint for fraud and conspiracy against Third-Party Defendant/Appellee Larry Cherry. For the reasons hereinafter stated, we affirm in part and reverse in part the trial court’s judgment, and we remand for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Barbara N. Haynes |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 12/03/01 | |
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Knox County Education Association v. Knox County Board of Education, et al.
E2000-01019-COA-R3-CV
This is an action brought by the Knox County Education Association seeking a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief against the Knox County Board of Education and its then-superintendent, Allen Morgan. The trial court found that provisions of a private act granting tenure to principals employed in the Knox County School System were repealed and superseded by the enactment in 1992 of a public act, the Education Improvement Act, and that the private act, to the extent that it conflicts with the general law, violates Article XI, Section 8 of the Tennessee Constitution. The trial court further found that Knox County principals are not members of the bargaining unit represented by the Knox County Education Association as to the subjects of performance, accountability, and contract renewal. The Knox County Education Association appeals, arguing (1) the trial court erred in finding that provisions of the private act were repealed by the Education Improvement Act and (2) the trial court erred in concluding that school principals are not members of the bargaining unit as to the subjects of performance, accountability, and contract renewal. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor John F. Weaver |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 12/02/01 | |
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Roger M. Gardner v. State of Tennessee
E2000-02270-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, Roger M. Gardner, appeals the order of the Sullivan County Criminal Court denying his petition for post-conviction relief. A Sullivan County jury found the petitioner guilty of attempted aggravated kidnapping, and the trial court subsequently sentenced him to serve eight years as a Range II multiple offender. The petitioner challenged his conviction on direct appeal, and this Court affirmed his conviction. State v. Roger Morris Gardner, No. 03C01-9712-CR-00524, 1999 WL 486847, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. at Knoxville July 13, 1999). Subsequently, the petitioner filed for post-conviction relief, alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, judicial misconduct, the trial court's lack of jurisdiction, and denial of statutory rights. The post-conviction court denied the petition, and the petitioner now brings this appeal alleging ineffective assistance of counsel. For the following reasons, we find that none of these allegations merit relief and therefore affirm the decision of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 11/30/01 | |
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Karmen Lane v. Richard Lane
M2000-01135-COA-R3-CV
This appeal challenges an award of child support which did not include private school tuition of the minor daughter, a division of property that did not take into account alleged dissipation of assets by the husband, a child support award that did not deviate upwards from the Guidelines because of lack of visitation, and a finding of criminal contempt. Also at issue is whether the trial court erred in awarding alimony in futuro rather than rehabilitative alimony. We affirm the judgment of the trial court with respect to all issues except to hold that pursuant to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines, private school tuition is an "extraordinary educational expense" which husband obligor must pay.
Authoring Judge: Judge John A. Turnbull
Originating Judge:Muriel Robinson |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 11/30/01 | |
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State of Tennessee v. John D. Pass
E2000-02266-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant appeals from his conviction for aggravated assault and his sentence. We conclude that there was sufficient evidence to support the conviction for aggravated assault. The imposition of a six (6)-month jail term pursuant to a sentence of five (5) years in split confinement is appropriate. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Richard R. Baumgartner |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 11/30/01 | |
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Raymond Mueller v. Denise Mueller
M2001-00098-COA-R3-CV
In this appeal of a divorce decree, the husband argues that the rehabilitative alimony awarded to the wife is excessive, and that his visitation schedule unnecessarily limits the time he can spend with his son. We affirm the award of rehabilitative alimony, but reduce its duration to three years. We also remand this case to the trial court for reconsideration of the visitation schedule.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Jeffrey S. Bivins |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 11/30/01 | |
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In Re: Kiersten Cierra Burchette
E2010-02132-COA-R3-JV
This lawsuit involves whether custody of Kiersten Cierra Burchette (the "Child") should be changed from Carey A. Bible ("Mother") to Chadwick J. Burchette ("Father"). Father filed an emergency petition seeking custody. Father claimed, among other things, that the Child was being sexually abused by Mother's boyfriend. Although the emergency petition eventually was dismissed, the Juvenile Court did designate Father as the Child's primary residential parent. The Juvenile Court, however, specifically reserved ruling on who should pay certain medical expenses as well as a bill for the deposition of Father's private investigator. The Juvenile Court also reserved ruling on all child support issues. Mother appeals. We dismiss this appeal for lack of a final judgment.
Authoring Judge: D. Michael Swiney, J.
Originating Judge:A. Benjamin Strand, Jr., Judge |
Cocke County | Court of Appeals | 11/29/01 |