Walter A. Dupuis v. Charles W. Hand

This alienation of affections case raises two issues for resolution. The first is whether a trial Judge designated by the
Chief Justice is the only trial Judge with the power to render a judgment. The second is whether the common-law tort of alienation
of affections has been or should be abolished in this case. We have determined that the trial Judge in this case had the authority under Tennessee statutes to hear and determine this
case, even though he was not the designee of the Chief Justice. Accordingly, we reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals
which dismissed the appeal on the procedural ground there was "no recognizable judgment" for review. Because of the policy
nature of the merits of this action, and in the interest of judicial economy, we elect not to remand to the Court of Appeals,
but rather to consider the substantive issue. We have decided to abolish the common-law action for alienation of affections.
Consequently, we affirm the Chancellor's order of summary judgment in favor of the defendant, but on different grounds.