The facts most favorable to the judgment reveal that the Utilities instituted statutory condemnation proceedings seeking to condemn an easement on a portion of Landowners' property. The Utilities needed the easement for continued use of a fiber optic telephone cable previously installed on the land.
Landowners appeal a negative judgment.
When reviewing an appeal from a negative judgment we must determine whether the judgment is contrary to law. A judgment is contrary to law when the evidence is without conflict and leads to but one conclusion which is contrary to that reached by the trial court. Landowners' arguments are based on construction of Indiana's condemnation statutes. In construing statutes, our primary objective is to ascertain and give effect to the intent of the legislature. Highland Realty, Inc. v.