SUTTON, Chief Judge. Tina McPherson sued Suburban Ann Arbor, a Michigan car dealer, for repossessing her car and taking more than $2,000. A federal jury found Suburban liable for violating federal and state consumer protection laws. The district court awarded McPherson most, but not all, of her attorney’s fees and declined to treble her damages under two Michigan statutes. McPherson appeals both decisions, and Suburban cross-appeals the district court’s fee award. Seeing no abuse of discretion or any other error, we affirm.

This case involves allegations of malfeasance by several members of a family business against another member. The plaintiffs asserted both derivative and individual claims. We affirm the trial court’s decision regarding the merits of the case but vacate and remand the portion of the trial court’s decision regarding damages and attorney fees.

The Petitioner, Casey Lee Anderson, pled guilty to second degree murder and received a sentence of nineteen years’ imprisonment. He later filed a petition for post-conviction relief, claiming that the State had violated Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), by failing to disclose a witness statement before he entered the plea. After a hearing, the post- conviction court granted relief, finding that the State had violated Brady by failing to disclose the statement. On appeal, the State argues that the post-conviction court erred in granting relief, asserting that the Petitioner failed to prove that the statement was material. Upon our de novo review, we agree with the State. As such, we respectfully reverse the post-conviction court’s judgment and remand the case to reinstate the Petitioner’s conviction.

April 14, 2025 - April 18, 2025.

The final episode of the season for the TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast features TBA lobbyists and attorneys Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley of Adams & Reese. In this legislative session wrap-up, they discuss the passage of the state budget, key accomplishments from the TBA’s lobbying efforts and a preview of priorities for the 2025 session. Listeners can support the TBA’s advocacy work by contributing to LAWPAC. Tune in to the podcast on the TBA website or through this link.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is accepting applications for a circuit and chancery court judge in the 32nd Judicial District and to fill a vacancy in the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court. The 32nd Judicial District vacancy was created following the retirement of Judge Michael E. Spitzer. To be considered for the vacancy, interested individuals should apply by noon CDT on May 14. The commission will hold a public hearing to interview candidates on June 10. The vacancy in the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court follows the elevation of Judge Steven Sword to the Court of Criminal Appeals. Applications for this vacancy also must be submitted by May 14 at noon CDT. A public hearing for this position will be held June 17. Applications and additional information for both vacancies can be found on the Administrative Office of the Court's judicial resources page.

Legislation that passed the Tennessee Senate and House unanimously last week would require police to report each time they charge someone with driving under the influence and toxicology results later show the person was sober. Under the bill, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation must report to the speakers of the House and Senate all instances in the previous year when someone was charged with DUI but no alcohol or other intoxicants were detected in their blood or breath. Reporting would begin in 2026 and continue through 2029, the Tennessean reports. Cases of sober drivers being charged with DUI have received increased news coverage and public attention in recent years according to the paper. Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, said the bill is intended to help the legislature determine whether “this is actually a real statewide problem.” The bill now goes to the governor for his consideration.

A judge ruled Thursday that Alphabet’s Google illegally dominates two markets for online advertising technology. According to Reuters, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema found Google liable for “willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power” in the markets for publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, which sit between buyers and sellers. The decision clears the way for a future hearing to determine what steps Google must take to restore competition in those markets, such as selling off parts of its business. A trial date has not yet been set. It is the second court ruling finding that Google holds an illegal monopoly, following a similar judgment in a case over online search. The U.S. Department of Justice has said Google should be required to divest at least its Google Ad Manager, which includes the company’s publisher ad server and ad exchange. Read more in a statement from Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.

Clarksville attorney Brian Lee Hill died Dec. 23, 2024, at age 52. Hill was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and earned his law degree from the Appalachian School of Law. He represented clients in bankruptcy cases. A memorial service was held Jan. 10 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane, West Virginia. Online condolences may be made here.

The trial of former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his chief of staff, Cade Cothren, will begin tomorrow. The government alleges 20 counts of money laundering, bribery, wire fraud and theft related to the operations of a mailer company, Phoenix Solutions. The trial likely will feature a long list of Republican lawmakers and operatives called to testify, including Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, and more, the Nashville Banner reports.