Opinion ID: 2167974
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Right to Identify the Interests of Other Parties in the Condemned Property.

Text: The trial judge was of the opinion that counsel for the condemnor was entitled to point out to the jury the interest in the condemned property of the other parties to the action. He concluded that the denial of this right was prejudicial error and granted a new trial in the interests of justice. We do not agree. Identifying the interests of the other parties where the sole question for determination was fair market value would have served no purpose other than to alert the jury to the financial difficulties of the P. C. Monday Tea Company. Fair market value is defined as that amount which can be realized on sale by an owner willing, but not compelled, to sell to a purchaser willing and able, but not  obliged, to buy. Wis J ICivil, Part II, 8100; Allen v. Chicago & N. W. R. Co. (1911), 145 Wis. 263, 129 N. W. 1094. Whether to allow this type of backdoor comment on the financial condition of the record owner of the property at date of taking would be prejudicial error, we do not decide. The question is not before us. Counsel for the condemnor concedes that he was not foreclosed from questioning the jurors regarding their connection with any party on voir dire examination. He did not take advantage of this opportunity. The interests of justice do not require that he be given another chance.