State ex rel. Department of Highways v. Salemi

LANDRY, Judge.

The sole issue presented by this appeal taken by plaintiff, State of Louisiana, Through the Department of Highways (sometimes hereinafter referred to simply as “Department”), is whether the fees of expert witnesses (in this instance appraisers engaged by defendant landowner in an expropriation proceeding against him) may be taxed as costs notwithstanding amicable compromise of the action before trial rendered their appearance unnecessary.

The facts giving rise to this litigation are not in dispute. Plaintiff-appellant instituted suit against defendant, Ben Salemi, to expropriate…