Harland v. State of California

Opinion

GRODIN, J.

We are called upon to decide whether the State of California, like other parties to litigation, is obligated to pay interest on a judgment obtained against it in a tort action. We hold that it is so obligated by applicable provisions of the California Constitution, and on that ground we affirm the judgment below.

Plaintiffs in the underlying action (respondents here) sued the State of California (hereinafter appellant) for personal injuries and wrongful death caused by an automobile accident on the Benicia-Martinez Bridge in October 1970, and in July 1975 they obtained…