Court Opinion

ID: 9672148
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 03:49:48.011993+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:14.361233
License: Public Domain

HUGHES, Justice
(concurring).
I entertain some doubt that the Court has correctly construed the agreement of the parties and the order of the Court respecting the withdrawal of the Commissioner’s award. I concur in the disposition of this matter on the additional ground that if the agreement and order is construed as appellee contends then it would be violative of sound public policy. The law being that withdrawal of the award constitutes consent to the taking, any agreement to the contrary would be illegal and unenforceable. Bearing in mind that public money is involved, an agreement that the owner could withdraw the award and still contend that the taking was unlawful might result in the City having neither the land nor the money and be left with an unsecured and possibly an uncollectible claim. This, in my judgment, would render such an agreement violative of public policy.
I concur in overruling both motions for rehearing.