Phillips v. Southwestern Bell Telephone Co.

COULSON, Justice.

This is an appeal based on the trial court’s refusal to allow the appellants to open and close the jury argument. While we agree that this was error, we find that it was harmless and affirm.

Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (Bell) initiated eminent domain proceedings against land belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Phillips, Jr. (the Phillips) to acquire an easement through it. The County Court at Law appointed commissioners who, after a hearing, awarded the Phillips $665.00. The Phillips appealed to the county court. Although the Phillips contested Bell’s power to condemn, the…