Tennessee Supreme Court Cases

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View Entry Year Case Name County Cause/Crime Case Description Division Location # Pages Order
View Entry 1931 Luke Lea v. Times Printing Company et al Monroe Libel

Add. Defendants: Gamon Mason & W. B. Swaney. Plaintiff had been a publisher and owner of the Nashville Tennessean paper and the President of Southern Publishers, Inc. The defendant was a competitor and W. B. Swaney gave a false and slanderous interview, referring to the plaintiff as guilty of unethical and fraudulent practices that resulted in the failure of certain banks and businesses. The malicious slander was meant to and did hurt his business. Plaintiff sued for libel in the sum of $100,000.

 East Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1344 66 Order A Copy
View Entry 1931 P. W. Millsaps v. H. S. Foster Monroe Notes

Incomplete case. Briefs and petitions only. In October 1928, Sweetwater Realty Co. conducted an auction sale for Millsaps. Any property brought under $10 was to be paid with cash in hand and anything bought for over $10 in 12 months time, except the cows. Foster bought a cow for $75. Millsaps tried to collect on note, but Foster said it was not due for 12 months but maturity date was changed to 6 months. Court ruled in Millsaps' favor for $75 and Foster appealed. Pla. Later filed for certiorari.

 East Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1366 49 Order A Copy
View Entry 1931 State v. Bill Ward Monroe Murder

Harve Hanley had party at his home in Sweetwater, TN, to benefit sick son & as farewell party for Jim Randolph (on furlough from army). Ralph Nichols, 18, Harve's nephew (who was living w/him), invited Poley Wallace & their friend Bill (Willie) Ward, 19. At party, fight broke out, & Ward killed Nichols (who was brandishing car jack) w/knife. Whiskey was involved. Ward convicted of 2nd degree murder, sentenced to 12 yrs in penitentiary. Witnesses: Harve's daughter Lillie Bell, others.

 East Range: 10 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1440 92 Order A Copy
View Entry 1931 State v. Doug Britton Monroe Murder

Britton charged with shooting Perrin Harris and killing him. Jury found Britton guilty of second degree murder and sentenced him to a maximum 15 years in penitentiary. Britton moved for new trial, was overruled, and then appealed.

 East Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1367 121 Order A Copy
View Entry 1931 Wallace Caughron v. State Monroe Liquor Violation

Pla. in error is accused of unlawfully manufacturing whiskey and brandy and being in possession of a still and devices used to manufacture alcohol. The still was located on the land of Pla.'s father, Tom Caughron. Case file notes that the Pla. is married to Minnie Caughron. At the time the still was captured, Obie Collins was visiting the home of the Pla. Collins lives in McMinn County but owns property near the Pla.

 East Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1339 42 Order A Copy