Mississippi State Highway Commission v. Blackwell

BROOM, Justice,

for the Court:

Eminent domain proceedings by Mississippi State Highway Commission (Commission) went to judgment in a Special Court of Covington County. Taken were .05 acre of land and a .01 acre drainage easement out of a 2.42 acre tract owned by Basil and Scotty Blackwell (appellees). From the $12,750 jury verdict and judgment, the Commission appeals. Chief issues relate to the trial court allowing appellees to (1) introduce evidence concerning loss of access to Highway 49, and (2) substantially raise their statement of values after jury selection was completed. We reverse and…