APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Brandi Nicole Sosebee v. John Charles Sosebee, Jr.

E2011-00682-COA-R3-CV

In March of 2011, John Charles Sosebee, Jr. (“Husband”) was found guilty of 69 counts of criminal contempt for violating an order of protection in favor of Brandi Nicole Sosebee (“Wife”). Husband was sentenced to 10 days in jail for each violation, for a total of 690 days. Husband appeals raising several issues including whether he received proper notice that Wife was seeking criminal contempt. We find and hold that Husband did not receive proper notice that criminal contempt was being pursued and should not have been convicted and sentenced accordingly. We, however, hold that the record on appeal supports a finding that Husband violated the order of protection on 69 occasions. We, therefore, modify the judgment to reflect that Husband committed civil contempt, and remand to the Trial Court with direction to set a purge amount and proceed accordingly.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Judge Robert Headrick
Blount County Court of Appeals 05/04/12
Sheila Shults, et al. v. Johnny Richard Talley

E2011-02212-COA-R3-JV

A show cause order was entered in this case on April 13, 2012, directing the appellant to show cause why this appeal should not be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. The appellant has responded to the show cause order, but the argument presented in the response does not appear to present good cause for maintaining this case in this court. The review of the record reveals that the order to which the notice of appeal is directed is not “a final judgment adjudicating all the claims, rights, and liabilities of all parties” from which an appeal as of right would lie. See Tenn. R. App. P. 3(a). Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal.

Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Originating Judge:Judge O. Duane Slone
Cocke County Court of Appeals 05/03/12
In Re: Alessa E.N., Cassondra N.A.N. and Moses C.N.

E2012-00196-COA-R3-PT

A show cause order was entered in this case on March 23, 2012, directing the appellants to show cause why this appeal should not be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. The appellants have responded to the show cause order, but the argument presented in the response does not appear to present good cause for maintaining this case in this court. The review of the record reveals that the order to which the notice of appeal is directed is not “a final judgment adjudicating all the claims, rights, and liabilities of all parties” from which an appeal as of right would lie. See Tenn. R. App. P. 3(a). Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal.

Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Originating Judge:Judge John K. Wilson
Greene County Court of Appeals 05/03/12
Priscilla Lee Slagle v. Lawrence Fred Slagle

E2011-00785-COA-R3-CV

This is a divorce case. The parties are Priscilla Lee Slagle (“Wife”) and Lawrence Fred Slagle (“Husband”). They were married for more than thirty years and, prior to the entry of the divorce judgment, they shared the custody of their adopted grandson (“the Child”). Wife sued for divorce on the grounds of inappropriate marital conduct and irreconcilable differences. Husband filed a counterclaim on the same grounds. At a pre-trial hearing, the court held Husband in contempt for violating the statutorily-mandated injunction prohibiting, among other things, the transferring of or the borrowing against “any marital property.” Following the trial, the court additionally found Husband in contempt (1) for failing to comply with discovery requests and (2) for dissipating marital assets. Husband left the country and did not appear at trial. The court granted Wife a divorce predicated on Husband’s inappropriate marital conduct; designated Wife as the Child’s primary residential parent; and prohibited any contact between Husband and the Child until he had purged himself of contempt. The court classified and divided the parties’ assets, awarded Wife $5,000 a month in alimony in futuro, and set Husband’s child support obligation. Husband appeals. He challenges the contempt findings and some financial aspects of the court’s decree. We reverse that part of the judgment barring contact between Husband and the child and downwardly adjust the award of alimony to $3,200 per month. In all other respects, the judgment is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge John R. Officer
Cumberland County Court of Appeals 04/30/12
H. Jewell Tindell v. Callie A. West, et al.

E2011-01744-COA-R3-CV

A dispute over the extent of lawn being mowed and the manner in which it was being mowed boundary line between the neighboring lots be established and demanded compensatory and punitive damages. The Defendants filed a third-party complaint against their predecessor in title, Sandra Stallings, based upon her alleged misrepresentation in her disclosure to them. After a bench trial, the court awarded the Plaintiff a judgment establishing the boundary according to one of her two surveys, and awarded her the cost of her surveys as damages. The court also ordered the Defendants to remove all encroachments. The court found that Ms. Stallings failed to disclose known encroachments and held her liable to the Defendants for one-half of the cost of the surveys. The Defendants appeal. We reverse that part of the judgment awarding as damages the cost of the surveys. In all other respects, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.

Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Michael W. Moyers
Knox County Court of Appeals 04/30/12
LVNV Funding, LLC as Assignee of Sears Gold Mastercard v. Kevin Mastaw

M2011-00990-COA-R3-CV

This appeal concerns the collection of credit card debt. The plaintiff, a subsequent purchaser of the debt, filed this collection action against the appellant debtor. On appeal, the appellant debtor argues, inter alia, that the trial court erred in admitting into evidence various documents from a previous owner of the debt, pursuant to the hearsay exception for business records under Tenn. R. Evid. Rule 803(6). We hold that two of the exhibits were not appropriately admitted into evidence under the business records exception. Without those exhibits, we find that the evidence preponderates against the trial court’s judgment in favor of the creditor, and reverse.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge Joe P. Binkley, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Appeals 04/30/12
In Re: Roni M.H.

E2011-02691-COA-R3-PT

The Juvenile Court for Bradley County (“the Juvenile Court”), upon a petition by the State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”) and following a trial, terminated the parental rights of Debbie D. (“Mother”) to the minor child Roni M.H. (“the Child”) pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113 (g)(1) and Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113 (g)(3) (2010). Mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. We find and hold that clear and convincing evidence existed to terminate Mother’s parental rights pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113 (g)(1) and Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113 (g)(3), and that clear and convincing evidence existed that the termination was in the Child’s best interest. We, therefore, affirm the Juvenile Court’s order terminating Mother’s parental rights to the Child.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Judge Daniel Swafford
Bradley County Court of Appeals 04/30/12
Paul Vincent Giannini v. Amanda Proffitt

W2011-00342-COA-R3-CV

This appeal involves a limitation of liability in an insurance policy. The plaintiff was working in a volunteer capacity for the city. While doing so, the plaintiff sustained injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of the defendant. The plaintiff’s medical expenses were paid through the city’s on-the-job-injury program. The plaintiff had uninsured motorist coverage under his insurance policy with the appellee insurance company. The appellee insurance company denied the plaintiff’s claim based on language in the policy reducing the insurance company’s liability by sums paid under laws similar to workers’ compensation laws. The insurance company asserted that the city’s on-the-job-injury program was similar to workers’ compensation. The plaintiff filed this lawsuit, and the plaintiff and the insurance company filed cross-motions for summary judgment on the issue of coverage. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the insurance company, finding that the plaintiff’s benefits under the city’s on-the-job-injury program were similar to workers’ compensation. The plaintiff now appeals. We affirm the grant of summary judgment, for the reason stated by the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge James F. Russell
Shelby County Court of Appeals 04/27/12
Donna Bellomy v. AutoZone, Inc.

E2011-00803-COA-R3-CV

The plaintiff in this case is Donna Bellomy. The defendant is a prior employer of hers, AutoZone, Inc. In Bellomy v. AutoZone, Inc., No. E2009-00351-COA-R3-CV, 2009 WL 4059158 (Tenn. Ct. App. E.S., filed Nov. 24, 2009) (“Bellomy I”), we vacated, in part, a summary judgment dismissing the Plaintiff’s entire complaint. We held that the Plaintiff had created genuine issues of material fact with respect to her Tennessee Human Rights Act (“THRA”) claims. On remand, the case progressed through discovery and opening statements, following which the trial court granted a mistrial, holding that the Plaintiff had violated certain rulings made by the court on AutoZone’s motions in limine. The court later granted the defendant partial summary judgment and dismissed the constructive discharge aspect of the Plaintiff’s THRA claims. In the same order, the trial court held the Plaintiff in civil contempt and ruled that the dismissal of the constructive discharge claim was also appropriate as a sanction for violating the court’s rulings entered on AutoZone’s motions. The Plaintiff appeals. We vacate the judgment of dismissal and all other orders of the trial court inconsistent with this opinion and remand for further proceedings.

Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Frank Brown
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 04/27/12
Karen Johnson v. Beverly Nunis and Farmer's Insurance Exchange

W2011-01493-COA-R3-CV

This appeal involves remittitur of a jury verdict. The defendant driver caused a vehicular accident that resulted in substantial personal injuries to the plaintiff. At trial, several witnesses testified to the amount of the plaintiff’s economic damages as well as the noneconomic impact of her injuries. After a trial, the jury returned a special verdict with awards for various categories of economic and non-economic damages. The trial court denied the defendant insurance company’s motion for a new trial but suggested an overall remittitur as to the total verdict. The plaintiff accepted the remittitur under protest and filed this appeal. We affirm the denial of a new trial, reverse the suggestion of remittitur, and reinstate the original jury verdict.

Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge Gina C. Higgins
Shelby County Court of Appeals 04/27/12
Marie McPeake v. Edna Dickson and Bridgette Collette Dickson; and Danny Dickson and wife, Vickie Dickson v. Marie McPeake

W2011-01127-COA-R3-CV

This appeal arises out of a four-day trial over a boundary line dispute. Numerous surveyors and other witnesses testified at trial, and many maps, aerial photographs, survey plats, deeds, and other documents were entered into evidence. The chancellor personally viewed the property in question as well. Thereafter, the court established the boundary line as set forth in the survey plat prepared by the defendants’ surveyor.  The plaintiff contends that this was error. We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge James F. Butler
Henderson County Court of Appeals 04/26/12
The Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Tennessee, et al. v. The Rector, Wardens, and Vestrymen of St. Andrew's Parish, a Tennessee Corporation

M2010-01474-COA-R3-CV

An Episcopal parish in Nashville asserted its intention to disassociate from The Diocese of Tennessee, causing the Diocese to file a declaratory judgment action to determine whether it or the local congregation owned and controlled the real and personal property where the local congregation worshiped. The trial court determined that The Episcopal Church is hierarchical, and based on the canons and constitutions of the Church and its Diocese, ruled that the local parish held the property in trust for the Diocese. The church appealed, and we affirm the trial court’s judgment.
 

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Chancellor Carol L. McCoy
Davidson County Court of Appeals 04/25/12
In Re: Maria B.S. and Anna J.S.

E2011-01784-COA-R3-PT

Father appeals from an order terminating his parental rights, claiming that the order failed to make sufficient findings regarding grounds for termination. We reverse in part, vacate and remand for the preparation of an order that contains the requisite findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Wheeler Rosenbalm
Knox County Court of Appeals 04/25/12
In Re: Dakota C.R. (d/o/b 6/11/2004); Jimmy D.R., Jr. (d/o/b 3/5/2006); Nathaniel E.R. (d/o/b 2/23/2007)

W2010-01946-COA-R3-JV

This appeal arises out of dependency and neglect proceedings regarding three minor children. The circuit court found all three children dependent and neglected, and it found the youngest child had been severely abused. We affirm the dependency and neglect finding and the severe abuse finding with regard to Mother. However, we reverse the severe abuse finding with regard to Father.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:J. Weber McCraw
McNairy County Court of Appeals 04/24/12
Brooks Cotton Company, Inc. v. Bradley F. Williams

W2011-01415-COA-R9-CV

This interlocutory appeal concerns the question of whether a farmer may be considered a merchant for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code Statute of Frauds. Appellant farmer allegedly entered into an oral contract to sell his cotton crop to Appellee cotton company. The farmer failed to deliver the cotton and the cotton company sued for specific performance. The farmer defended the suit by arguing that the alleged oral contract was unenforceable due to the Statute of Frauds. The cotton company countered that the farmer was a merchant for purposes of the merchant exception to the Statute of Frauds. The trial court granted partial summary judgment in favor of the cotton company, finding that the farmer was a merchant for purposes of the Statute of Frauds. We hold that a farmer may be considered a merchant for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code Statute of Frauds, the determination of which is a mixed question of law and fact. However, because the question of whether this particular farmer qualifies as a merchant raises genuine issues regarding the inferences to be drawn from the facts, we reverse the grant of partial summary judgment and remand to the trial court for a trial on the merits.

Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Judge George R. Ellis
Crockett County Court of Appeals 04/23/12
Victor Raymond Peterson v. Kathleen Adelle Peterson

E2011-01928-COA-R3-CV

Husband appeals the trial court’s division of property and award of alimony in solido to Wife. We remand to the trial court for further findings.

Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Mike Davis
Morgan County Court of Appeals 04/23/12
Stephen Todd Mays v. Melissa Gail Mays

M2010-02479-COA-R3-CV

In this divorce action, Husband appeals the trial court’s determination of the amount of his monthly income, grant of alimony in futuro to Wife, amount of child support he was ordered to pay, and denial of the introduction of certain of Husband’s tax records; Husband also contends that the trial court erred in holding him in civil contempt for, inter alia, nonpayment of his spousal and child support obligations. We affirm the court’s determination of the amount of his monthly income and finding that Wife is entitled to alimony. Finding that the evidence preponderates against the trial court’s finding that Wife cannot be rehabilitated, we vacate the award of alimony in futuro and remand the case for the court to reconsider the nature and amount of alimony. We also remand the case for the court to reconsider the amount of child support and, as necessary, to make findings required by the child support guidelines. We affirm the holding that Husband was in civil contempt, but vacate the sentence of 180 days imprisonment. In all other respects the judgment is affirmed.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Judge Clara W. Byrd
Wilson County Court of Appeals 04/23/12
William Mise, et al. v. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, et al.

E2011-01325-COA-R3-CV

This is an appeal from the grant of summary judgment in a medical malpractice case. Virginia Mise was admitted to Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge following complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Several days later, she died following a medical procedure. Her sons filed suit, alleging that Virginia Mise’s treating physicians and nurses failed to comply with the requisite standard of care, causing her death. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge and the treating physicians filed motions for summary judgment. The trial court granted the motions for summary judgment. We affirm the grant of the motions for summary judgment.

Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Donald R. Elledge
Anderson County Court of Appeals 04/23/12
Bobby D. Wall v. Selma Curtis

M2011-01285-COA-R3-CV

Homeowner and Contractor entered into an agreement for the construction of a new house. The contract provided that no changes would be made to the terms and specifications of the contract without a writing describing the changes signed byboth parties. The parties ignored this provision and made changes without preparing change orders. Before the house was completed the parties had a dispute, and the homeowner contracted with someone else to complete her house. Homeowner alleged Contractor breached the contract by walking off the job and refusing to complete the house,and Contractor alleged Homeowner fired him and told him not to return to her property. Contractor sued Homeowner for breach of contract and sought to recover his damages, which included expenses he incurred for materials and labor that Homeowner refused to pay. Homeowner counterclaimed for breach of contract and sought to recover as damages the amount she paid other contractors to complete her house. The trial court found Homeowner committed the first breach and entered judgment for Contractor in the amount of $21,120.69. Homeowner appealed, arguing the evidence did not support the trial court’s judgment. Concluding the evidence supports the trial court’s findings of fact, we affirm the trial court’s judgment in all respects.
 

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Chancellor Laurence M. McMillan, Jr.
Montgomery County Court of Appeals 04/23/12
Wilma J. Solock Smarsh v. David A. Smarsh

E2011-01767-COA-R3-CV

This is a divorce case of a marriage of approximately 34 years. After hearing the evidence, the Trial Judge awarded the divorce to the wife, "equally" divided the parties' marital property, ordered the husband to pay the wife permanent alimony of $500.00 a month, and awarded the wife $10,000.00 in partial payment of her attorney's fees. The husband appealed and contended inter alia that the wife was not entitled to permanent alimony, nor was she entitled to have an award of attorney's fees against him. We affirm the Judgment of the Trial Court.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel Pickens Franks
Originating Judge:Chancellor Frank V. Williams
Morgan County Court of Appeals 04/23/12
Sherrie L. Durham v. Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development by and through James Neeley in his Official Capacity et al.

M2011-01515-COA-R3-CV

This petition was filed pursuant to the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. The petitioner seeks judicial review of an administrative decision by the Tennessee Civil Service Commission to uphold the termination of her employment with the Tennessee Department of Labor. On motion by the petitioner, the entire administrative record was struck from the record in the judicial proceedings. Having no administrative record upon which to review the Department’s decision, the trial court dismissed the petition. We affirm.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Carol McCoy
Davidson County Court of Appeals 04/20/12
Jennifer Lynn Monroe v. Travis Monroe

M2011-01005-COA-R3-CV

Husband appeals an order denying his motion to set aside a default judgment and the final judgment entered in his divorce action. On the facts presented, we hold that the default judgment should have been set aside; accordingly, we reverse the order denying Husband’s motion to set aside, and the case is remanded.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Chancellor Jim T. Hamilton
Lawrence County Court of Appeals 04/19/12
Consulting and Financial Services, Inc., et al. v. John H. Friedmann, Sr.

M2011-00093-COA-R3-CV

This suit arises as a result of the installation of tile flooring in a home. Homeowners sued the contractor for breach of warranty, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment. The trial court awarded $106,103.92 to homeowners and assessed $4,252.00 in discretionary costs. Contractor appeals asserting that, in finding liability, the trial court failed to apply the standard of performance set forth in the contract and that the court erred in calculating and measuring the damages. We have determined that the trial court applied an implied warranty or workmanship rather than the contractual standard; however we have reviewed the evidence de novo and modify the judgment to hold that the contractor breached the contractual standard. We remand the case for a determination of the appropriate amount of damages.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Chancellor Tom E. Gray
Sumner County Court of Appeals 04/19/12
In Re Gina A.

M2011-00956-COA-R3-JV

Mother argues that the divestment of custody of her child from the Department of Children’s Services to a relative in another state constitutes de facto termination of her parental rights. We find no merit to this argument since the parent-child relationship was not terminated by the court’s custody decision.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Franklin L. Russell
Lincoln County Court of Appeals 04/19/12
State of Tennessee ex rel. Amy Trisler v. Scott A. Collins

M2011-01164-COA-R3-JV

Defendant Collins challenges his conviction for criminal contempt, claiming that the evidence was insufficient to convict him and that the use of certain evidence violated his constitutional rights. We affirm the conviction.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Betty K. Adams Green
Davidson County Court of Appeals 04/19/12