Tobin v. Willow River Power Co.

242 N.W. 480, 208 Wis. 262, 1932 Wisc. LEXIS 323

• Court: Wisconsin Supreme Court
• Decided: May 10, 1932
• Status: Published

Opinion

Rosenberry, C. J.

That the petition was not demurrable has been held in Manns v. Marinette & M. P. Co. 205 Wis. 349, 235 N. W. 426, 238 N. W. 624. See, also, Price v. Marinette & M. P. Co. 197 Wis. 25, 221 N. W. 381; Baerwolf v. Wisconsin River P. Co. 198 Wis. 112, 223 N. W. 571.

While the proceeding under ch. 32, Stats., is before the judge, it is not a proceeding in court. The taking of private property for public purpose is a matter that rests within the power and discretion of the legislature and it may be taken upon such terms as the legislature prescribes, subject to the right of trial by jury on the question of necessity where property is taken by a municipal corporation. Where a person alleges he is deprived of his property without- just compensation he is entitled to a judicial determination and that right is given him by way of appeal under sec. 32.11. When an appeal is taken to the circuit court all issues are subject to a trial de novo as indicated in Skalicky v. Friendship E. L. & P. Co. 193 Wis. 395, 214 N. W. 388.

By the Court. — The motion to dismiss the appeal is granted, with $10 costs.