Policy
Constitutional Law
At the core of the American Dream is the belief that hard work and commitment can yield a better life, the pursuit of which is possible thanks to the American free enterprise system – the greatest engine of prosperity in the history of humanity. But too many Americans striving to escape poverty still face obstacles to realizing that dream.
Through the Work & Opportunity Initiative, Sutherland Institute seeks to remove barriers or disincentives to work and other opportunities for economic progression that affect families in Utah and beyond. Landmark research, compelling multimedia, powerful storytelling and strategic partnerships combine to advance policy reforms that make the American Dream more attainable – protecting Utah and the United States as the land of opportunity for generations to come.
Constitutional Law
Securing the American institutions of self-government – such as free and fair elections – in a republic is a civic responsibility of every American citizen. It is an essential part of ensuring a new birth of freedom for future generations.
If government derives its power from the “consent of the governed,” as the Declaration of Independence states, then that consent must have a mechanism for being regularly expressed and renewed.
This is the role that secure elections play in America’s constitutional order: helping ensure the peaceful transfer of power and the opportunity of citizens to exercise their civic voice.
Sutherland Institute offers sound research and principled analysis on voting methods and election security. We do this to promote trusted and trustworthy voting systems and elevate the way the state of Utah assesses and refines this crucial process. We seek to protect public confidence in Utah’s elections by promoting positive reforms and increasing voters’ understanding of the security and access offered by Utah’s election procedures.
Conversations
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 3: What Should Happen
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 2: The Arguments
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 1: Case Overview
Mahmoud v. Taylor: Explained
How the Mahmoud v. Taylor SCOTUS case will impact parents and schools #utpol #education #scotus
Utah Fits All – protecting religious options #utpol #religion #education
How religious freedom benefits everyone #utpol #religion
Parental Rights on Trial: What’s at Stake in Education
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 3: What Should Happen
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 2: The Arguments
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 1: Case Overview
Insights & Takeaways
COVID bill won’t let states use funds to reduce taxes; 14 states sue
Fourteen states have sued to challenge a provision of the recent COVID relief package that provides money to the states but prohibits the states from using the aid to lessen the tax burden on their citizens. The states’ argument arises from the aspect of America’s civil religion known as federalism. But the idea of federalism has much of its roots in actual religion.
Long-lasting change driven by Biden administration? April Fool!
The civic realities of governing in America point to the likelihood that whatever change is brought about by the Biden administration’s new spending will not be broad or long-term.
Pandemic relief bill shouldn’t hinder states on tax relief
Can the federal government discourage tax relief in this way under the Constitution? Possibly. If it can, should it? No.
Western states brace for most severe wildfire outbreak since 2012
Originally published by The Hill. Smoke is beginning to rise from the West’s public lands — and it is just a taste of what’s to come. In a briefing to members of Congress, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdueshared...
From a wildland firefighter — why we need more wildfires
Originally published by the Deseret News. In June 2015, less than 24 hours after answering a phone call, I was on a plane to Alaska. I had just received my first assignment as a member of a Utah-based Hotshot crew — a team of about 20 experienced and physically fit...
CommentaryJustice Alito is right to not recuse over flag flap
The court’s role is not to deliver on the policy goals or political aims of other branches of government. The justices are charged with interpreting and applying the Constitution and other laws as written.
InsightsRuling on teacher’s firing shows how clear laws could help keep religious entities out of court
Appeals court cites “ministerial exception” in a dispute between a former teacher and a Catholic high school in North Carolina.
InsightsSchool choice case: Unpopular doesn’t mean unconstitutional
In a California case, the family of a boy with autism that chose a Jewish school is challenging state’s refusal of educational services it would offer if the child were in public or secular private school.