September 14–September 27, 2024 Crappy and famously abusive teledentistry company that is now in bankruptcy sues NBC for reporting on its ineffective products, seeks a gagillion dollars in damages. NBC petitions to dismiss SmileDirectClub’s SLAPP-suit under the Tennessee Public Participation Act, and the trial
August 24–September 13, 2024 Little Richard dies. His will lays out a plan for nine beneficiaries to work together to exploit his rights of publicity upon his death. After a majority of the beneficiaries agree on a plan to do so, a dissenting beneficiary—who
August 17–August 23, 2024 Plaintiff involved in minor car accident who later told a bunch of different stories about his alleged injuries sues Defendant, claiming he suffered neck and shoulder injuries due to Defendant’s negligence. Jury: No liability; judgment for Defendant. Tennessee Court of Appeals:
August 10–August 16, 2024 Two of Tennessee’s crappiest lawyers—one of whom filed the first SLAPP-suit ever to be dismissed under the Tennessee Public Participation Act, and the other of whom once unsuccessfully tried to file his own pro se SLAPP-suit pseudonymously—team up to try their hand at anti-SLAPP
July 13–August 9, 2024 Three Fayetteville Aldermen file heinous SLAPP-suit against two Constituents for petitioning them, see their claims dismissed under the Tennessee Public Participation Act. The Aldermen appeal the dismissal, but right before they have to file their brief, they voluntarily dismiss their appeal. Constituents:
June 22–July 12, 2024 Pro Se Appellant, in public records appeal arising out of Shelby County: One Shelby County judge was “dishonest, arrogant, and ignorant,” showed “a broad contempt for the law,” and was “unfit[] to have ever sat on the bench.” Another Shelby
June 8–June 21, 2024 Tennessee Court of Appeals, in grandparent visitation litigation: As a reminder, even if everyone (including us) agrees you’re right about some issue, if you present it for the first time on appeal, it’s waived. There’s tension between “the duty of
May 18–June 7, 2024 In post-divorce litigation, Father charges Mother with 29 counts of criminal contempt for alleged violations of the Parties’ permanent parenting plan. Mother is then convicted of seven counts of criminal contempt and sentenced to 29 days in jail. Tennessee Court of
May 11–May 17, 2024 Tennessee Court of Appeals: “It is clear that [Pro Se Appellant] is, to put it lightly, frustrated with everyone associated with this matter, including HSBC, various counsel, and at least three judges.” But because, in this particular phase of this
April 20–May 10, 2024 Intermediate Scrutiny has been on a three-week hiatus, so you get a triple-dose of Tennessee Court of Appeals opinions this week. (The opinions are unusually good, though, so forwarding this newsletter makes for a great Mother's Day gift.) Attorney with