This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

In February 1956, P purchased 97.2 acres of land near the north edge of Des Moines for contemplated development as a residential subdivision. In November 1957, the State Highway Commission (D) filed notice to condemn the north 77.2 acres in connection with the construction of interstate highway number 80. On December 10, 1958, the condemnation commission fixed P's damages at $70,000. P filed suit for $198,925. At trial, seven different experts testified with those for P being very high and those for D being very low. On direct examination of one expert, Ashby, it was determined that he had used comparable sale prices in fixing the value of the land. That testimony was stricken by the trial court. The verdict was returned at $60,000, and P appealed.

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