Court Opinion

ID: 9711696
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 04:36:57.820887+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:06.811170
License: Public Domain

Dissenting Opinion
Prentice, J.
I agree with the majority opinion insofar as it holds that the appellants are properly before this Court but part company at that juncture. The appellants, Stephen A. Radford and Elsie B. Radford are not mere interlopers. They were joined in their attempts to be named as parties defendants by those appellants who were named as such defendants by the State in the condemnation proceedings. The question of compensable interest is a fact question and should have been determined upon its merits. In light of the claim, joined in by all of the interested parties, it is difficult to doubt that there would be any scarcity of evidence as to the existence of such an agreement and its terms. If there was, in fact, such an agreement, then with reference to the question of damages to the residue, I see no reason to distinguish between such a case as this and one where all interested parties are united in record title. That the residue will be a larger tract than would have been the case had there been no unity of interest, may render the damages greater or lesser. They are, nevertheless, to the residue as a whole, and the fact that there are separate owners or multiple parties united in title has no effect. Doubtlessly, the question of dividing the award could become complex, but this is a separate question and no different than the one that must be resolved where there are *149multiple parties by reason of leasehold interest, easements, etc. That the joint venture agreement is oral only is immaterial. It is not thereby rendered void but is merely without a remedy for its enforcement. This is a matter between the parties and is of no consequence. This is not a case of a party seeking compensation for something that is not compensable, and I think the parties should be permitted to prove their agreement, that the same is bona fide, their total damages and their respective interests therein.
Note. — Reported in 279 N. E. 2d 554.