Petitioner, Tarence Nelson, was convicted by a jury of two counts of first degree premeditated murder and sentenced by the trial court to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment. In 2023, Petitioner filed his third petition for writ of error coram nobis (“the third petition”) claiming that a Sig Sauer P229 handgun (“the Sig Sauer”) that he hid in a computer at his home following the 2009 murders was newly discovered evidence. The Sig Sauer was found after Petitioner revealed its location and the coram nobis court by order entered on July 20, 2021, appointed counsel to represent Petitioner on the fingerprint analysis petition filed in conjunction with Petitioner’s second petition for writ of error coram nobis. Because Petitioner knew the location of the Sig Sauer at the time of his trial and because Petitioner was solely at fault in failing to present the Sig Sauer as evidence “at the proper time,” error coram nobis relief is not available. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-26- 105(b). We affirm the judgment of the coram nobis court in summarily dismissing the petition.

The Defendant, Johnny Graham, was convicted of possession of cocaine with the intent to sell or deliver and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The trial court sentenced the Defendant to a term of nine years and placed him on probation. Thereafter, the Defendant was arrested for the unlawful possession of cocaine and multiple firearms. Following a hearing, the trial court fully revoked the Defendant’s suspended sentences and ordered him to serve the full term in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the Defendant argues that the trial court abused its discretion in fully revoking his suspended sentences. Upon our review, we respectfully disagree and affirm the trial court’s judgments.

The Defendant, Jamar Laquinn Frazier, appeals from his conviction for second degree murder following a jury trial. In this appeal, the Defendant claims that the trial court (1) denied him counsel of his choosing by denying his request to continue the trial date; (2) erred by allowing certain testimony at trial in violation of the law of the case doctrine and by allowing improper opinion, character, and hearsay testimony; and (3) erred by imposing the maximum twenty-five-year sentence. Additionally, the Defendant argues that he is entitled to a new trial (4) due to the denial of funding for an investigator during the motion for new trial proceedings and (5) due to cumulative error. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Pro se Appellant, Robin Springer, has appealed an order of the Shelby County Circuit Court that was entered on July 3, 2024. We determine that the trial court’s order does not constitute a final appealable judgment. As a result, this Court lacks jurisdiction to consider this appeal. The appeal is, therefore, dismissed.

This appeal arises from a landowner’s complaint seeking a declaratory judgment that proposed construction was consistent with a permitted non-conforming use on its property. The parties agreed that the property was rezoned in 1957 and that certain non-conforming uses are permitted on the property. However, the city opposed the declaratory action due to the landowner’s refusal to submit plans to the city administrative zoning body to obtain its decision on whether the proposed use was a permissible extension of that non- conforming use. The city asserted that, without the landowner having applied for a building permit, the action was not ripe for adjudication. The trial court determined that the matter was ripe and that the landowner had standing, that it was entitled to a judgment as a matter of law, and that the proposed use was protected by the terms of the grandfather statute. Because the city was never permitted to rule on the proposed non-conforming use, we find that the matter was not ripe for review. Accordingly, the decision of the trial court is reversed, and the case is dismissed.

President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for all counties in the state of Tennessee following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began April 2. The action authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to save lives; protect property, public health and safety; and lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. No individual assistance is authorized at this point. News reports indicate that a suspected tornado hit Selmer in West Tennessee early today. At least four people are dead in the state, Tennessee Lookout reports, including one each in Carroll, Fayette, McNairy and Obion counties. The Commercial Appeal has images from hard-hit Selmer.

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) recently launched an Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force to advocate for the elimination of laws and regulations that create unnecessary barriers to competition. As a first step, the DOJ Antitrust Division will initiate a process to seek information from the public and industry experts about laws and regulations that make it more difficult for businesses to compete effectively, especially in the areas of housing, transportation, food, agriculture, health care and energy. Comments should be submitted by May 26 to www.Regulations.gov (Docket No. ATR-2025-0001). Read more about the task force on the division’s website.

Dyersburg lawyer Charles “Bubba” Maurice Agee Jr., age 76, died March 25 at his home at Clover Creek Ranch in Hornbeak. A graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Agee launched his legal practice in 1976 in Dyersburg and spent his career in the courtroom as a plaintiff’s lawyer. He also held several elected offices, including alderman at large and city judge for the city of Dyersburg. A memorial service will be held April 12 at 4 p.m. CDT at Dyersburg Funeral Home, 420 US-51, Dyersburg 38024. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Protect Democracy or National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The 2025 Business Law Forum will take place later this month on April 24 in Nashville, offering a full day of education and networking for Tennessee's business law community. The event will feature two sessions: "TN Business Law 101" in the morning, aimed at early career professionals and seasoned practitioners looking for a refresher, and "Advanced Topics" in the afternoon for those dealing with more complex legal issues. Attendees can register for the full day or choose to attend just the morning or afternoon sessions based on their interests. For more information and to register, visit TBA’s website. 

The Second Annual TBA Young Lawyers Division Trial College will take place on May 9 at Belmont University College of Law in Nashville. The event, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. CDT, will cover essential litigation topics, including trial preparation, crafting opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations, and working with expert witnesses. A panel of distinguished judges will provide judicial insights for trial success. For more details and to register, visit the TBA’s website. Later that month, join your colleagues as the TBA YLD hosts its second Exploration CLE at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer on May 30. Attendees will earn three hours of CLE credit while enjoying the natural beauty of one of Tennessee’s state parks. The program includes a ranger-led hike and lunch, offering a unique opportunity to blend professional development with outdoor exploration. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with sessions running from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT For more information and to register, visit the TBA website. Space is limited.