Opinion ID: 2405402
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: overruling prospective application

Text: By way of conclusion, we note that in this opinion we have laid down three new sets of rules that depart from former rules of this jurisdiction; one relating to determination and allocation of damages in condemnation of leased property; another abolishing the separate fixing and stating of taking damages and resulting damages (and special damages such as for fencing, trees and shrubbery) and establishing the simple before and after rule; and another authorizing the offsetting of benefits against damages. The former decisions of this Court cited in this opinion (and all others of similar import) that are in conflict with these new rules are overruled to the extent of the conflict. As concerns the first rule (relating to leased property) we see no reason why the rule should be given prospective effect only, because the former rules on this subject were not complete and had no substantial period of existence or experience of application. However, the former rules relating to separation of taking and resulting damages (and the separate treatment of fencing), and prohibiting the offsetting of benefits, have been in existence in Kentucky for such a long period of time and have had such experience of application that in our opinion the new rules replacing them should not be held applicable to trials occurring before the issuance of the mandate on this opinion. To avoid any possible misunderstanding, we wish to make clear that the judgment in the instant case is being reversed not for failure to observe the new rules herein laid down, but for failure to comply with the formerly existing rules. The judgment is reversed for further proceedings in conformity with this opinion.