APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Mathis T. Vaughn v. State of Tennessee

M2000-00755-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner, Mathis T. Vaughn, filed a Petition for Post-Conviction Relief in the Montgomery County Circuit Court, which the post-conviction court subsequently denied. Petitioner challenges the denial of his petition, raising the following issue: whether the trial court erred in dismissing his Petition for Post-Conviction Relief, based upon a ruling that Petitioner’s allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel were without merit. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the trial court's denial of the Petitioner's Petition for Post-Conviction Relief.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Montgomery County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/29/01
Jack Hutter, vs. Robert Cohen & John Hutter vs. Allen Bray

E1999-01859-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:James B. Scott, Jr.
Blount County Court of Appeals 03/29/01
Steven Hull vs. Susan Hull and Garth Eddy

E2000-02696-COA-R3-CV
In this action to recover proceeds on life insurance policies required by a divorce decree for the children, the Trial Judge held the children were entitled to the proceeds, rather than the beneficiary named in the policies. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:O. Duane Slone
Jefferson County Court of Appeals 03/29/01
Tyrone V. Turner v. State of Tennessee

M2000-01949-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Tyrone V. Turner, appeals the trial court's denial of post-conviction relief. The issue presented for review is whether the petitioner was denied the effective assistance of counsel on direct appeal. The judgment is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge J. S. Daniel
Rutherford County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/29/01
Carolyn Sue Moore v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

W2000-00719-WC-R3-CV
The employer contends this claim is time barred by the statute of limitations and notice provisions and that the award to the workers' scheduled member was excessive. As discussed below, the panel concludes that the judgment of the trial court should be affirmed in all respects.
Authoring Judge: C. Creed Mcginley, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:Robert L. Childers, Judge By Interchange
Moore County Workers Compensation Panel 03/29/01
Dexter L. Williams vs. State

E1999-00871-SC-R11-PC
Authoring Judge: Justice William M. Barker
Originating Judge:W. Dale Young
Blount County Supreme Court 03/29/01
Sandra G. Jackson v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

W1999-01691-WC-R3-CV
The trial court determined that the plaintiff had suffered a 2% permanent partial disability to her right arm and a 3% permanent partial disability to her left arm as the result of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The defendant submits that the awards are excessive and that the testimony of the independent medical evaluator should be disallowed due to his failure to utilize the AMA Guidelines in determining grip strength loss. For the following reasons, we disallow that portion of the independent medical evaluator's testimony dealing with grip strength loss but affirm the trial court's award of vocational disability.
Authoring Judge: J. Steven Stafford, Special Judge
Originating Judge:William Michael Maloan, Chancellor
Obion County Workers Compensation Panel 03/29/01
Blanche Bunch vs. Robert Sharp

E1999-02524-COA-R3-CV
In this boundary line dispute, the Trial Judge established the boundary between the parties' lands and Plaintiff has appealed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Conrad E. Troutman, Jr.
Claiborne County Court of Appeals 03/29/01
Randall B. Coward vs. Blount County

E2000-02378-COA-R3-CV
Randall B. Coward ("Plaintiff") was incarcerated in the Blount County jail after being charged with DUI. Plaintiff claims he was sitting on the bed in his cell when the mattress shifted causing him to fall to the floor, landing on his head. Plaintiff says there was a full size mattress on a twin size frame with the mattress extending over the frame by six to eight inches. Plaintiff sued alleging negligence and/or gross negligence on the part of Blount County ("Defendant"). Defendant filed a summary judgment motion and attached the affidavits of the Sheriff of Blount County and a deputy sheriff. Both of these individuals swear that there were two styles of mattresses in the jail, and both styles fit the bed frames. In response to the summary judgment motion, Plaintiff filed his own affidavit which stated that the mattress extended over the frame by six to eight inches and was a full size mattress on a twin size frame. The Trial Court granted Defendant's summary judgment motion. We conclude there is a genuine issue of material fact, and, therefore, vacate the judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:W. Dale Young
Blount County Court of Appeals 03/29/01
Dexter L. Williams vs. State

E1999-00871-SC-R11-PC
Authoring Judge: Justice William M. Barker
Originating Judge:D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Blount County Supreme Court 03/29/01
Jack Hutter, vs. Robert Cohen & John Hutter vs. Allen Bray

E1999-01859-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:James B. Scott, Jr.
Blount County Court of Appeals 03/29/01
Audie Lowe, et al vs. Bill Goad, et al

E2000-02056-COA-R3-CV
Audie Lowe, Hilda Lowe, and Sheilda Mills ("Plaintiffs") brought this boundary line suit against members of their family, Bill Goad, Mattie Goad, Eugene Olmstead, and Mae Olmstead ("Defendants"). Plaintiffs allege their predecessor-in-title, Arlie Overton, had an agreement with Defendants' predecessor-in-title, Sherman Overton, that a fence ("Fence") would serve as the boundary line. Plaintiffs' deed does not include the disputed area up to the fence. After a trial, the Trial Court dismissed Plaintiffs' complaint, holding that the Fence was not the boundary line by agreement or acquiescence. Plaintiffs appeal. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Billy Joe White
Scott County Court of Appeals 03/29/01
State of Tennessee v. Norman B. Thompson

E2000-01017-CCA-R3-PC

The Defendant, Norman B. Thompson, appeals as of right from the revocation of his probation. We find no abuse of discretion in the revocation; thus, we affirm the judgment of the trial court revoking the Defendant’s probation.

Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Ray L. Jenkins
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/28/01
Susan Weissfeld vs. Steven Weissfeld

E2000-02233-COA-R3-CV
In this divorce action the Trial Court divided marital property, set child support, and granted wife limited rehabilitative alimony. Wife appealed. We affirm, as modified.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Bill Swann
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
James Crawford vs. Ray Thomason, et al

M1998-00926-COA-R3-CV
This appeal stems from a hostile work environment claim involving the Department of Streets and Signs of the City of Murfreesboro. After enduring approximately three years of racial harassment by his immediate supervisors, an employee of the Department of Streets and Signs filed suit in the Chancery Court for Rutherford County against the City of Murfreesboro, the city manager, and his two supervisors seeking damages and injunctive relief under the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The City moved for summary judgment, pointing out that the offending supervisors had been terminated less than one month after the employee brought their conduct to the attention of the public works director. The trial court granted the summary judgment and dismissed the complaint. The employee has appealed. After reviewing the record in light of the principles announced in Parker v. Warren County Util. Dist., 2 S.W.3d 170 (Tenn. 1999), we have determined that the City is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. Accordingly, we affirm the summary judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Robert E. Corlew, III
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
X2010-0000-XX-X00-XX

X2010-0000-XX-X00-XX

Originating Judge:Dale C. Workman
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
City of Knoxville, et al vs. Robert J. Taylor, et al

E2000-02329-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal from a judgment entered in the Chancery Court for Knox County imposing certain punishment as to two members of the Knoxville Police Force, Officer Robert J. Taylor and his father, Sergeant Dick Taylor. The Administrative Hearing Officer at the initial hearing found no misconduct on the part of the Taylors which would justify any penalty. The Taylors appeal contending the Chancellor was in error and there was substantial and material evidence to support the Hearing Officer's determination. As to Sergeant Taylor we reverse the Chancellor's determination and as to Officer Taylor we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Sharon J. Bell
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Robert M. Sneed v. State of Tennessee

E2000-02213-CCA-R3-PC

The Defendant was convicted of DUI, second offense, and driving on a revoked license, second offense. His convictions were affirmed on direct appeal, and he subsequently filed for post-conviction relief, which was denied. In this appeal, the Defendant contends that the post-conviction court erred in denying his request for post-conviction relief, arguing that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel at trial; that he was denied a fair trial because the trial judge refused to recuse himself; and that the post-conviction court erred in refusing to admit certain evidence. We affirm the denial of the Defendant's request for post-conviction relief.

Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge R. Jerry Beck
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/28/01
Keith Pfister vs. Tammy Searle (Moretti)

M2000-01921-COA-R3-JV
The appellant appeals from the trial court's judgment finding her in criminal and civil contempt for violation of an order establishing visitation for the father of her child. Because the appellant was not provided the notice required for criminal contempt, we vacate that holding; because the appellant complied with the court's order to produce her child, thereby purging her civil contempt, that judgment is now moot, and we decline to address it.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Lonnie R. Hoover
Williamson County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
State of Tennessee v. Donald Johnson, Jr.

W2000-00875-CCA-R3-CD

Defendant was convicted by a Shelby County jury of felony murder and received a life sentence. In this appeal, defendant alleges: (1) the trial court erred in failing to suppress both his oral and written statements given to authorities; and (2) the state improperly exercised its peremptory challenges based upon race and gender. Upon our review, we are unable to resolve the suppression issue due to inadequate findings of fact and, therefore, remand for further findings regarding the oral and written statements. We conclude the trial court correctly ruled that there were legitimate race and gender-neutral reasons for the peremptory challenges. The judgment of the trial court is vacated, and the case is remanded for further findings and/or proceedings.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge Bernie Weinman
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/28/01
E2000-01331-C0A-R3-CV

E2000-01331-C0A-R3-CV

Originating Judge:Sharon J. Bell
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Doris Tipton vs. Elizabeth Quinn

M1998-00951-COA-R3-CV
This is a breach of contract case involving agreements for Defendant to board and breed Plaintiff's horses for a share of the resulting foals. Shortly after the parties entered into an oral agreement, Defendant memorialized the agreement in a handwritten note. The agreement was subsequently reduced to more detailed writings by Plaintiff, which both parties signed. Plaintiff later claimed that Defendant breached portions of the agreement which required her to timely breed the mares, provide insurance, adequately care for and maintain the horses, provide adequate veterinary care for the horses, allow inspection of the horses, and halter-break foals. Defendant claimed that the agreement prepared by Plaintiff did not reflect the parties' original oral contract. The trial court granted Plaintiff partial summary judgment on the portion of her breach of contract claim alleging that Defendant failed to obtain insurance. After a bench trial, the court awarded Plaintiff compensatory damages for breach of contract as well as attorney's fees. Defendant appeals those decisions. We affirm as modified.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray
Sumner County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
2000-02223-COA-R3-CV

2000-02223-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:Dale C. Workman
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Lisa Venable vs. Boyd Venable

E2000-01543-COA-R3-CV
This divorce action was filed November 12, 1998. All issues involving money were contested: marital assets, debts, child support, attorney fees, costs.
Authoring Judge: Sr. Judge William H. Inman
Originating Judge:Richard E. Ladd
Sevier County Court of Appeals 03/28/01
Michael Dawn Frisbey v. Dorothy Marie Frisbey

M1999-00717-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Robert E. Corlew, III
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 03/28/01