Washington V. Mcdonald

This case concerns the compensation payable by the State as a result of its taking in eminent domain proceedings 22.41 acres of farmland from respondent Daniel A. McDonald. The issues on appeal concern the application of the "single parcel" rule to three tracts of land affected by the condemnation, the offer by the State of a unilateral stipulation to mitigate damages, and the jury's consideration of the value of crops in computing the amount of just compensation. We conclude that the trial court erred in applying the single parcel rule and in instructing the jury to consider the value of lost crops in computing compensation. We remand for a new trial.