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| Stanley Blackwood vs. Patrick Martin & Hardee, Martin, Jaynes, Ivy
W2000-01573-COA-R3-CV
This is a legal malpractice case arising from an underlying criminal conviction. The plaintiff prisoner was convicted on twelve counts, including one count of first degree murder. The plaintiff sued the defendant attorneys for malpractice, alleging, inter alia, that the defendants negligently failed to conduct a thorough investigation and that, after the plaintiff terminated the defendants' services, the defendants improperly retained a portion of the retainer fee paid by the plaintiff for post-trial representation. The defendant attorneys filed a motion to dismiss and/or for summary judgment. The plaintiff then filed a motion seeking the appointment of a court-appointed expert, which was denied. The trial court subsequently granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment. The plaintiff now appeals. We affirm, finding that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in declining to appoint an expert and did not err in granting the defendants' motion for summary judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Jon Kerry Blackwood |
Madison County | Court of Appeals | 02/23/01 | |
| De Lage Financial vs. Earthlab Productions
W2000-02232-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a contract dispute. The Appellant alleges that the Appellees made one payment but then failed to continue making payments as per the terms of the agreement. The Appellees, however, assert that consideration for the contract is lacking. At the close of Plaintiff's proof at trial, Defendants moved for an involuntary dismissal pursuant to Rule 41.02 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, which the trial court granted. For the following reasons, we affirm the decision of the court below.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Kay S. Robilio |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/23/01 | |
| M1999-02810-COA-R9-CV
M1999-02810-COA-R9-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Carol L. Soloman |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 02/23/01 | |
| Jerry LaQuiere, et al vs. Daniel W. McCollum
M1999-00926-COA-R10-CV
This appeal involves a dispute arising out of the sale of a tract of real property in Antioch. After a survey revealed that the size of the tract was significantly less than the size stated in the contract, the purchaser filed suit in the Chancery Court for Davidson County seeking both specific performance of a provision in the contract requiring an adjustment in the purchase price and damages for breach of contract and misrepresentation. The purchaser also filed a lis pendens notice with the Davidson County Register of Deeds. The trial court granted the vendor's motion for summary judgment on the issue of specific performance and ordered the lis pendens notice removed. However, the trial court declined to grant summary judgment on the issue of damages for breach of contract and misrepresentation. We granted the purchaser's Tenn. R. App. P. 10 application for an extraordinary appeal. We now affirm the trial court because we concur with its conclusion that the price adjustment provision in the contract is not clear, definite, and complete.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Irvin H. Kilcrease, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 02/23/01 | |
| Misty L. Cooper vs. Roy K. Norris, et al
E2000-01208-COA-R3-CV
Misty L. Cooper sues Claiborne County Board of Education for breach of a teaching contract she contends was entered into with her. The School Board contends that the offer of employment was contingent upon her passing the National Teachers Examination, which she did not do. The Trial Court found in favor of the Board. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:William M. Dender |
Claiborne County | Court of Appeals | 02/22/01 | |
| Tip and Barbara Terry vs. Scott Botts
E2000-01288-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Michael A. Davis |
Scott County | Court of Appeals | 02/22/01 | |
| Tip and Barbara Terry vs. Scott Botts
E2000-01288-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Michael A. Davis |
Scott County | Court of Appeals | 02/22/01 | |
| Largent Contracting vs. Dement Construction
W1999-02736-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiff-landowner sued county along with road contractor and subcontractor for damages allegedly sustained when the defendant stored a large amount of broken concrete on his land allegedly without his permission and for the defendant's failure to remove the concrete when told to do so. The trial court granted summary judgment to road contractor and the subcontractor, and granted partial summary judgment to the county. After a nonjury trial on the remaining issue as to the county, the trial court entered judgment for the county. Plaintiff appeals as to all three defendants. We reverse in part, affirm in part.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Jon Kerry Blackwood |
Fayette County | Court of Appeals | 02/21/01 | |
| W2000-01548-COA-R3-CV
W2000-01548-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Martha B. Brasfield |
McNairy County | Court of Appeals | 02/21/01 | |
| Janet Scarbrough vs. Edd Scarbrough
W2000-01807-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves issues stemming from the parties' divorce. The trial court terminated Husband's obligation to pay rehabilitative alimony. In addition, the trial court valued Husband's life estate in certain real property at $200,000.00, and the court awarded Wife $100,000.00. Both parties appeal the decision of the trial court. For the following reasons, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:William Michael Maloan |
Weakley County | Court of Appeals | 02/21/01 | |
| Cheryl/Edwin Oliver vs. Earl Quinby
W2000-02158-COA-R3-CV
This case arises out of an automobile accident caused by a pile of carpet lying in the roadway. Plaintiffs allege that the accident was caused by an unknown motorist. Plaintiffs' insurance carrier filed a motion for summary judgment, and the trial court granted the motion. For the following reasons, we affirm the trial court's entry of summary judgment.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Karen R. Williams |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/21/01 | |
| Gloria Lane vs. W.J. Curry
W2000-01580-COA-R3-CV
This case involves a dispute about the responsibility for trees on adjacent properties. The plaintiff and defendant own adjacent properties. Located on the defendant's property are three large oak trees whose branches overhang the plaintiff's roof. The roots from the trees grow onto the plaintiff's property and have infiltrated the plaintiff's sewer lines on several occasions. After a limb from one of the trees fell through the plaintiff's roof, the plaintiff complained to the defendant. The defendant twice sent someone to cut back the trees' branches. The plaintiff continued to complain about the trees, and the defendant refused to provide any additional assistance. This lawsuit ensued. The trial court found that the plaintiff's only remedy was self-help. The plaintiff now appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Robert L. Childers |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/21/01 | |
| Gloria Guinn vs. Lucious Guinn
W1999-01809-COA-R3-CV
This is a post-divorce proceeding pursuant to Tenn.R.Civ.P. 60. Defendant-husband filed a motion to set aside a final decree of divorce granted on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, because there was no written agreement settling property rights. Plaintiff-wife filed a motion pursuant to Rule 60 to amend the final decree of divorce to show that the ground for divorce is inappropriate marital conduct. The trial court denied Husband's motion, granted Wife's motion and entered an amended final decree showing the ground for divorce as inappropriate marital conduct. Husband appeals. We affirm in part and reverse in part.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:George H. Brown |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/21/01 | |
| Shawn Farien vs. Regina Farien
W2000-00656-COA-R3-CV
This is a child custody case. The parties and their minor child lived in Tennessee with the father's parents. The mother moved to Georgia with the child to live with her parents. Custody was awarded to the mother, and the father was granted broad visitation rights. The father appeals. We affirm, finding that the custody award is based in large part on the trial court's determinations of credibility and assessment of the parties' demeanor, and finding that the evidence does not preponderate against the award of custody to the mother.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:D'Army Bailey |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| William Wilson vs. Patricia Wilson
W2000-01384-COA-R3-CV
This is a divorce case in which alimony is in dispute. At trial, the parties stipulated to the grounds for divorce, and the issue of fault was not considered. The trial court awarded the wife alimony in solido of $750 per month until she reached the age of sixty, and specified that it was non-modifiable upon the wife's death or remarriage. The husband appeals. On appeal, we affirm the trial court's decision awarding the wife alimony in solido, and modify the amount to $500 per month until she reaches the age of sixty.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Robert L. Childers |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| Jeffrey Ward vs. Valarie Ward
W2000-01081-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from a change of child custody action. Mother was awarded custody of Child pursuant to a marital dissolution agreement. Thereafter, Mother had sexual relations with a minor. This relationship led to an assault on minor by a third party in the presence of Child. This assault revealed the relationship of Mother and minor to the minor's parents. Pursuant to a deal with the minor's parents, Mother was forced to relocate to another state. When Father discovered the circumstances surrounding this relationship, he petitioned for a change of custody on the basis that Mother had exposed Child to criminal activity. In addition, Father cited Mother's refusal to grant him visitation and charged that she was improperly caring for Child. The trial court found a material change of circumstances requiring a comparison of the fitness of the parents. The court found Father more fit and granted a change of custody. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:George R. Ellis |
Crockett County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| Phillip Page vs. Lucille Page
W2000-01314-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:John R. Mccarroll, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| Shawn Farien vs. Regina Farien
W2000-00656-COA-R3-CV
This is a child custody case. The parties and their minor child lived in Tennessee with the father's parents. The mother moved to Georgia with the child to live with her parents. Custody was awarded to the mother, and the father was granted broad visitation rights. The father appeals. We affirm, finding that the custody award is based in large part on the trial court's determinations of credibility and assessment of the parties' demeanor, and finding that the evidence does not preponderate against the award of custody to the mother.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:D'Army Bailey |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| Phillip Page vs. Lucille Page
W2000-01314-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:John R. Mccarroll, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| William Fann vs. Annette Fann
W2000-02431-COA-R3-CV
Husband sued for divorce, alleging inappropriate marital conduct. Wife filed an answer and counter-complaint, but later dismissed the counter-complaint and chose to contest the divorce. Trial court granted divorce to husband. Wife appeals, alleging that the trial court abused its discretion in granting the divorce on grounds of inappropriate marital conduct without evidence to corroborate husband's allegations and that husband had failed to carry his burden of proving cruel and inhuman treatment. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Ron E. Harmon |
Carroll County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| Lorrie Barnes vs. Richard Barnes
W2000-01285-COA-R3-CV
Father filed a petition for change of custody of the parties' three minor children. After an evidentiary hearing, the trial court found that there had been a material change of circumstances and that a change of custody to Father was in the best interest of the children. Mother has appealed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Don H. Allen |
Madison County | Court of Appeals | 02/20/01 | |
| Ernest Frye vs. Blue Ridge Neuroscience Center, et al
E2000-02155-COA-R9-CV
Plaintiff sued Defendants on November 25, 1998, alleging medical malpractice. Summonses were issued but never served on Defendants or returned to the court. Process was never reissued on the first Complaint. A voluntary nonsuit was entered by the Trial Court on June 8, 1999. On November 22, 1999, Plaintiff refiled a similar lawsuit, process issued, and Defendants were served the next day. Defendants filed summary judgment motions claiming that the statute of limitations had run because Plaintiff failed to have process reissued on the first Complaint as required by Rule 3 of the Tenn. R. Civ. P. Plaintiff claimed compliance with Rule 3, and, therefore, that the second lawsuit was filed within the statute of limitations. The Trial Court denied the summary judgment motions after determining that Defendants had actual notice of the first lawsuit and thus the spirit of the rules had been complied with. The Trial Court granted Defendants' request for an interlocutory appeal. We granted this interlocutory appeal to decide whether Plaintiff can comply with Rule 3 of the Tenn. R. Civ. P. not by obtaining issuance of new process in his original lawsuit within the one year period provided for in Rule 3, but instead by voluntarily dismissing the first lawsuit and refiling a similar lawsuit with the issuance of process in the second lawsuit within the one year period. Our answer is "no." We reverse the decision of the Trial Court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:John S. Mclellan, III |
Sullivan County | Court of Appeals | 02/16/01 | |
| M1998-0987-COA-R12-CV
M1998-0987-COA-R12-CV
|
Court of Appeals | 02/16/01 | ||
| Cynthia Coppage vs. Grady Coppage
E2000-01630-COA-R3-CV
At issue in this divorce case is the trial court's valuation and division of two parcels of real property and the court's decree with respect to the parties' credit card debt. The husband appeals, arguing that the trial court erred (1) in its valuation and division of the two properties; and (2) in denying his post-trial motion to sell the two parcels and divide the proceeds equally. The wife asserts as an additional issue that the husband should be required to place in his sole name the credit card debt assigned to him by the trial court. We find and hold that the wife's request is a reasonable one, and, accordingly, modify the trial court's judgment so as to require the husband to convert the debt over into his name by no later than December 31, 2001. As modified, the judgment is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 02/16/01 | |
| Gary Willingham vs. Gallatin Group, Inc., et al
M1998-00990-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves a dispute between a secured creditor and two local governments regarding the priority of their claims against the proceeds from the sale of the assets of a judicially dissolved corporation. Following a bench trial, the Chancery Court for Sumner County held that the local governments' claims for delinquent business taxes had priority over the claim of the secured creditor. We have determined that the secured creditor's claim should have been given priority over the local governments' claims and, therefore, reverse the judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray |
Sumner County | Court of Appeals | 02/16/01 |