WPCz X{((( J9ic* _%ġ?h(sm3C 7ԪrI_Ё879a4`H*RIZ;LrE[$0{x0̾)8Nygmey__>^l&-Fύzqh\vg~K`4zV "oÝO!#lrfgavPsf nH/u"n N܌nD3`ƺ9 Ez=g`+wʝk1XQ%)dCE>jiqHťK/A#аdi+Ղӛ A l{*Q҄#?%I`҆.`bNpf8;G#hRr8ŴV$b.8ݽ1[  ~G%,0*{/Llxz8 %~ UN 0 72Z U:N 0 c N= z?  0D 1 72V 1u  O 0>NS 0`U 0`E 08 0O 0! 0: 0YW 0_ 0  0w 0 1 72 0 0s 0' 0 0 0D 1 72 1 72<U6nU>bU*:bNNbV 0U! 0 " 0" 0# 0$ 0% 0|& 0V' 0-( 0C) 0D) 0* 0* 0+ 0, 0Y- 0!. 0. 0@/ 0/ 00 01 0Y2 0$3 03 04 0s5 0006 0<`6 06 0Z7 0vE8 0`8 0`9 B{9 0`9 09 D5: D-: 0K: 02I; AS{;; 0< 0D8= A|= 0j'> 0? B*A D/?AnA 0RC D/D 0E 06E 0 F 0:G 0^KG 0<G 0NG{3HL/PRUY)[_cd i/i  k!kGp)sCt^ uw)u4-uAuPu mRu#iu2x(9 Z6Times New Roman Regular(`$.8dd8     i)("  Z6Times New Roman Regular(;3$2#  0  .3  0   C:\PROGRA~1\COREL\WORDPE~1\TEMPLATE\CUSTOM~1\REVISE~1.WPTC:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2000\Template\Custom WP Templates\revised standard opinion.wpt(#$  0  0+ACEKQU[agmAutoList11.1."1.1.1.1.1. 1.3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 586Definition(&H4 XXX (&H6  20Address8MM6Blockquote , , 5+ ` hp x 5   5+ ` hp x 5,dl*CODEK,<6X9`(Courier NewKS-\  `&Times New RomanS42Emphasis64Hyperlink    <:FollowedHype    4go2Keyboard K,<6X9`(Courier NewKS-\  `&Times New RomanS (O;$0  2#  a  .3  0` (#(#(b$0  0` (#(#2#   .3  0 ` (#` (#"#$%&hCEIMQUY]aAutoList2""""""""i)1)a) '"(xir$0  0` (#(#0 ` (#` (#2#(  0  )3  0 (# (#($0  0` (#(#0 ` (#` (#0 (# (#2#(  a  )3  0h(#(#(F$0  0` (#(#0 ` (#` (#0 (# (#0h(#(#2#(   )3  0h(#h(#($0  0` (#(#0 ` (#` (#0 (# (#0h(#(#0h(#h(#2#  0  )3  0(#(#({$0  0` (#(#0 ` (#` (#0 (# (#0h(#(#0h(#h(#0(#(#2#  a  )3  0p(#(#(F$0  0` (#(#0 ` (#` (#0 (# (#0h(#(#0h(#h(#0(#(#0p(#(#2#     )3  0p(#p(# (UhCEKQW]cioAutoList31.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.(1.(ehCEKQW]cioAutoList41.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.*1.<6X9`(Courier New\  `&Times New Roman- -%2A`Arial 0#&@Xd# 1 - - X R$$      2  )  _ԀMr._McCollum_ԀtestifiedthatMr._Huffstutter_ԀtoldMr._McCollum_Ԁthathe[Mr._Huffstutter_]wastheretoget his  busandthat,ifMr._McCollum_ԀdidnotturnovertheBus,Mr._Huffstutter_Ԁwouldhavehim[Mr._McCollum_]arrested.*+ (_2623  ..*G+M (_25   /%` ` hp x /23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *D+M (_24   ," hp x ,23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *A+M (_23  ` ) hp x )23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *>+M (_22   &hhp x &23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *;+M (_21   #p x #23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *8+M (_20  h  p x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *5+M (_19   pp x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *2+M (_18    x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  * (_1723  Ԁ*GM (_16   /%` ` hp x /23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *DM (_15   ," hp x ,23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *AM (_14  ` ) hp x )23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *>M (_13   &hhp x &23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *;M (_12   #p x #23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *8M (_11  h  p x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *5M (_10   pp x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  (2M &_9    x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  ( &_823  (GM &_7   /%` ` hp x /23   5+ ` hp x 5  (DM &_6   ," hp x ,23   5+ ` hp x 5  (AM &_5  ` ) hp x )23   5+ ` hp x 5  (>M &_4   &hhp x &23   5+ ` hp x 5  (;M &_3   #p x #23   5+ ` hp x 5  (8M &_2  h  p x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  (5M &_1   pp x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  &2M $_    x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  0.Normal<:Definition T<AA:Definition L , 5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 5(|G2$$ !.8VydXXd8         0  )(''&H1      (&H2  (&H3   d(&H5  (|3 \$ !.8VydXXd8     VVVV)!dxdx)!dxdx( $ Figure  1  ,*CITE^_X`YE<<CLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5(|3 \$ !.8VydXXd8     ($$   1  X[Z&OLE 2.0 Box <=8C HKKKK<:Preformatted/%  ,Kk %#/K,<6X9`(Courier NewKS-\  `&Times New RomanS/%  ,Kk %#/<:zBottom of 7e(X7  ?/%2A`Arial?  S-\  `&Times New RomanS7Z(X7&0 d dd)1dxd  R$$      3  )  _ԀThesepapersincludedandOrderforImmediateRecoveryofProperty,datedDecember22,1995anda  ComplaintandPetitionforImmediateRecoveryofProperty,whichwasswornandsubscribedonDecember22,1995.  NeitherofthesedocumentsauthorizedtheremovaloftheBusfromNashvilleCoachsproperty.<:zTop of For7h(X7  ?/%2A`Arial?  S-\  `&Times New RomanS7Z(X7d)2dxd0KS.SampleK,<6X9`(Courier NewKS-\  `&Times New RomanS0.Strong 8dl6TypewriterK,<6X9`(Courier NewKS-\  `&Times New RomanS42Variable: 8HTML MarkupB      2 0CommentB  (O$ q R$$      4  )  _ԀThisistheactionfromwhichtheassaultchargesagainstMr._McCollum_Ԁarose.Thereisdisputeintherecord  astowhatdegreeofforceMr._McCollum_ԀusedagainstMr._Huffstutter_.Mr._McCollum_Ԁtestifiedthathe nudgedor   pushedor shovedMr._Huffstutter_Ԁwithhis[Mr._McCollum_s]torsobutnevertouchedMr._Huffstutter_Ԁwithhis[Mr. W _McCollum_s]hands.Inhisaffidavitontheassault,Mr._Huffstutter_ԀstatedthatMr._McCollum_ shovedhim[Mr. L _Huffstutter_]andorderedhim[Mr._Huffstutter_]offtheproperty. w R$$      5  )  _ԀCaptainJohnD.HoffmanoftheMetropolitanPoliceDepartmenttestifiedthathisdepartmenthas  approximately47,000warrantscurrentlywaitingtobeserved.Hefurthertestifiedthatthereareonly18peopleavailable  toservethesewarrants.Consequently,thedepartmentmustexercisediscretionintermsofwhatwarrantsgetpriority, W withmajorfelonies(e.g.murder,attemptedmurder,rape,armedrobbery)gettingtoppriorityandsimpleassaultwarrants L againstprivatecitizensgettingaverylowpriority.Despitethissystemofprioritizing,thewarrantforMr._McCollum_  wasservedthesamedaythatitwasobtained.  R$$      7  )  _ԀMr._McCollum_Ԁtestifiedthattheofficeronhisrightusedundueforcetohandcuffhim,althoughnoformal  complaintwasfiledagainsttheofficer.Mr._McCollum_smotherwaswitnesstotheseeventsandwasveryupset  [ hysterical]duringthearrest.Mr._McCollum_Ԁfurthertestifiedthathewasnotpermittedtousetherestroomorobtain W hisovercoatbeforebeingtakentojail.  R$$      8  )  _ԀMr._Huffstutter_ԀclaimsthathedismissedthechargespursuanttoanoralagreementbetweenhimselfandMr.  _McCollum_Ԁthat_McCollum_ԀwouldnotpursuecivilchargesagainstMr._Huffstutter_.Mr._McCollum_Ԁandthosepresent  totestifyforhimathiscriminaltrialdenythatanysuchoralagreementwasevercontemplated.Thereisnowritten W evidenceofanysuchagreement.  R$$      9  )  _ԀThisSettlementAgreementwasneithersignednornegotiatedbyeithertheAppellantortheAppelleeinthis  case.JohnThomassignedasagentforMobileGourmetandRonaldD.WisesignedasVicePresidentofNashville  Coach.KenJones,attorneyforNashvilleCoachonitscivilcasewithMobileGourmet,draftedtheSettlement W Agreement.InMr.Jonestestimony,hestatesthattheSettlementAgreementwasbetweenNashvilleCoachandMobile L Gourmetandwasmeanttocutoffanyfurtherclaimsbetweenthosetwoparties,suchclaimsbeingthoserelatingonly  totheBusatissueinthecase.TheSettlementAgreement,initsfinalform,wastheresultofnegotiationsbetweenKen  JonesandMr.Kemper,attorneyforMobileGourmet.  R$$      12  )  _ԀMr._Huffstutter_ԀdidnothavetheactualWritofPossessionwithhimwhenhewenttoNashvilleCoachon  December22,1995,nordidMr._McCollum_ԀreceiveacopyofthatWritofPossession.  R$$      14  )  _ԀParagraph3oftheAmendedComplaint,filedonMay19,1997,statesthat: OnDecember22,1995while  purportingtorepresentMobileGourmetII,aNevadalimitedpartnership,inalawsuitinvolvingNashvilleCoachWorks,  Inc.,_Huffstutter_ԀappearedatthepremisesofNashvilleCoachWorks,Inc.withacopyofthecomplaintinthecasestyled W MobileGourmetIIv.NashvilleCoachWorks,Inc.,CaseNo.954011I,ChanceryCourtofDavidsonCounty, L Tennessee,andacopyofanorderoftheCourtinthatcaseentitled OrderforImmediateRecoveryofProperty,which  statedthatawritofpossessionwouldbeissueduponpostingofabondintheamountof$10,000.Paragraph5  continues: _Huffstutter_spurposeinrepresentingthathehadavalidorderandwritwastoobtainthebusbeforeposting g ofabondandproperserviceofawrit....  R$$      15  )  _ԀParagraph5ofMr._McCollum_sAmendedComplaintstatesthat ...Mr._Huffstutter_Ԁproceededtoswearout  afalsewarrantforassaultagainst[Mr._McCollum_].AndParagraph6continues _Huffstutter_sstatementsinhisaffidavit  tosecurethewarrantwerefalseandmisleading.Suchstatementswerealsomadewiththeulteriorandimpropermotive W ofintimidating_McCollum_Ԁintoreleasingthebuswithoutproperbondandwrit.  R$$      13  )  _ԀMr._Huffstutter_ԀtestifiedthathewasoutsideaglasswindowwhileMr.KemperwasinsideobtainingtheWrit  ofPossessionandpostingthebond.Althoughhecouldnothearthetransaction,hecouldseeit.  R$$      11  )  _ԀIngrammaticalterms,theconstructionatissuehereiscalledaremoterelative.Aremoterelativeexistswhen  arelativepronoun(that,which,who)isseparatedfromitsantecedent.Forexample,inthesentence Thefilessitting  inthecourtroomthatIwastalkingaboutyesterdayareindisarray,thewordthatstrictlymodifiescourtroom,notfiles. W Inthecontextofmodernusage,remoterelativesmaybelooselyinterpretedinordertolinkthemtotheirremote L antecedents.However,inthecontextofcontractinterpretation,grammarmustbereadaccordingtorulesofgeneral  construction.Inthecaseofaremoterelativecontainedwithinacontract,courtsmustreadanyrelativepronounsothat  itmodifiesthenounthatimmediatelyprecedesit.SeeBryanA.Garner,ADictionaryofModernLegalUsage753(2nd g ed.1995).7422-5  R$$      6  )  _ԀMr._McCollum_Ԁtestifiedthattherewere severalofficerspresentduringthearrest,includingDetectiveTim  Mason.Mr._Huffstutter_ԀhadpreviouslyrepresentedDetectiveMasonandseveralmembersofhisfamilyonanestate  case.4952-238  R$$      16  )  _Ԁ_T.C.A._Ԁ209502; _Tutton_Ԁv.Patterson ,714S.W.2d268,271(Tenn.1986)( Thejuryreturnedageneral  verdictforplaintiff.Onappeal,thisCourtfoundthatthetrialjudgeerredinnotdirectingaverdictforthedefendanton  theattractivenuisancecount.Therewasmaterialevidenceintherecordfromwhichthejurycouldconcludethatthe Y playgrounddoctrineapplied;thusapplying_T.C.A._Ԁ20-9-502,thisCourtheldthat[_h]aving_Ԁfoundthejurywasjustified N infindingliabilityunderthecountofthedeclarationbasedontheplaygrounddoctrine,theverdictwillbeappliedtothat  count.); Seealso_Helton_Ԁv.Reynolds ,640S.W.2d5,8(Tenn.Ct.App.1982)( Notwithstandingourdetermination  withregardtothefirsttheory,becauseof_T.C.A._Ԁ20-9-502andofdecisionallaw,thejudgmentmuststillbeaffirmed k iftheproceedingsastoasecondtheoryarefreeofreversibleerror.(citationsomitted)).   = R$$      17  )  _ԀDisciplinaryRule6101, FailingtoActCompetently.!(A)Alawyershallnot:(1)Handlealegalmatter  whichthelawyerknowsorshouldknowthatthelawyerisnotcompetenttohandle,withoutassociatingwithalawyer  whoiscompetenttohandleit.(2)Handlealegalmatterwithoutpreparationadequateinthecircumstances.(3)Neglect W alegalmatterentrustedtothelawyer.  R$$      10  )  _ԀPursuanttoTenn.R.App.P.3(e),DefendantsMotionforNewTrialspecificallymentionedeachofthe  sevenissuespresentedonappeal. R$$      18  )  _CivilInstruction8.30,TennesseePatternJuryInstructions(3rded.1997).}p. .+003|xU\\IB01S01\CLERK1NAS,,,,0 { R$$      1  )  _ԀThereissomedisputeintherecordastowhetherMr._McCollum_ԀcalledMr.Hamilton,afterreleasingtheBus  toMobileGourmet,toaskthathereturntheBusforreplacementofastoveandthenkepttheBusunderamechanics  lienorwhetherMr._McCollum_ԀandMr.HamiltonagreedthatMobileGourmetwouldhaveuseoftheBusbutonlyifit W remainedontheNashvilleCoachproperty. !.8Vydd8     __  Vy8AXXdd8  @ SVyINTHECOURTOFAPPEALSOFTENNESSEE  @kk$ATNASHVILLE#VyS*#Ԉ &   August7,2002Session L XAXVy #VyXXA#PATRICKL._MCCOLLUM_v.DAN_HUFFSTUTTER_XAXVy  J @@ ADirectAppealfromtheChanceryCourtforDavidsonCounty  J @@No.00C35TheHonorableHamilton_Gayden_,Chancellor  6 @@*AV) ` dE< ` A   @@TTNo.M200200051COAR3CVFiledOctober8,2002   AV) ` dE<` A      XAXXXA  ThisisanappealfromaJudgmentonajuryverdictforPlaintiff.PlaintiffsuedDefendant   ongroundsoftrespass,abuseofprocess,andoutrageousconductarisingfromDefendantsattempt  toserveawritofpossessionatPlaintiffsplaceofbusiness.AjuryfoundforPlaintiffonall o grounds.Defendantappeals,allegingsevengroundsforreversal:(1)TheTrialCourterredinnot [ dismissingthecomplaintonthegroundsofanexecutedSettlementAgreementandFullReleaseof Gx AllClaims;(2)TheTrialCourterredinfailingtograntanewtrialonthegroundsofnewly 3d discoveredevidence;(3)TheTrialCourterredinnotgrantingDefendantsMotionforSummary P Judgment,andinfailingtogranttheDefendantsMotionforDirectedVerdict;(4)Thejuryverdict  < shouldbesetasideandthecomplaintdismissedonthegroundsofanoralagreementnottofilecivil ( proceedings;(5)TheTrialCourterredinfailingtogivethespecialinstructionsrequestedbythe  Defendant;(6)TheTrialCourterredinnotgrantinganewtrialonthegroundsofimproperconduct  bycounselforthePlaintiff;(7)Theverdictand_remittitur_Ԁwereexcessiveandgivenunderthe  influenceofpassionandprejudice.Weaffirm.#XAXXXA##VyXXA#XAXVy   Tenn.R.App.P.3;AppealasofRight;JudgmentoftheChanceryCourtAffirmed     #VyXAa #XAX.VyW.FrankCrawford,P.J.,W.S.,deliveredtheopinionofthecourt,inwhichDavidR.Farmer, W   J.andHollyKirby_Lillard_,J.,joined. C!t! MichaelD.Noel,Nashville,ForAppellant,Dan_Huffstutter_ #L# StephenC.Knight,Nashville,ForAppellee,PatrickL._McCollum_ $$!%   OPINION #VyXXAC #XAXVy &"' #VyXXAd#XAXVy  06rXAXXXA  ThisisanappealfromaJudgmentOrderenteredonajuryverdict.PatrickL._McCollum_ ($) ( Mr._McCollum_, Appellee,or Plaintiff)isthepresidentandC.E.O.ofNashvilleCoachWorks, )%* Inc.( NashvilleCoach).NashvilleCoachisinthebusinessofconvertingshellsfrombus {*&+ manufacturersintoluxurytouringbuses.OnJuly26,1995,MobileGourmetII,L.P.( Mobile g+', Gourmet)contactedNashvilleCoachandthetwocompaniesenteredintoanagreementwhereby S,(- NashvilleCoachwouldconvertMobileGourmetsbus( Bus)intoagourmetkitchenforusein ?-p). 06r 08AXXdXXd81. 0  theircateringbusiness.Inlate1995,workwascompletedontheBusandabalanceofapproximately  sixtythousanddollars($60,000)wasduetoNashvilleCoachandpayablebyMobileGourmet.  TherewassomedisputeabouttheworkandMobileGourmetdidnotpay.Whenpaymentwasnot  forthcoming,NashvilleCoachretainedpossessionoftheBusunderamechanicslien.Despitethe  mechanicslien,AppelleespokewithMr.Hamilton,thepresidentofMobileGourmet,andagreed  toallowMobileGourmetuseoftheBussolongasitremainedonNashvilleCoachspremises.  #  1      ׀Mr. k HamiltonalsoadvisedAppelleethatanydemandsforpaymentshouldbemadethroughMobile W  Gourmetsattorney,Dan_Huffstutter_Ԁ( Mr._Huffstutter_, Appellant,or Defendant). C t #XAXXXA"##VyXXA#XAXVy    AftermakingseveralphonecallstoMr._Huffstutter_soffice,Mr._McCollum_Ԁandhissister,  L  SherryWise( Ms.Wise),wenttoAppellantslawofficeonThursday,December21,1995inorder  8  tospeakwithMr._Huffstutter_Ԁaboutthemoneyowedbyhisclient,MobileGourmet.Afterwaiting  $  approximatelytwohourstoseeMr._Huffstutter_,Mr._McCollum_ԀandMs.WiseproceededtoMr.   _Huffstutter_sofficeandputacopyofthemechanicslienonhisdesk.     WhenMr._McCollum_ԀarrivedathisofficeonthemorningofDecember22,1995,hehada   messagefromAppellantslawpartner,Mr.WhitneyKemper( Mr.Kemper),requestingthatMr.  _McCollum_Ԁcallhim.Mr.KemperinformedMr._McCollum_Ԁthathe[Mr.Kemper]andMr. { _Huffstutter_ԀweregoingtothecourthousetogetawritofpossessionfortheBusandthatMr. g _McCollum_Ԁshouldcomedowntherewithcounsel.Mr._McCollum_Ԁdidnotgotothecourthouse.At S approximately10:00a.m.,Mr._Huffstutter_ԀandMr.HamiltonarrivedatNashvilleCoach.3  #  2      ׀Mr. ?p _McCollum_ԀmetthematthedoorwayandtoldMr._Huffstutter_Ԁseveraltimestoleavetheproperty. +\ Mr._Huffstutter_ԀthenhandedpaperstoMr.HamiltonwhoputtheminsideMr._McCollum_soffice.f  #  3      ׀ H Atthispoint,Mr._McCollum_Ԁshutthedoorand,intheprocess, nudged, pushedorotherwise 4 displacedMr._Huffstutter_.p   #  4           AfterleavingNashvilleCoach,Mr._Huffstutter_ԀwenttotheMetropolitanPoliceDepartment   andmadeaswornoffensereport,whichformedthebasisofacriminalwarrantforassaultissued  againstMr._McCollum_.q  #  5      ׀WhileattendinganofficeChristmaspartyatOldHickoryCountryClub,   Mr._McCollum_Ԁwasarrestedatapproximately8:00p.m.ontheassaultchargesfiledbyMr.  _Huffstutter_.{(  #  6      ׀Mr._McCollum_Ԁwashandcuffedandtakentothepolicestationwherehewasheldin  aholdingcellforapproximatelytwohoursuntilhisfathermadebail.r<   #  7      ׀OnApril8,1996,thedate  thatthecriminalassaultcasewassetfortrial,_Mr.Huffstutter_Ԁagreedtodropthecriminalassault  chargesagainstMr._McCollum_ԀandtheDistrictAttorneydismissedthecase.s   #  8       k   OnNovember12,1996,NashvilleCoachandMobileGourmetenteredintoaSettlement C t AgreementandFullReleaseofAllClaimsagreement( SettlementAgreement).ThisSettlement / ` AgreementresolvedthecivildisputebetweenMobileGourmetandNashvilleCoachthatarosefrom  L  thebusconversioncontractenteredonJuly26,1995.t  #  9      ׀AnAgreedOrderofDismissalwasentered  8  onNovember14,1996inthecivilmatterbetweenNationalCoachandMobileGourmet.  $    OnDecember20,1996,Mr._McCollum_ԀinstitutedacivilsuitagainstMr._Huffstutter_Ԁfor   _tortious_Ԁconduct,includingtrespass,abuseofprocess,outrageousconductandmaliciousprosecution.   OnMarch4,1997,Mr._Huffstutter_ԀfiledaMotionforSummaryJudgmentandAffidavitinsupport   ofthatMotion.Mr._McCollum_ԀfiledPlaintiffsResponsetoDefendantsMotionforSummary  JudgmentonthemaliciousprosecutionclaimandanAffidavitinsupport_thererof_.Afterahearing { ontheDefendantsMotion,ChancellorEllen_Hobbs_ԀLyleenteredanOrdergrantingtheMotionon g May6,1997.ThisOrderdismissedonlythemaliciousprosecutionclaimandgavethePlaintiffuntil  May16,1997toamendthecomplainttoincludeacauseofactionforoutrageousconductand/or  abuseofprocess.PlaintifffiledanAmendedComplaintonMay19,1997andDefendantfileda  MotiontoDismissonJune6,1997,assertingthattheMay19,1997filingdateexceededthetime  limitofChancellorLylesOrderbythree(3)days.TheMotiontoDismisswasdeniedbyOrderon  July2,1997andDefendantfiledhisAnswertotheAmendedComplaintonJuly23,1997. k   AfterdiscoveryandasubstitutionofcounselfortheDefendant,anOrderofRecusalwas C t enteredbyChancellorEllen_Hobbs_ԀLyleonMay14,1999andanOrderwasenteredonMay18, / ` 1999,transferringthecasetoChancellorCarolL.McCoy.OnMay21,1999,theDefendantfiled  L  aMotionforSummaryJudgment.ChancellorMcCoyenteredanOrderofRecusalonNovember  8  5,1999andthecasewastransferredbyOrdertoJudgeHamilton_Gayden_ԀonNovember16,1999.  $  PlaintifffiledaResponsetoDefendants[May21,1999]MotionforSummaryJudgmentonJuly   19,2000.OnJuly28,2000,Judge_Gayden_ԀenteredanOrdergrantingtheMotionforSummary   JudgmentastothemaliciousprosecutionclaimanddenyingtheMotioninallotherrespects.On   August17,2000,thiscasewasfinallysetforjurytrialtocommenceonNovember27,2000.     ThismatterwastriedbeforeajurybetweenNovember27and30,2000.OnNovember30, { thejuryreachedaverdict,awardingMr._McCollum_Ԁcompensatorydamagesintheamountof g seventyfivethousand($75,000.00)andpunitivedamagesintheamountofonehundredseventyfive S thousand($175,000.00).OnDecember7,2000,Mr._Huffstutter_ԀfiledaMotionfortheTrialCourt ?p toVacateandDisapprovePunitiveDamages.ThisMotionwassubsequentlydeniedandjudgment +\ wasenteredonthejuryverdictonDecember15,2000.Mr._Huffstutter_ԀfiledaMotionforaNew H TrialonJanuary11,2001andamendedandsupplementedthatMotiononOctober9,2001.  #  10      ׀ 4 DefendantsMotionforNewTrialandMotionfora_Remittitur_,AmendedandSupplementalMotion   foraNewTrial,andMotiontoVacatePunitiveDamagesVerdictwereheardonNovember7,2001.   OnDecember10,2001,thecourtenteredanOrderdenyingalloftheDefendantsmotionsexcept  theDefendantsMotionforNewTrialonthegroundsthattheverdictwasexcessive.TheCourt  suggested_remittitur_Ԁastobothcompensatoryandpunitivedamageswhereintheamountof  compensatorydamagesshouldnotexceedfiftythousanddollars($50,000)andtheamountof  punitivedamagesshouldnotexceedtwentyfivethousanddollars($25,000).OnDecember18, w 2001,Plaintiffacceptedthe_remittitur_Ԁunderprotest.OnJanuary8,2002,Mr._Huffstutter_Ԁfiled c  NoticeofAppeal.FinaljudgmentinfavorofPlaintiff,andreflectingthe_remittitur_Ԁamounts,was O!  enteredonMarch11,2002.Defendantappealsandpresentssevenissuesforreview: ;"l! 8  8`   1.Whetherthetrialcourterredinnotdismissingthecomplaintonthe $D # groundsofanexecutedSettlementAgreementandFullReleaseofAll $0!$ Claims.%"%` x` x 8  8`   2.Whetherthetrialcourterredinfailingtograntanewtrialonthe '#' groundsofnewlydiscoveredevidence.($(` x` x Ї8  8`   3.WhetherthetrialcourterredinnotgrantingtheDefendants  MotionforSummaryJudgment,andinfailingtograntthe  DefendantsMotionforadirectedverdict.` x` x 8  8`   4.Whetherthejuryverdictshouldbesetasideandthecomplaint  dismissedonthegroundsofanoralagreementnottofilecivil k proceedings.W ` x` x 8  8`   5.Whetherthetrialcourterredinfailingtogivethespecialinstruction / ` requestedbytheDefendant. L ` x` x 8  8`   6.Whetherthetrialcourterredinnotgrantinganewtrialonthe  $  groundsofimproperconductbycounselforthePlaintiff. ` x` x 8  8`   7.Whethertheverdictand_remittitur_Ԁwereexcessiveandgivenunder   influenceofpassionandprejudice. ` x` x   Appelleepresentsoneissueforreview: { 8  8`   Whetherthetrialcourts_remittitur_Ԁshouldbereversedandthejury S verdictreinstatedbecausethetrialcourts_remittitur_Ԁiscontrarytothe ?p preponderanceoftheevidence.+\` x` x   Wewillconsidertheissuesintheorderpresented. 4 8  8`   1.Whetherthetrialcourterredinnotdismissingthecomplainton   thegroundsofanexecutedSettlementAgreementandFullRelease  ofAllClaims.` x` x   ThepertinentsectionsoftheSettlementAgreementatissueinthiscasereadasfollows:  8  8`   ThisSettlementAgreementandFullReleaseofAllClaims(the c   SettlementAgreement)ismadeandenteredintoasofNovember O!  12,1996,byandbetweenMobileGourmetII,aNevadapartnership ;"l! ( MobileGourmet)andNashvilleCoachWorks,Inc.,aTennessee '#X" corporation( NashvilleCoachand,togetherwithMobileGourmet, $D # the Parties).$0!$` x` x  "#$%&'(x3 8  8`   ***&#&` x` x  ((Uh8x "#$%&'"3"  8  8`   3CK2Uh  1  .3  0 ` x` x  DefinitionofClaims.Asusedherein, claimsshallmean ($( anyandallaccounts,covenants,agreements,andobligations )%) (otherthantheobligationscontainedinthisSettlement *&* Agreement)andanyandallclaims,debts,liabilities,offsets, s+'+ demands,costs,expenses,actions,orcausesofactionof  everynature,character,anddescription,ofanykind  whatsoever,knownorunknown,suspectedorunsuspected,  whetherarisingincontractortort,oratlaw,inequity,or  pursuanttoadministrativeruleorregulationincluding,but  notlimitedto,claimsassertedorwhichcouldhavebeen k assertedbyonepartyagainstanother,aswellasthatpartys W  agent,officer,director,employee,representative,attorney,or C t accountant,fromthebeginningoftimeuntilthedateofthis / ` SettlementAgreement.3CKK݌ L  x x Ќ  8  8`    *** $ ` x` x  *(eh88(! !8  8`   60 ` x` xReleaseofClaims.Exceptfortheobligationssetforthinthis   SettlementAgreement,MobileGourmetdoesherebyrelease,   remise,andforeverdischargeNashvilleCoachfromanyand   allclaims(asthattermisdefinedabove)relatedtotheBusor  theTrailer.MobileGourmetshallforeverrefrainfrom { commencing,instituting,orprosecutinganysuchclaim g againstNashvilleCoach.NashvilleCoachdoeshereby S release,remise,andforeverdischargeMobileGourmetfrom ?p anyandallclaims(asthattermisdefinedabove)relatingto +\ theBusortheTrailer.NashvilleCoachshallforeverrefrain H andforebearfromcommencing,instituting,orprosecuting 4 anysuchclaimagainstMobileGourmet.  x x 󀀀Theinterpretationofawrittencontractisamatteroflaw,andthus,nopresumptionofcorrectness  initsinterpretationexists. NSA_DBA_ԀBenefitPlan,v.ConnecticutGen.LifeIns.Co. ,968S.W.2d  791(Tenn.Ct.App.1997).Thecardinalruleintheconstructionofcontractsistoascertaintheintent  oftheparties. Westv._Laminite_ԀPlasticsMfg.Co. ,674S.W.2d310(Tenn.Ct.App.1984).Ifthe  contractisplainandunambiguous,themeaningthereofisaquestionoflaw,anditistheCourt's w functiontointerpretthecontractaswrittenaccordingtoitsplainterms. Pettyv.Sloan ,277S.W.2d c  355(Tenn.1955).Thelanguageusedinacontractmustbetakenandunderstoodinitsplain, O!  ordinary,andpopularsense. BobPearsallMotors,Inc.v.RegalChrysler-Plymouth,Inc. ,521 ;"l! S.W.2d578(Tenn.1975).Inconstruingcontracts,thewordsexpressingtheparties'intentionsshould '#X" begiventheusual,natural,andordinarymeaning. _Ballard_Ԁv.NorthAmericanLife&CasualtyCo. , $D # 667S.W.2d79(Tenn.Ct.App.1983).Ifthelanguageofawritteninstrumentisunambiguous,the $0!$ Courtmustinterpretitaswrittenratherthanaccordingtotheunexpressedintentionofoneofthe %"% parties. Suttonv.FirstNat.Bankof_Crossville_ ,620S.W.2d526(Tenn.Ct.App.1981).Courts &#& cannotmakecontractsforpartiesbutcanonlyenforcethecontractwhichthepartiesthemselveshave '#' made. _McKee_Ԁv.ContinentalIns.Co. ,234S.W.2d830(Tenn.1950). ($(   Byitsplainlanguage,theSettlementAgreementnamesonlyNashvilleCoachandMobile *&* GourmetaspartiestothisagreementandlimitsthetermsoftheSettlementAgreementtothosetwo s+'+ parties.Mr._McCollum_ԀisnotapartytothisSettlementAgreementand,therefore,cannotbebound  byit.    However,Mr._Huffstutter_ԀcontendsthattheSettlementAgreementincludednotonly  NashvilleCoachsagreementtodismisstheMobileGourmetlawsuitbutalsoanagreementto  releaseallclaims,specificallyincludinganytortclaimthatcouldbefiledbytheregisteredagentof k NashvilleCoach(i.e.Mr._McCollum_).Mr._Huffstutter_Ԁrelies,inpart,uponthelanguage ...claims W  assertedorwhichcouldhavebeenassertedbyonepartyagainstanother,aswellas that partys C t agent,officer,director,employee,representative ,attorney,oraccountant...foundinthe 3 d DefinitionofClaimssectionoftheagreement.TheAppellantwouldhaveusreadthislanguageas # T  follows:claimsassertedorwhichcouldhavebeenassertedbyoneparty,aswellasthatpartysagent,  @  officer,etal.,againstanother[party],aswellasthatpartysagent,office,etal.However,asweare  ,  boundbytheplainlanguageofthisdocumentandthegeneralrulesofgrammaticalconstruction,we   cannotbesoexpansiveinourinterpretation.Asamatterofbasicconstruction,thearticle that,   whencoupledwithanoun,referstothemostrecentappearanceofthatnouny  #  11      .Consequently,we   canonlyreadthislanguage aswellasthatpartysagent...torefertothepartyagainstwhoma   claimismade.Evenifwewerewillingtogosofaroutsidetheplainlanguageofthiscontractasto  includeMr._McCollum_ԀandMr._Huffstutter_Ԁunderthedefinitionof Parties,westillcouldnotfind  forMr._Huffstutter_Ԁonthisissue.Thetortclaimsatissueinthiscaseareasserted bytheoneparty o (i.e.Mr._McCollum_)against[only]another(i.e.Mr._Huffstutter_)andnotagainstMr._Huffstutter_s [ agent,director,etal.Asdiscussedabove,thelanguage aswellasthatpartysagent...onlyrefers Gx tothepartyagainstwhomaclaimismade(i.e.Mr._Huffstutter_);therefore,itisnotapplicableinthe 3d contextofthissuitnomatterhowfarwemaystretchtheplainlanguage. P   Finally,thelanguageoftheReleaseofClaimsparagraphclarifiesnotonlythefactthatthe ( contemplatedpartiestothisSettlementAgreementincludeonlyNashvilleCoachandMobile  Gourmetbutthisparagraphalsoclarifiesthefactthatanyclaimcoveredbytheagreementmust  relatetotheBus.ThisReleaseofClaimsparagraphcontainsareciprocalpromisewhereby Mobile  Gourmet..._release[s_]...NashvilleCoachand NashvilleCoach..._release[s_]...MobileGourmet.There  isnomentionofanyreleaseof,orby,eitherpartysagentsoremployees.Additionally,thelanguage   ...claimsrelatedtotheBus...isunambiguousandwemustinterpretitaswritten.    ItisclearthatthetortclaimsbroughtbyMr._McCollum_ԀagainstMr._Huffstutter_Ԁwerenotthe W!  subjectofthisSettlementAgreement.ThetrialcourtwascorrectinnotdismissingMr._McCollum_s C"t! suitonthebasisofthisSettlementAgreement. /#`"  $L # 8  8`   2.Whetherthetrialcourterredinfailingtograntanewtrialonthe  groundsofnewlydiscoveredevidence.` x` x   Therecordindicatesthat,byAmendedandSupplementalMotionforaNewTrial,filedon  October9,2001,Defendantmovedthetrialcourttosetasidetheverdictonthegroundsofnewly  discoveredevidence.Afterthedateoftrial,Defendantdiscoveredevidenceinformofthebond k ( Bond),whichhad,infact,beenpostedonDecember22,1995inaccordancewiththeorderof W  JudgeLylefortheissuanceoftheWritofPossessionoftheBus,andthattheWritofPossessionwas C t actuallyissued.u  #  12      ׀AfterhearingonNovember7,2001,thetrialcourtdeniedDefendantsMotionfor / ` aNewTrialonthegroundofnewlydiscoveredevidence.  L    Tennesseelawprovidesforanewtrialbasedonnewlydiscoveredevidenceonlyundervery  $  limitedcircumstances.Thatrule,asstatedin _Crain_Ԁv.Brown ,823S.W.2d187(Tenn.Ct.   App.1991),is:   8  8`   Generally,inorderforapartytoobtainanewtrialbasedonnewly   discoveredevidence,itmustbeshownthattheevidencewas  discoveredafterthetrial,thatitcouldnothavebeendiscovered { earlierwithduediligence,thatitismaterialandnotmerely g cumulativeorimpeaching,andthattheevidencewillprobablychange S theresultifanewtrialisgranted.20TennesseeJurisprudence,New ?p Trials6,7,8,9and10.+\` x` x Id.at192. H   Anewtrialwillbegrantedonaccountofnewlydiscoveredevidenceonlywhenitisevident   thataninjusticehasbeendoneandanewtrialwillchangetheresult. DiversifiedEquities,Inc.v.   Warren ,567S.W.2d171,175(Tenn.Ct.App.1976).Inrulingonamotionfornewtrialonthe  groundsofnewlydiscoveredevidence,thetrialcourtisvestedwithwidediscretionanditsdenial  ofsuchamotionwillnotbedisturbedbyanappellatecourtunlessithasabuseditsdiscretion.   Evansv.Evans ,558S.W.2d851,853(Tenn.Ct.App.1977).      TheBondevidenceatissuehereclearlyfailstheduediligence,materialityandresultprongs c  of _Crain_ .Ontheduediligenceprong,wefindatleastthreereasonwhyeventheslightestamount O!  ofduediligencewouldhaveledtothediscoveryofthisBondlongbeforethiscasewaseverfiled. ;"l! First,theBondwaspostedonDecember22,1995,inthepresenceofAppellantwhenheandMr. '#X" KemperwenttothecourthousetoprocuretheWritofPossessionfortheBus.x  #  13      ׀Secondly,itwasMr. $D # Kemper,Appellantslawpartnerandoriginalcounselinthiscase,whosignedtheBondasSurety. $0!$ Consequently,theBondshouldhavebeeninthefilerecordsoftheirlawfirmand,evenifnorecord %"% wasretained,theBondwasstillwithinthepersonalknowledgeofMr._Huffstutter_soriginalcounsel &#& inthiscase.Finally,theBondwasfiledinthecourtclerksofficeandeasilycouldhavebeen  obtainedfromthatofficewithminimaleffort.    Onthematerialityprongof _Crain_ ,thejuryinthiscasereturnedageneralverdictforMr.  _McCollum_Ԁontheoriesoftrespass,abuseofprocess,andoutrageousconduct.InhisAmended  ComplaintofMay19,1997,Mr._McCollum_Ԁallegedtwoseparateinstancesofabuseofprocess.First, k thatMr._Huffstutter_ԀmisusedtheOrderforImmediateRecoveryofPropertybyallegingthatitgave W  himtheauthoritytopossesstheBus.v  #  14      ׀Secondly,thatMr._Huffstutter_Ԁcommittedabuseofprocess C t bymisusinganarrestwarranttoattempttoforceMr._McCollum_ԀtoturnovertheBus.w  #  15      ׀TheBond / ` evidenceatissuehereonlyrelatestothefirstassertionofabuseofprocess,thatisthemisuseofthe  L  OrderforImmediateRecoveryofProperty.Thejuryinthiscasereturnedageneralverdictforthe  8  Plaintiff.Sincethereisnowaytoknowwhichofthetwofactualpredicatesforabuseofprocessthe  $  jurybasedtheirfindingon,wecannotsaywithcertaintythattheBondevidencewouldhavebeen   materialtothisfinding.     However,indecidingthisissue,wedonothavetorelyonsuppositionastowhatevidence   thejuryreliedupon.Thegeneralverdictalsoencompassedtheclaimsoftrespassandoutrageous  conduct,neitherofwhichwerefactuallyreliantupontheBondevidencefortheirproof.These { countsremainintactregardlessoftheBondevidence.T.C.A.209502statesthat, [_i]f_Ԁanycounts g inadeclarationaregood,averdictforentiredamagesshallbeappliedtosuchgoodcounts. S Therefore,theBondevidencewouldnothavechangedtheresultinthiscase.Forthesereasonsand ?p ontherecordbeforeuswecannotsaythatthetrialcourtabuseditsdiscretioninrefusinganewtrial +\ onthegroundofnewlydiscoveredevidence. H 8  8`   3.WhetherthetrialcourterredinnotgrantingtheDefendants   MotionforSummaryJudgment,andinfailingtograntthe   DefendantsMotionforadirectedverdict.` x` x   Sincethetrialcourtsdenialofthesummaryjudgmentwaspredicatedupontheexistenceof  agenuineissueoffact,thatdecisionisnot_reviewable_Ԁwheretherehasbeenajudgmentrendered  afteratrialonthemeritsofthecase. Tatev.MonroeCounty ,578S.W.2d642,644(Tenn.Ct. w App.1978); Mullinsv.PrecisionRubberProductsCorp. ,671S.W.2d496(Tenn.Ct.App.1984); c   Billsv.Lindsay ,909S.W.2d434(Tenn.Ct.App.1993).Theportionofthisissuerelatedto  summaryjudgmentis,therefore,withoutmerit.    AtthecloseofPlaintiffscase,Defendantmadeamotionforadirectedverdictonthethree  claimsatissueinthiscase,outrageousconduct,trespass,andabuseofprocess.Thetrialcourt  deniedthemotion,whichwassubsequentlyrenewedatthecloseofallevidence,andagaindenied. k DefendantfiledaMotionforaNewTrial,which,inaccordancewith_Tenn.R.App.P._Ԁ3(e), W  specificallyaverrederrorbythetrialcourtindenyingDefendantsMotionforDirectedVerdict. C t   The-XAXXXAԀrulefordetermining% z #XAXX-XA#%z-XAXXXAamotionfordirectedverdictrequiresthetrialjudgeandthe  L  reviewingcourtonappealtolooktoalloftheevidence,takethestrongestlegitimateviewofitin  8  favoroftheopponentofthemotion,andallowallreasonableinferencesfromitinhisfavor.The  $  courtmust% | #XAXX-XA]#%|ʑ-XAXXXAԀdiscardallcountervailingevidence,andifthereisthenanydisputeastoanymaterial   determinativeevidence,oranydoubtastotheconclusiontobedrawnfromthewholeevidence,the   motionmustbedenied. _Conatser_Ԁv.ClarksvilleCocaColaBottlingCo .,920S.W.2d646,647   (Tenn.1995); Hurleyv.TennesseeFarmersMut.Ins.Co. ,922S.W.2d887,891(Tenn.Ct.App.   1995).Adirectedverdictcannotbesustainedifthereismaterialevidenceintherecordwhichwould  supportaverdictforthedefendantunderanyofthetheoriesthedefendanthadadvanced. Id.; { _Conatser_ ,920S.W.2dat647.#XAXX-XA #-XAXXXA g   Theruleiswellsettledthatageneralverdictisnotvitiatedbytheabsenceofproofonsome ?p countsofthedeclarationifthereisanyevidencetosustaintheallegationsofasinglecount.}  #  16      ׀ +\ Consequently,inordertofindforAppellantonthisissue,wewouldhavetofindthatAppellantwas H entitledtodirectedverdictonallthreeclaims!trespass,abuseofprocess,andoutrageousconduct. 4 BecausewefindthatMr._Huffstutter_Ԁwasnotentitledtodirectedverdictontheclaimofabuseof   process,we_pretermit_Ԁdiscussionofthemeritsofdirectedverdictonthetrespassandoutrageous   conductclaims.    Inordertorecoverforabuseofprocess,aplaintiffmustestablishbyevidencetwoelements:  (1)theexistenceofanulteriormotive;and(2)anactintheuseofprocessotherthansuchaswould  beproperintheregularprosecutionofthecharge. Priestv.UnionAgency ,125S.W.2d142(Tenn. w 1939). c    Mr._McCollum_Ԁpresentedtwofactualpremisestoestablishhisclaimofabuseofprocess ;"l! againstMr._Huffstutter_.First,thatMr._Huffstutter_ԀmisusedtheChanceryCourtsOrderfor '#X" ImmediateRecoveryofPropertybyrepresentingtoMr._McCollum_Ԁthattheordergaveauthorityto $D # seizetheBus.Secondly,thatMr._Huffstutter_ԀmisusedanarrestwarranttoattempttoforceMr.  _McCollum_ԀtoturnovertheBus.    Mr._Huffstutter_Ԁarguesthat,althoughtheOrderforImmediateRecoveryofPropertywasnot  inproperformtoallowforseizureoftheBus,presentingthisdocumenttoMr._McCollum_Ԁforthat  purposewasanerrorandnotanabuseofprocess.ThejuryheardtestimonythataWritof k Possession,servedbyasheriff,wasthepropermeansofpossessingtheBus.Theyheardtestimony W  thatMr._Huffstutter_Ԁwasanattorneywhohadpracticedforsometwentyyears.Mr._Huffstutter_sown C t testimonyindicatedthathedidnotlooktoseewhatpapersMr.Kemperhadhandedhimbefore / ` takingthemtoNashvilleCoachandusingthemasthebasisfordemandingtheBusfromMr.  L  _McCollum_.Baseduponthisevidence,areasonablejurycouldhavefoundthatanattorneyshould  8  notonlyhaveknownwhatprocesswasnecessarybutshouldalsohaveinquiredastowhat  $  documentshewasservingandwhetherhehadtheauthoritytoservethem.Areasonablejurycould   havefoundthatfailuretodosoconstitutedmorethanmereerror,andveiledanulteriormotive.~  #  17      ׀     Furthermore,Plaintiffassertsasecondfactualpremiseforabuseofprocess,specificallythat   Mr._Huffstutter_ԀobtainedanarrestwarrantagainstMr._McCollum_Ԁsolelyforthepurposeofforcing  Mr._McCollum_ԀtoturnovertheBus.Thejuryheardtestimonythatthewarrantwasservedthesame { dayitwasissued,despiteagreatbacklogofunservedwarrants.Thejuryalsoheardadetailed g accountingofthemannerinwhichMr._McCollum_Ԁwasarrested.ThefactthatMr._McCollum_Ԁwas S arrestedathisofficeChristmasparty,atnight,by severalofficers,includingDetectiveTimMason ?p forwhomMr._Huffstutter_Ԁhadpreviouslyprovidedlegalservicescouldhaveledareasonablejury +\ toconcludethatthecircumstancesofthearrestindicatedamotivebeyondmereconvenienceoftime H andplace.Onthisevidence,areasonablejurycouldhavefoundthatMr._Huffstutter_Ԁusedthearrest 4 warranttointimidateMr._McCollum_ԀandtoforcehimtoreleasetheBus.Fortheforegoingreasons,   weholdthatthetrialcourtdidnoterrindenyingDefendantsMotionforDirectedVerdict.     #XAXX-XA#XAXXXA8  8`   4.Whetherthejuryverdictshouldbesetasideandthecomplaint  dismissedonthegroundsofanoralagreementnottofilecivil  proceedings.#XAXXXA#-XAXXXA` x` x   Therecordinthiscasecontainsaclassicdisputeoffactontheissueofwhetheranoral c  agreementexistedwhereinMr._McCollum_ԀagreednottofilecivilproceedingsagainstMr. O!  _Huffstutter_ԀinexchangeforMr._Huffstutter_sagreementtodropthecriminalassaultchargesagainst ;"l! Mr._McCollum_. '#X"   Whentheresolutionoftheissuesinacasedependsuponthetruthfulnessofwitnesses,the $0!$ trieroffact,eitherthetrialjudgeorjury,whohastheopportunitytoobservethewitnessesintheir %"% manneranddemeanorwhiletestifyingandisinafarbetterpositionthanthisCourttodecidethose &#& issues. See_McCaleb_Ԁv.SaturnCorp. ,910S.W.2d412,415(Tenn.1995); Whitakerv.Whitaker ,  957S.W.2d834,837(Tenn.Ct.App.1997).Theweight,faith,andcredittobegiventoany  witnesstestimonyliesinthefirstinstancewiththetrieroffact,andthecredibilityaccordedwillbe  givengreatweightbytheappellatecourt. Seeid.;InreEstateofWaltonv.Young ,950S.W.2d  956,959(Tenn.1997).    TheDefendant,inhisanswertotheAmendedComplaint,assertedtheoralagreementnotto W  fileacivilproceedingasanaffirmativedefense.TheDefendanthadtheburdenofproofonthis C t defenseand,infact,offeredevidence,intheformofhisowntestimony,thatanoralagreementwas / ` reachedonApril8,1996.Inturn,thePlaintiffputonevidencetorefutetheexistenceofanoral  L  agreement.Thejurywasinthebestpositiontoweighthisevidenceinreachingtheirverdictandwe  8  areinnopositiontosecondguesstheirfindings.Forthisreason,weholdthatthejuryverdictshould  $  notbesetasidebasedupontheexistenceofanoralagreement.   #XAXX-XA#XAXXXA8  8`   5.Whetherthetrialcourterredinfailingtogivethe   _speciainstructions_ԀrequestedbytheDefendant.#XAXXXAc#-XAXXXA ` x` x   TheDefendantrequestedthatthetrialcourtchargethejurywiththefollowingSpecial { Instructiononabuseofprocess: g 8  8`   Thegistofthetortofabuseofprocessconsistsinanunlawfuluseof ?p alawfulprocess.Inotherwordsthebadintentmustculminateinan +\ actualabuseoftheprocessbypervertingittoausetoobtainaresult H whichtheprocesswasnotintendedbylaw.4` x` x 8  8`   Anexamplewouldbewheretheprocessispervertedinamannerto   accomplishacollateralpurposenotcontemplatedbylaw,suchas  whereapartyisfraudulentlyinducedtocomewithinthejurisdiction  oftheCourtsoastorenderhimsubjecttoitsprocess,orinacriminal  casewhereprocessisexecutedinanoppressiveandunlawful  manner.w` x` x 8  8`   Amerearrestanddetentionunderalawfulwarrant,withoutanyact O!  amountingtoamisuseoroppression,isnotanabuseofprocess.A ;"l! legalandlegitimateuseofprocess,toeffecttheresultwhichsuch '#X" processisdesignedbylawtoaccomplishisnotanabuseofprocess.$D #` x` x 8  8`   MembersofthejuryIfurtherchargeyouthatiflegalprocesshasbeen %"% lawfullyissued,noactionforabuseofprocesswouldliebecauseit &#& wasusedinaregularandlegitimatemanner,andthisistrueeven '#' thoughtheuserwasactuatedbyawrongfulmotive.($(` x` x   ThetrialcourtdeniedDefendantsrequestonthisSpecialInstructionandinsteadusedthe *&* TennesseePatternJuryInstructiononabuseofprocess,whichreadsasfollows: s+'+ Ї8  8`   Abuseofprocessistheuseoflegalprocessforaresultforwhichthe  legalprocesswasnotdesignedandforawrongfulpurpose.` x` x 8  8`   Tobeentitledtodamagesforabuseofprocess,theplaintiffmust  showthatthelegalprocesswasusedforapurposeforwhichitwas  notdesignedinordertocompeltheplaintifftodosomethingthat k couldnotlegallybecompelledbytheuseofthatlegalprocess.  #  18      W ` x` x   Itisawellsettledrulethattrialcourtsshouldgivearequestedjuryinstructionifitsatisfies / ` threerequirements(1)itissupportedbytheevidence,(2)itembodiesthepartystheory,(3)itisa  L  correctstatementofthelaw. Hayesv.Gill, 390S.W.2d213,214(Tenn.1965); _Strickland_Ԁv.City  8  of_Lawrenceburg_ ,611S.W.2d832,837(Tenn.Ct.App.1980); _Tallent_Ԁv.Fox ,141S.W.2d485,  $  497(Tenn.Ct.App.1940).However,wherethecourtcorrectlychargesthelawapplicabletothe   case,itisnoterrortodenyaspecialrequestthatembodiesatheoryofapartyifthecourtchargesin   generaltermsandwithclearnesssoundpropositionsoflawthatwouldguidethejuryinreachinga   correctdecisioninthecase. Otisv.CambridgeMut.FireIns.Co. ,850S.W.2d439,445(Tenn.   1992).    Appellantassertsthathisspecialjuryinstructionwasnecessarytofullyandfairlystatethe g applicablelawonabuseofprocess.Wedonotagree.Thepatterninstructionusedbythetrialcourt S clearlycommunicatestheprinciple,containedinMr._Hufstutter_sproposedinstruction,thatuseof ?p processina regularandlegitimatemannerisnotabuseofprocess.Thepatternjuryinstruction +\ stateswhatconstitutesabuseofprocess.Mr._Huffstutter_sproposedinstructionpresentsthe H converseinthatitstateswhatisnotabuseofprocess.TheuseofthisconverselanguagemakesMr. 4 _Huffstutter_sproposedinstructionlessclearthanthepatterninstruction,andcreatesaneedfor   extraneousexamplesintheinstruction.Thepatternjuryinstruction,therefore,providesamore   clearandconcisestatementofthelawonabuseofprocesswhile,atthesametime,encompassing  Appellantstheoryofthecase.Forthisreason,wefindthatthetrialcourtdidnoterrindenyingthe  AppellantsrequestforSpecialInstructionontheissueofabuseofprocess.  #XAXX-XA`#XAXXXA  "3"   @ 32eh  6  .3  0 @   ݀Whetherthetrialcourterredinnotgrantinganewtrialon3݌ w Ќ   @ thegroundsofimproperconductbycounselforthePlaintiff.#XAXXXA#-XAXXXA c    Ingeneral,thecontroloverthearg_ument_Ԁofcounselresideswiththetrialcourt,andthetrial ;"l! courthasbroaddiscretionastowhatshallandshallnotbepermittedinargument.Theappellate '#X" courtsgenerallywillnotinterferewiththediscretionaryactionofatrialcourtinrefusingtogranta $D # mistrialoranewtrialformisconductofcounselinargumentunlesstheargumentisclearly $0!$ unwarrantedandmadepurelyforthepurposeofappealingtopassion,prejudicesandsentiment %"% whichcannotberemovedbysustainingtheobjectionofopposingcounsel. Perkinsv._Sadler_ ,826 &#& S.W.2d439,442(Tenn.Ct.App.1991).Moreover,wenotefromtherecordthatdefendantmade '#'  noobjectiontotheattorneysargumentthatapartywhoinvitesorwaiveserror,orwhofailstotake ($( reasonablestepstocureanerrorisnotentitledtoreliefonappeal.Tenn.R.App.P.36(a).Wefind  noerrorbythetrialcourt,andthisissueiswithoutmerit.     WewillconsiderAppellantsseventhissueforreviewandAppelleesissueforreview  together.  #XAXX-XA.#XAXXXA8  8`   7. Whethertheverdictand_remittitur_Ԁwereexcessiveandgiven W  underinfluenceofpassionandprejudice.#XAXXXA#-XAXXXAC t` x` x 8  8`   Whetherthetrialcourts_remittitur_Ԁshouldbereversedandthejury  L  verdictreinstatedbecausethetrialcourts_remittitur_Ԁiscontrarytothe  8  preponderanceoftheevidence. $ ` x` x     Thiscourtreviewsatrialcourt's_remittitur_ԀunderthestandardofTenn.R.App.P.13(d). See    T.C.A.20-10-102(b); _Thrailkill_Ԁv.Patterson ,879S.W.2dat841(Tenn.1994).Accordingly,   whenreviewingatrialcourtssuggestionof_remittitur_,wemustusethestandardofreviewthat   appliestofindingsofatrialjudge. SeeCoffeyv._Fayette_ԀTubularProds. ,929S.W.2d326,331  (Tenn.1996),anddeterminewhethertheevidencepreponderatesagainstthetrialjudgesadjustment. {  SeeLongv._Mattingly_ ,797S.W.2d889,896(Tenn.Ct.App.1990); Coffeyv._Fayette_ԀTubular g Prods. ,929S.W.2dat331. S   Areviewoftherecorddoesnotsuggestthattheevidencepreponderatesagainstthetrial +\ courtsfindingthattheverdictwasexcessiveorthetrialcourtsdecisiontoremitMr._McCollum_s H damagesby$175,000.Thetrialcourtwasinabetterpositionthanthiscourttoweighthetestimony 4 concerningMr._McCollum_sinjuriesanddamages.Accordingly,wefindthattherecordsupports   thetrialcourtsdecisiontoreduceMr._McCollum_sdamagesto$75,000.     Fortheforegoingreasons,weaffirmthejudgmentofthetrialcourtasremittedisaffirmed.  Costsoftheappealareassessedagainsttheappellant,Dan_Huffstutter_,andhissurety.    #XAXX-XA)# #VyXXAd#XAXVy   `     h __________________________________________ c     `     h W.FRANKCRAWFORD,PRESIDINGJUDGE,W.S.