https://www.tncourts.gov/ The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) provides information about all levels of state courts and searchable databases of opinions, state code, and other legal information. en https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/28/state-tennessee-v-amanda-suzanne-ross <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Amanda Suzanne Ross</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-00978-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Jill Bartee Ayers</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Russell Parkes</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-28T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Defendant, Amanda Suzanne Ross, appeals her conviction for driving under the influence, first offense. She contends that the trial court erred in denying her motion to dismiss the indictment because it was untimely under Tennessee Code Annotated sections 40‑2‑102(a) and 40-2-104. Upon review of the entire record, the briefs and oral arguments of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.</p></div> Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:58:36 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11923844 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Maury https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/28/gregory-shane-owens-et-al-v-matt-machado-et-al <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Gregory "Shane" Owens et al. v. Matt Machado et al.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-01147-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Valerie L. Smith</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Michael Wayne Collins</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-28T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This appeal arises from the trial court’s judgment finding the defendant did not fraudulently misrepresent that he was a licensed contractor. Discerning no error, we affirm</p></div> Wed, 28 Oct 2026 14:32:27 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11923827 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Wilson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/28/state-tennessee-v-amanda-r-mobley-henry <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Amanda R. Mobley Henry</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-02071-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Jill Bartee Ayers</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Suzanne Lockert-Mash</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-28T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Defendant, Amanda R. Mobley Henry, appeals the trial court’s order revoking her six year probationary sentence for financial exploitation of an elderly person and ordering her to serve the balance of her sentence in confinement. Defendant argues that the trial court abused its discretion by finding that she absconded from supervision and by fully revoking her probation. Following our review of the entire record, the briefs of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.</p></div> Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:14:02 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11923828 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Dickson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/28/kathryn-march-v-don-daniel-march <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>KATHRYN MARCH V. DON DANIEL MARCH</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2026-01515-COA-T10B-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">John W. McClarty, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Christopher D. Heagerty, Jr., Chancellor</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-28T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This is an accelerated interlocutory appeal as of right. The petitioner seeks review of the<br>trial court’s denial of his motion for recusal. Discerning no error upon our review of the<br>petition for recusal appeal, we affirm.</p></div> Wed, 28 Oct 2026 18:35:50 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11923839 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Knox https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/28/young-contractingse-inc-v-pitt-excavating-llc <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Young Contracting/SE, Inc. v. Pitt Excavating, LLC</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-01651-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Andy D. Bennett</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Chancellor Russell T. Perkins</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-28T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>A general contractor sued a subcontractor, alleging breach of contract. After a bench trial, the trial court found in favor of the general contractor and awarded damages and attorney’s fees. The subcontractor appealed. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm and remand for a determination of the general contractor’s appellate attorney’s fees.</p></div> Wed, 28 Oct 2026 18:44:35 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11923841 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Davidson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/28/re-knoxlee-b <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>IN RE KNOXLEE B.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01611-COA-R3-PT</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">John W. McClarty, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Amanda Worley, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-28T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This action involves the termination of a mother’s parental rights to her minor child.<br>Following a bench trial, the court found that clear and convincing evidence established<br>several grounds of termination and that termination was in the best interest of the child.<br>We now affirm.</p></div> Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:09:51 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11923842 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Cumberland https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/27/re-preston-h <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>In Re Preston H.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2026-00214-COA-R3-PT</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Carma Dennis McGee</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Chancellor Michael Mansfield</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-27T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/27/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2026-00214-COA-R3-PT-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This appeal involves a petition for terminationof parental rights and stepparent adoption. The chancery court found that the grounds of abandonment by failure to visit and abandonment by failure to support were proven by clear and convincing evidence. The court also determined that the termination of parental rights was in the best interest of the child. The mother appeals. We affirm.</p></div> Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:30:56 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11923843 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Crockett https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/27/state-tennessee-v-michael-b-hurst <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Michael B. Hurst</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-02047-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert H. Montgomery</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Hector Sanchez</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-27T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/27/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-02047-CCA-R3-CD-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Defendant, Michael B. Hurst, was convicted by a Knox County Criminal Court jury<br>of unlawful possession of a weapon by a violent felon, a Class B felony, and violation of<br>the seat belt law, a Class C misdemeanor, and received an effective thirty-year sentence.<br>See T.C.A. §§ 39-17-1307(b)(1)(A) (Supp. 2021) (subsequently amended) (unlawful<br>possession of a weapon), 55-9-603 (2024) (seat belt law). He appeals the trial court’s<br>denial of his motion to suppress evidence seized during a traffic stop and contends the<br>evidence is insufficient to support the firearm conviction. We affirm the judgments of the<br>trial court.</p></div> Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:45:53 +0000 terri.lomax@tncourts.gov 11921485 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Knox https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/27/state-tennessee-v-kevin-ray-roark <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Kevin Ray Roark</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01419-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Camille R. McMullen</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Alex E. Pearson</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-27T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/27/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01419-CCA-R3-CD-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Defendant, Kevin Ray Roark, was convicted by a Greene County jury of driving under<br>the influence, a Class A misdemeanor, in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section<br>55‑10‑401 and received a suspended sentence of eleven months and twenty‑nine days with<br>ninety days to serve. On appeal, the Defendant argues (1) that the trial court violated his<br>constitutional right to present a defense and Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 16 by<br>excluding his proffered expert witness; (2) that the trial court erred under Tennessee Rule<br>of Evidence 702 and McDaniel v. CSX Transportation, Inc., 955 S.W.2d 257, 263-65<br>(Tenn. 1997) by admitting the State’s drug‑impairment expert without conducting the<br>required reliability analysis; (3) that the trial court improperly denied his Rule 29 motion<br>for judgment of acquittal; and (4) that the evidence was insufficient to support his<br>conviction under Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (1979). Based upon our review, we<br>affirm the judgment of the trial court.</p></div> Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:43:30 +0000 terri.lomax@tncourts.gov 11921484 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Greene https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/27/wesley-skatzes-v-pamela-skatzes <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>WESLEY SKATZES v. PAMELA SKATZES</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01462-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Valerie L. Smith, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Richard B. Armstrong, Jr., Chancellor</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-27T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/27/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01462-COA-R3-CV-OPN%20%281%29.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This is an appeal from a divorce involving one minor child. Appellant claims that the trial<br>court erred in multiple ways when valuing and distributing the marital estate. He also<br>challenges his limited and restricted parenting time in the permanent parenting plan entered<br>by the court. Because the record is insufficient to support the valuation of certain items<br>within the marital estate, we vacate that portion of the trial court’s judgment. Further, the<br>trial court’s order lacks sufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law related to the<br>permanent parenting plan. Accordingly, we vacate the permanent parenting plan and<br>remand for further proceedings. The remainder of the judgment is affirmed.</p></div> Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:45:31 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11921487 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Knox https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/26/state-tennessee-v-agness-mccurry <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Agness McCurry</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2026-01660-CCA-R10-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"><b>Dispositive Order</b></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Per Curiam</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-26T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/26/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2026-01660-CCA-R10-CORD.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The pro se Defendant, Agness McCurry, has filed an application for extraordinary<br>appeal, see Tenn. R. App. P. 10, seeking review of the trial court’s October 8, 2026 denial<br>of a motion for judgment of acquittal. We have determined that a response from the State<br>is not necessary in this matter. Tenn. R. App. P. 10(d). Upon review of the application,<br>we conclude that the Defendant has not demonstrated grounds for extraordinary relief<br>under Rule 10. Accordingly, the application is DENIED.</p></div> Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:43:12 +0000 terri.lomax@tncourts.gov 11919143 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Washington https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/26/derry-m-thompson-et-al-v-timothy-graham-et-al <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>DERRY M. THOMPSON ET AL. v. TIMOTHY A. GRAHAM ET AL.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2024-00568-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Kristi M. Davis</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Deborah C. Stevens, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-26T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/26/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2024-00568-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>After years of litigation, the parties reached a settlement agreement in a case. One of the<br>parties attempted to avoid the settlement agreement, and the other party filed a motion to<br>enforce. Following an evidentiary hearing, the trial court granted the motion, finding that<br>the parties had entered into an enforceable settlement agreement. The trial court then taxed<br>the court costs to the non-moving party, despite the parties agreeing that they would equally<br>divide the court costs between them. We affirm the trial court’s judgment granting the<br>motion to enforce the settlement agreement. We reverse the trial court’s taxing of court<br>costs and remand to the trial court on that issue. Because the appellants prevailed on the<br>issues regarding the assessment of costs, we decline to find that this was a frivolous appeal.</p></div> Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:09:17 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11919145 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Knox https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/26/william-green-et-al-v-blue-oak-oyster-bar-grill-llc-et-al <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>William Green, et al. v. Blue Oak Oyster Bar &amp; Grill, LLC, et al.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-01744-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Presiding Judge J. Steven Stafford</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Jeff Parham</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-26T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/26/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-01744-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Appellees moved for judgment on the pleadings, arguing that Appellants’ premises liability<br>complaint failed to state a claim. Appellants argued that their complaint was sufficient but<br>nevertheless sought leave to file an amended complaint to address the alleged deficiencies.<br>The trial court granted the motions for judgment on the pleadings. The motion to amend<br>was denied in the same order, which stated that the motion was not addressed as it was<br>moot. The trial court then denied Appellants’ motion to alter or amend its judgment, finding<br>that it had applied the correct standard by reviewing only the original complaint. Because<br>the motion to amend should have been heard before the motions for judgment on the<br>pleadings and because we conclude the motion to amend should have been granted under<br>the circumstances, the trial court’s order is reversed as to the denial of the motion to amend<br>and vacated as to the grant of judgment on the pleadings.</p></div> Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:29:55 +0000 Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov 11921483 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Weakley https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/26/devan-denton-v-state-tennessee <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Devan Denton v. State of Tennessee</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2026-00485-CCA-R3-PC</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Steven W. Sword</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Carlyn L. Addison</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-26T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/26/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2026-00485-CCA-R3-PCOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Petitioner, Devan Denton, filed an untimely petition for post-conviction relief claiming that he received ineffective assistance of counsel, that due process required the tolling of the statute of limitations based on alleged attorney abandonment, and that the statute of limitations should be tolled because he pursued federal habeas corpus relief before filing his post-conviction petition. After a hearing, the post-conviction court dismissed the petition, concluding that it was untimely and that the Petitioner failed to present a basis for due process tolling. The Petitioner appeals, claiming the post-conviction court erred in dismissing the petition. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.</p></div> Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:53:47 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11921486 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/26/re-adeline-s <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>IN RE ADELINE S.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item"> E2025-02044-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Christopher D. Heagerty, Chancellor</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-26T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/26/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-02044-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This action involves the adoption of a minor child whose mother was deceased. The child’s father had gained custody of the child after the child’s mother’s death, but the father was later arrested and incarcerated. The child was then placed in the custody of the paternal grandparents. With the father’s consent, the grandparents filed a petition for termination of the father’s parental rights and for adoption. The trial court granted the petition on the same day it was filed. The maternal grandmother, who had been allowed to intervene in custody proceedings involving the minor child and the paternal grandparents pending in a different court, filed a motion seeking to set aside the adoption decree. The trial court denied the motion, and the maternal grandmother has appealed. Determining that the maternal grandmother lacks standing to seek relief in the trial court or on appeal, we conclude that this appeal must be dismissed.</p></div> Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:55:07 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11919146 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Knox https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/23/ella-tuplin-v-servando-jordan-delgadillo <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Ella Tuplin v. Servando Jordan Delgadillo</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-01386-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Jeffrey Usman</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Michael Wayne Collins</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-23T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/23/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2025-01386-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p class="text-align-justify"><span>A stalking victim was granted an order of protection prohibiting the Appellant from having contact with her.&nbsp; On appeal, the Appellant contends that the trial court did not have jurisdiction to issue the order of protection due to a federal lawsuit the Appellant initiated against a third party.&nbsp; We conclude that&nbsp;</span>the trial court had jurisdiction and affirm its judgment<span>.&nbsp;</span></p></div> Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:24:15 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11912131 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Wilson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/23/state-tennessee-v-chadrick-rayfield <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Chadrick Rayfield</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2026-01495-CCA-R9-CO</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"><b>Dispositive Order</b></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Steven W. Sword, Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr, Judge Stacy L. Street</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge James L. Gass</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-23T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/23/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2026-01495%20-%20Order.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>On September 28, 2026, the Fourth Judicial District Public Defender filed an<br>application for interlocutory appeal on behalf of “Defendants, Nathan Dennis, Stevie<br>Hurst, and Chadrick Rayfield . . . and similarly situated defendants in all four counties of<br>the Fourth Judicial District” seeking interlocutory review of the trial court’s September 8,<br>2026 order denying a motion to disqualify the District Attorney General’s Office from<br>prosecuting cases in the Fourth Judicial District. Tenn. R. App. P. 9. Counsel asserts<br>that interlocutory review of the trial court’s order is required to prevent irreparable injury;<br>to prevent needless, expensive, and protracted litigation; and to develop a uniform body of<br>law. Tenn. R. App. P. 9(a)(1), (2), and (3). The State has filed an answer in opposition to<br>the application. Following our review, the application for interlocutory appeal is<br>DENIED.</p></div> Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:20:50 +0000 Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov 11912133 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Sevier https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/23/state-tennessee-v-michael-howard-wigand <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Michael Howard Wigand</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01275-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge James F. Goodwin, Jr.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-23T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/23/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01275-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Defendant, Michael Howard Wigand, pleaded guilty to two counts each of reckless<br>aggravated assault; vehicular assault; and felony reckless endangerment and one count each<br>of driving under the influence (DUI); DUI, per se; possession of a handgun while under<br>the influence; and speeding. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed a total<br>effective sentence of seven years, eleven months, and twenty-nine days and ordered<br>Defendant to serve his sentence in confinement. On appeal, Defendant contends that the<br>trial court erred in its application of several enhancement factors and by denying alternative<br>sentencing. Upon review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court but remand for entry<br>of amended judgments consistent with this opinion.</p></div> Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:34:57 +0000 terri.lomax@tncourts.gov 11912134 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Sullivan https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/23/state-tennessee-v-kyle-scott-wallace <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Kyle Scott Wallace </div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2026-01655-CCA-T10B-CO</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"><b>Dispositive Order</b></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.; Judge Timothy L. Easter; Judge Jill Bartee Ayers</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-23T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/23/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2026-01655-CCA-T10B-COCDO.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This matter is before the Court upon petition of the Defendant, Kyle Scott Wallace, for an accelerated interlocutory appeal as of right pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 10B, section 2. &nbsp;The Defendant seeks review of the trial judge’s order denying his motion to recuse. Upon review, and for the reasons stated below, the petition is denied.</p></div> Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:32:47 +0000 karla.drumm@tncourts.gov 11912135 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Coffee https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/opinions/2026/10/22/jerry-r-burkes-v-sysco-knoxville-llc-et-al <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Jerry R. Burkes v. Sysco, Knoxville, LLC, Et. Al.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-02007-SC-R3-WC</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Vanessa A. Jackson, Senior Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Vanessa A. Jackson, Senior Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-22T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-02007-SC-WCM-WC-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This appeal involves an employee's request for extraordinary benefits. The appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 51. We affirm the judgment of the Appeals Board and adopt its opinion as set forth in the attached Appendix.</p></div> Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:21:26 +0000 terri.lomax@tncourts.gov 11912132 at https://www.tncourts.gov Supreme Court Davidson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/22/state-tennessee-v-joseph-davis <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Joseph Davis</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-01215-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Chris Craft</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-22T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-01215-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Defendant, Joseph Davis, was convicted by a Shelby County Criminal Court jury of rape of a child, a Class A felony; two counts of aggravated sexual battery, a Class B felony; two counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class B felony; and criminal attempt to commit aggravated sexual battery, a Class C felony, and received an effective sentence of forty-nine years. See T.C.A. §§ 39-13-522(2018) (subsequently amended) (rape of a child), 39-13-504 (2018) (subsequently amended) (aggravated sexual battery), 39-17-1005 (2025) (especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor), 39-12-101(a)(3) (2025) (criminal attempt).On appeal, the Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions. Because we agree that the evidence is insufficient to support the especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor convictions in Counts 3 and 5, we vacate those convictions and judgments and remand the case. We affirm the Defendant’s remaining convictions.</p></div> Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:12:29 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11912136 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/22/deirdre-michelle-wilson-v-regions-bank <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Deirdre Michelle Wilson v. Regions Bank</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2026-01213-COA-T10B-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Valerie L. Smith</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Joe Binkley, Jr.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-22T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2026-01213-COA-T10B-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Plaintiff/Appellant filed an accelerated interlocutory appeal under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B seeking review of the trial court’s order denying her motion to recuse. Finding no evidence of bias requiring recusal, we affirm.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:55:53 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11909796 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Davidson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/22/state-tennessee-ex-rel-stephen-eimers-v-lindsay <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee ex rel. Stephen Eimers v. Lindsay Corporation et al.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-01457-COA-R9-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Presiding Judge J. Steven Stafford</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Thomas W. Brothers</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-22T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2025-01457-COA-R9-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The plaintiff filed a qui tam action on behalf of the State of Tennessee against several defendants who designed and manufactured guardrails that were installed on Tennessee roads. The defendants moved to dismiss the case based on the expiration of the Tennessee False Claims Act’s three-year statute of limitations. The plaintiff responded, inter alia, that the statute of limitations had been tolled while an earlier federal action involving this claim had been pending. The defendants disagreed, arguing that the plaintiff was not entitled to tolling under 28 U.S.C. § 1367(d) because he had voluntarily dismissed all of his claims in the federal action. But the plaintiff asserted that he was not entitled to voluntarily dismiss his claims in the federal action due to specific requirements of the federal False Claims Act. The trial court denied the motion to dismiss but granted an interlocutory appeal to this Court. We hold that the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed all of his claims in the federal action and that he therefore was not entitled to tolling under 28 U.S.C. § 1367(d). So we reverse.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 17:28:27 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11909795 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Davidson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/22/u-haul-co-tennessee-v-warren-almquist <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>U-HAUL CO. OF TENNESSEE v. WARREN ALMQUIST</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01563-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Kristi M. Davis</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">William T. Ailor, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-22T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01563-COA-R3-CV-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The appellee-plaintiff sued the appellant-defendant alleging breach of contract and<br>professional negligence with regard to a contract for architectural services. The plaintiff<br>ultimately moved for summary judgment on these claims, to which the defendant failed to<br>respond. The trial court granted the plaintiff’s motion, finding that the undisputed facts<br>entitled the plaintiff to judgment on both claims, and awarded the plaintiff its damages.<br>The defendant appeals the final judgment. Finding no error in the trial court’s decision,<br>we affirm and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. We further find<br>this appeal frivolous and grant the plaintiff its costs and expenses, including reasonable<br>attorney’s fees.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:09:29 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11909793 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Knox https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/22/re-estate-john-jock-t-davidson-iii <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>IN RE ESTATE OF JOHN “JOCK” T. DAVIDSON, III</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01598-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Thomas R. Frierson, II, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Jerri S. Bryant, Chancellor</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-22T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01598-COA-R3-CV-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>In this probate case, several potential creditors filed claims against the decedent’s estate in<br>the Probate Division of the McMinn County Chancery Court (“probate court”), alleging<br>that lawsuits had been filed against the administrator ad litem of the estate in the McMinn<br>County Circuit Court (“circuit court”). The administrator ad litem and the decedent’s<br>surviving spouse filed exceptions to the claims, averring that the alleged creditors had<br>failed to personally sign or verify the claims as required by statute. The alleged creditors<br>subsequently amended their claims to personally sign and verify them. However, the<br>amended claims were filed over one year after the decedent’s death. Following a hearing,<br>the probate court determined that (1) the alleged creditors’ amended claims related back to<br>the filing of the original claims and were not time-barred and (2) the circuit court needed<br>to rule on whether the lawsuits in that court were being properly prosecuted before the<br>probate court could address the status of the alleged creditors’ claims. The probate court<br>thereby held the alleged creditors’ claims in abeyance pending a circuit court ruling. The<br>administrator ad litem and the surviving spouse have appealed. Having determined that<br>the probate court properly held the alleged creditors’ claims in abeyance, we further<br>determine that the probate court has not entered a final judgment. Accordingly, we dismiss<br>this appeal and remand the case to the probate court for further proceedings.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:41:58 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11909788 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals McMinn https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/22/kelly-brooke-martin-v-nghia-trong-van <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>KELLY BROOKE MARTIN v. NGHIA TRONG VAN</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2026-00416-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">John W. McClarty, Judge; Thomas R. Frierson, II, Judge.; Kristi M. Davis, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Henry E Sledge, Magistrate</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-22T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2026-00416-COA-43-CV-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Because the order from which the appellant has filed an appeal does not constitute a final<br>appealable judgment, this Court lacks jurisdiction to consider this appeal.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:31:05 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11909790 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Loudon https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/21/state-tennessee-v-charles-gary-blankenship-ii <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Charles Gary Blankenship, II</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2026-01493-CCA-R10-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"><b>Dispositive Order</b></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Camille R. McMullen, Judge J. Ross Dyer, Judge John W. Campbell</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Joseph T. Howell</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-21T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/21/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2026-01493-CCA-R10-CD-ORD.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Defendant, Charles Gary Blankenship, II, has filed a pro se application for extraordinary appeal, see Tenn. R. App. P. 10, seeking review of the trial court’s August 24, 2026 capias for failure to appear. We have determined that a response from the State is not necessary in this matter. Tenn. R. App. P. 10(d). Upon review of the application and its supporting documents, we conclude that the Defendant has not demonstrated grounds for extraordinary relief under Rule 10. Accordingly, the application is DENIED.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:36:43 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11909792 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Madison https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/21/state-tennessee-v-michael-steven-borel <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Michael Steven Borel</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-01473-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Timothy L. Easter</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Donald H. Allen</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-21T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/21/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-01473-CCA-R3-CD-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Defendant, Michael Steven Borel, appeals from the Madison County Circuit Court’s order fully revoking his sentence of probation. On appeal, Defendant contends his conduct amounted only to a technical violation and the trial court erred by revoking his probation and ordering him to serve his sentence incarcerated. After review, we conclude the trial court abused its discretion by fully revoking Defendant’s probationary sentence for his felony conviction following a finding of a first technical probation violation. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and reinstate Defendant’s probation for the felony offense. Asto Defendant’s probated misdemeanor sentences however, following our de novo review, we affirm the trial court’s full revocation of probation.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:29:40 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11909789 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Madison https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/21/state-tennessee-v-devonta-curry <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Devonta Curry</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2026-00282-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Joseph T. Howell</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-21T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/21/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2026-00282-CCA-R3-CD-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Devonta Curry, Movant,filed a pro se motion titled “Motion for Rule 36.1 Correction of Illegal Sentence.” The trial court summarily denied the motion for failure to state a colorable claim. We affirm the trial court’s judgment but remand for entry of corrected judgments of conviction for Counts 1-7 in Case No. 18-551,reflecting that Movant was convicted by a jury.</p></div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:31:44 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11909791 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Madison https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/20/tony-samuel-v-state-tennessee <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Tony Samuel v. State of Tennessee</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2026-00050-CCA-R3-ECN</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge A. Blake Neill</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-20T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/20/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2026-00050-CCA-R3-ECNOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Tony Samuel, Petitioner, filed a pro se petition that the trial court construed as a petition for writ of error coram nobis. The court summarily dismissed the petition, finding that Petitioner failed “to plead with particularity both the substance of the newly discovered evidence and the factual basis for tolling the statute of limitations. ”Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the coram nobis court.</p></div> Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:39:08 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11907446 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Lauderdale https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/20/state-tennessee-v-jason-cooper <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Jason Cooper</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2026-00584-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Steven W. Sword</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Carolyn W. Blackett</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-20T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/20/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2026-00584-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Defendant, Jason Cooper, appeals his Shelby County Criminal Court conviction of<br>aggravated burglary, for which he received a sentence of fifteen years’ incarceration. On<br>appeal, the Defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the conviction.<br>Discerning no error, we affirm.</p></div> Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:57:00 +0000 Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov 11907445 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/20/state-tennessee-v-james-chadwick-vaughn <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. James Chadwick Vaughn</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-00490-CCA-R3-CD </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Tom Greenholtz</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Dee David Gay</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-20T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/20/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2025-00490-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Defendant, James Chadwick Vaughn, pled guilty in the Criminal Court for Sumner County to three Class D felonies and two misdemeanors. The plea petition provided that the trial court would determine the specific sentence, within a range of eight to twelve years for the felony convictions, with all sentences served concurrently. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced the Defendant to serve twelve years in confinement and ordered the Defendant to participate in a rehabilitative program as a condition of parole. On appeal, the Defendant raises the following issues: (1) whether the trial court committed plain error by classifying the Defendant as a Range III, persistent offender; (2) whether the trial court erred by imposing a condition of parole; and (3) whether the Defendant’s plea was valid and complied with Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. Upon our review, we respectfully vacate the parole condition and remand the case for entry of corrected judgments. We further conclude that we lack authority to review the validity of the Defendant’s guilty plea. We respectfully affirm the trial court’s judgments in all other respects.</p></div> Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:09:31 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11905105 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Sumner https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/20/state-tennessee-v-william-b-morton <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. William B. Morton</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-01793-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Stacy L. Street</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Larry B. Stanley, Jr.</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-20T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/20/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2025-01793-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 37, the Defendant, William B. Morton, appeals a certified question of law related to the trial court’s denial of his motion to suppress the results of blood alcohol testing performed on a sample of his blood obtained via search warrant. Following our de novo review of the question presented and our examination of the record, we conclude that the certified question fails to identify the scope and limits of the issue presented and is not dispositive of the case. Thus, in keeping with the recent directive of our supreme court, we dismiss the appeal and remand the case to the trial court to provide the Defendant an opportunity to withdraw his guilty plea.</p></div> Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:30:39 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11905104 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Warren https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/19/eric-sims-v-state-tennessee <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Eric Sims v. State of Tennessee</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-01964-CCA-R3-PC</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Steven W. Sword</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Carlyn L. Addison</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-19T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/19/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-01964-CCA-R3-PCOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Petitioner, Eric Sims, appeals from the Shelby County Criminal Court’s denial of his petition for post-conviction relief, in which he alleged in effective assistance of trial counsel. The Petitioner claims on appeal that the post-conviction court erred by denying his petition in that he established in effective assistance of counsel because trial counsel 1) stipulated to the Petitioner’s gang affiliation;2) failed to file a motion to suppress an unduly suggestive photographic lineup;and3) failed to adequately cross-examine and impeach three of the State’s witnesses. He also argues that he is entitled to post-conviction relief under the cumulative error doctrine. Following our review, we affirm the post-conviction court’s judgment but remand for entry of corrected judgments of conviction.</p></div> Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:06:33 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11905103 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/19/state-tennessee-v-celso-valentin-ferto <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Celso Valentin Ferto</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2024-00279-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Jill Bartee Ayers</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Khadija Lanice Babb</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-19T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/19/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2024-00279-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Defendant, Celso Valentin Ferto, appeals his convictions for two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of solicitation of a minor, arguing (1) the trial court erred in admitting forensic interviews pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 24-7-123, (2) the admission of the forensic videos violated his rights under the Confrontation Clause, and (3) the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions. Upon our review of the entire record, the briefs and arguments of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.</p></div> Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:03:33 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11902767 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Davidson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/19/james-stamper-v-kyle-miller-et-al <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>JAMES STAMPER v. KYLE A. MILLER ET AL.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01304-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Thomas R. Frierson, II, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Kyle E. Hedrick, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-19T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/19/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01304-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This is a negligence action arising from an accident wherein the plaintiff pedestrian was<br>struck by a motor vehicle driven by the defendant driver in a crosswalk. The crosswalk<br>was partially blocked by a parked repair truck belonging to the defendant city and operated<br>by a city employee. Following a jury trial, the jury found that all parties were negligent<br>and assigned comparative fault of twenty-five percent to the plaintiff, seventy percent to<br>the city, and five percent to the driver. Upon the jury’s finding that the plaintiff had suffered<br>$250,000.00 in damages, the trial court entered a judgment in favor of the plaintiff in the<br>amount of $187,500.00 (as seventy-five percent of his damages), with $175,000.00 to be<br>paid by the city and $12,500.00 to be paid by the driver. The city and the driver each filed<br>motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and remittitur, and the city also filed a<br>motion for new trial. Following a hearing, the trial court denied all post-trial motions. The<br>city appealed, and the driver has also raised an issue on appeal. Discerning no reversible<br>error, we affirm.</p></div> Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:41:02 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11902766 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Hamilton https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/16/andre-lemaurio-johnson-el-v-caren-gabriel-dba-former-ceo <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Andre Lemaurio Johnson-el v. Caren Gabriel d/b/a Former CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2026-01347-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">PER CURIAM</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">William A. Lockhart</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-16T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/16/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2026-01347-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The plaintiff appeals a final order dismissing his complaint. Because the plaintiff did not file his notice of appeal with the Clerk of the Appellate Court within thirty days after entry of the final order as required by Rule 4(a) of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure, we dismiss the appeal.</p></div> Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:11:05 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11895761 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Coffee https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/15/harshal-dilip-trivedi-v-state-tennessee-0 <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Harshal Dilip Trivedi v. State of Tennessee</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2026-01588-CCA-T10B-CO</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"><b>Dispositive Order</b></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.; Judge Timothy L. Easter; Judge Jill Bartee Ayers</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-15T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/15/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2026-01588-CCA-T10B-CO-ORD.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This matter is before the Court upon petition of the Defendant, Harshal Dilip Trivedi, for an accelerated interlocutory appeal as of right pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 10B, Section 2. The Defendant seeks review of the trial judge’s order denying his motion to recuse. Upon review, and for the reasons stated below, the petition is denied.</p></div> Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:29:20 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11895763 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Lincoln https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/15/tony-markee-mosley-v-state-tennessee <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Tony Markee Mosley v. State of Tennessee</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-01842-CCA-R3-PC</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Steven W. Sword</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Jeff Parham</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-15T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/15/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-01842-CCA-R3-PCOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Petitioner, Tony Markee Mosley, appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief from his conviction for second degree murder, arguing that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. Because we conclude that a self-represented criminal defendant has no constitutional right to the effective assistance of counsel from an attorney acting in a standby or advisory role, and because trial counsel provided effective assistance while actively representing the petitioner, we affirm the post-conviction court’s judgment.</p></div> Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:23:55 +0000 Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov 11895758 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Obion https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/15/state-tennessee-v-gena-kilgore <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Gena Kilgore</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-01870-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Steven W. Sword</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Raymond J. Lepone</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-15T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/15/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-01870-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>A Shelby County jury convicted the Defendant, Gena Kilgore, of theft of property valued at more than $1,000 but less than $2,500.Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed a two-year term of judicial diversion and ordered the Defendant to pay $2,500 in restitution. The Defendant appeals, challenging the sufficiency of the convicting evidence and the trial court’s denial of her request to sit at counsel table during her trial. Because we conclude we lack jurisdiction to consider this appeal, we dismiss it.</p></div> Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:22:47 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11895759 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/15/state-tennessee-v-caleb-james-fryfogle <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Caleb James Fryfogle</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-01616-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge J. Ross Dyer</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Jessica Parrish</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-15T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/15/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2025-01616-CCA-R3-CD-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The defendant, Caleb James Fryfogle, was convicted by a Maury County jury of two counts of driving under the influence and one count of driving without a license for which he received an effective sentence of eleven months and twenty-nine days suspended to probation after service of four days incarceration and suspension of his license for a year. Additionally, as a result of his convictions, the defendant’s license was suspended for a year. On appeal, the defendant contends the trial court erred in finding that he voluntarily consented to the warrantless blood draw. Following our review of the record, the applicable law, the parties’ briefs, and oral arguments, we affirm the trial court’s denial of the defendant’s motion to suppress.</p></div> Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:16:45 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11895762 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Maury https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/14/bfi-waste-services-llc-et-al-v-recovery-associates-group <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>BFI Waste Services, LLC, et al. v. Recovery Associates Group, LLC, et al.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-01046-COA-R9-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Carma Dennis McGee</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Karen R. Williams</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-14T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-01046-COA-R9-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>In this interlocutory appeal, two of the defendants appeal the trial court’s denial of their motion to dismiss for the plaintiffs’ failure to comply with the pre-suit notice and good faith certificate requirements of the Tennessee Health Care Liability Act. We affirm the decision of the trial court and remand for further proceedings.</p></div> Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:51:25 +0000 Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov 11893417 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/14/jimmy-e-henderlight-jr-v-david-henderlight-et-al <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Jimmy E. Henderlight, Jr. v. David Henderlight et al.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2025-00022-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Carma Dennis McGee</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Chancellor Charles K. Smith</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-14T12:00:00Z">Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2025-00022-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This litigation arises from a dispute between cousins who started a business together. During discovery, the trial court found that the plaintiff failed to respond in good faith to the defendants’ requests for admission and deemed all requests admitted. Shortly thereafter, the court entered an order granting the plaintiff’s attorney leave to withdraw. The defendants/counter-plaintiffs then moved for summary judgment on all claims asserted by and against them, relying on the admissions as well as declarations they submitted. The plaintiff failed to file any response to the motions for summary judgment. However, he did appear pro se at the summary judgment hearing and claimed that he was unaware of the summary judgment motions until two days earlier because he did not know that his email address had been provided to opposing counsel and the court, and he had not checked that email since his counsel withdrew. The trial court allowed the plaintiff to testify as to these facts. However, the court ultimately found that the plaintiff was properly served with the motions and had notice of the hearing date. Considering the evidence submitted by the defendants in support of the motions for summary judgment, in addition to the plaintiff’s admissions and his failure to respond to the statements of material facts, the court found that the defendants were entitled to summary judgment on all claims. Thus, the trial court dismissed the claims asserted by the plaintiff and also granted the defendant/counter plaintiffs damages on their counterclaims. The plaintiff retained counsel and timely filed a motion to alter or amend, asserting that his failure to respond to the summary judgment motions was due to excusable neglect. The trial court denied the motion, finding that the plaintiff’s proffered excuse was a tactic for delay, he was not credible, and he acted intentionally. The plaintiff appeals. We affirm.</p></div> Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:45:13 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11891081 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Wilson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/13/rosanne-s-feltus-v-douglas-b-wright <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>Rosanne S. Feltus v. Douglas B. Wright</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-00029-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Carma Dennis McGee</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Chancellor James R. Newsom</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z">Tue, 10/13/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-00029-COA-R3-CV-OPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>During a divorce proceeding, a husband and wife signed a marital dissolution agreement that provided two trusts they had previously formed would be terminated, and the assets distributed to the wife. However, neither the trustee nor the two trust beneficiaries were made parties to the divorce proceeding, and the trusts remained in existence for several years. The wife filed a lawsuit in circuit court and named the trustee and other beneficiaries as defendants. Default judgments were entered against each defendant. The trustee filed a motion to set aside the judgment that was granted. The wife non-suited the circuit court action as to the trustee and filed a lawsuit against him in chancery court. The trustee filed an answer and countercomplaint in which he sought an award of trustee’s fees and attorneys’ fees. Both parties filed motions for summary judgment. The chancery court entered an order granting the trustee’s motion for summary judgment and later awarded him trustee’s fees and attorneys’ fees. The wife appeals. We affirm and remand.</p></div> Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:47:42 +0000 britney.roberson@tncourts.gov 11891079 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/12/state-tennessee-v-kortney-ball <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Kortney Ball</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">M2026-01560-CCA-T10B-CO</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"><b>Dispositive Order</b></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.; Judge Timothy L. Easter; Judge Jill Bartee Ayers</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-12T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/12/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/M2026-01560-CCA-T10B-COORD.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This matter is before the Court upon petition of the Defendant, Kortney Ball, for an accelerated interlocutory appeal as of right pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 10B, Section 2. The Defendant seeks review of the trial judge’s order denying his motion to recuse. Upon review, and for the reasons stated below, the petition is denied.</p></div> Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:33:09 +0000 ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov 11886433 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Davidson https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/12/c-randolph-brown-and-through-his-attorney-fact-stuart <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>C. Randolph Brown, by and through his attorney-in-fact Stuart Brown, and Stuart Brown, individually v. Fifth Third Bank</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">W2025-00605-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Carma Dennis McGee</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Chancellor JoeDae L. Jenkins</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-12T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/12/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/W2025-00605-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This appeal arises from a suit filed by a borrower and his son against a mortgage lender in an attempt to avoid a foreclosure sale. The plaintiffs alleged that the lender breached a settlement agreement the parties entered into by unreasonably imposing an escrow account and by failing to provide a required notification to credit reporting agencies. After a bench trial, the trial court found in favor of the lender on both claims and dismissed the complaint. The plaintiffs appeal. We affirm.</p></div> Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:52:03 +0000 Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov 11888728 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Shelby https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/09/samuel-jesse-warner-et-al-v-colonel-liz-hunt-dba <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>SAMUEL JESSE WARNER, ET AL. v. COLONEL LIZ HUNT D/B/A AUCTIONEER</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2026-00054-COA-R9-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">John W. McClarty, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Jennifer Kay Peck, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-09T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/09/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2026-00054-COA-R9-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This is a breach of contract action in which the plaintiffs alleged that the defendant<br>auctioneer failed to fulfill the terms of the contract in auctioning a baseball card collection.<br>The defendant auctioneer moved to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. The trial court<br>denied the motion to dismiss but granted permission to file an interlocutory appeal pursuant<br>to Rule 9 of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure. We granted permission to appeal<br>and now affirm the decision of the trial court.</p></div> Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:42:34 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11879480 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Hamilton https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/09/re-mylee-p-et-al <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>IN RE MYLEE P. ET AL.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01082-COA-R3-PT</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">W. Neal McBrayer, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Elizabeth C. Asbury, Chancellor</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-09T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/09/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01082-COA-R3-PTOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. The chancery court found clear and<br>convincing evidence of four statutory grounds for termination and that termination was in<br>the children’s best interest. Based on our review, we conclude that the evidence was less<br>than clear and convincing for two of the statutory grounds relied on by the chancery court.<br>However, because the record contains clear and convincing evidence to support the<br>remaining grounds for termination and that termination is in the children’s best interest, we<br>affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.</p></div> Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:59:26 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11879478 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Claiborne https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-appeals/opinions/2026/10/09/susan-zeiler-v-corporate-image-inc <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>SUSAN ZEILER v. THE CORPORATE IMAGE, INC.</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01624-COA-R3-CV</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Kristi M. Davis, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Steven Curtis Rose, Judge</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-09T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/09/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01624-COA-R3-CVOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The plaintiff-appellant sued the defendant-appellee alleging that the defendant engaged in<br>pregnancy discrimination when it terminated the plaintiff’s full-time employment. The<br>trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant, finding that the plaintiff<br>did not rebut the defendant’s proffered legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for its<br>decision. We conclude that the plaintiff demonstrated the existence of specific facts in the<br>record that could lead a rational trier of fact to find in her favor regarding whether the<br>defendant’s proffered reasons for her termination were pretextual. Accordingly, we reverse<br>the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in the defendant’s favor.</p></div> Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:14:36 +0000 brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov 11879477 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Appeals Sullivan https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-criminal-appeals/opinions/2026/10/09/state-tennessee-v-brian-krag-mcallister <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><div>State of Tennessee v. Brian Krag McAllister</div></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-number field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Case Number</div> <div class="field--item">E2025-01648-CCA-R3-CD</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-dispositive-order field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item"></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-authoring-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Authoring Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Camille R. McMullen</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-originating-judge field--type-string field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Originating Judge</div> <div class="field--item">Judge Zachary R. Walden</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-date-filed field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Date Filed</div> <div class="field--item"><time datetime="2026-10-09T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/09/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-pdf-version field--type-file field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OpinionsPDFVersion/E2025-01648-CCA-R3-CDOPN.pdf" class="file-download file-download-application file-download-pdf" target="_blank" download>Download PDF Version</a></div> <div class="field field--name-field-opinions-case-brief field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The Defendant, Brian Krag McAllister, was convicted in the Campbell County Criminal<br>Court for vandalism with damages over $1,000, a Class E Felony. He received a sentence<br>of two years, to be served on supervised probation. At trial, the State argued, and the trial<br>court agreed, that an alleged act of vandalism committed by the Defendant two days before<br>the date in the indictment was captured by the “on or about” language in the indictment,<br>part of its case in chief, and admissible under a continuing offense theory. In this appeal,<br>the Defendant contends that the trial court erred by allowing the State to enter evidence of<br>an event that was outside the scope of the indictment and that it was used solely as a prior<br>bad act for propensity purposes. Specifically, the Defendant argues that vandalism is not<br>a continuing offense and that no applicable exception to Rule 404(b) of the Tennessee<br>Rules of Evidence allowed for the admission of evidence related to the prior act of<br>vandalism. The Defendant also argues that the evidence was insufficient to prove the value<br>of the damage to the victim’s property. Upon review, we hold that the evidence was<br>sufficient to sustain the Defendant’s conviction. We also conclude that the trial court<br>improperly admitted evidence of the prior act of vandalism, and this error was unfairly<br>prejudicial. Based on the evidentiary error, we vacate the Defendant’s conviction, reverse<br>the judgment of the criminal court, and remand for a new trial.</p></div> Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:22:29 +0000 terri.lomax@tncourts.gov 11879499 at https://www.tncourts.gov Court of Criminal Appeals Campbell