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
Utah Fits All – protecting religious options #utpol #religion #education
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 3: What Should Happen
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 2: The Arguments
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 1: Case Overview
How religious freedom benefits everyone #utpol #religion
Parental Rights on Trial: What’s at Stake in Education
The incorrect use of "unity" in today's political climate #utpol
How the Constitution supports those who want to make a difference #utpol
Utah Fits All – protecting religious options #utpol #religion #education
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 3: What Should Happen
Insights & Takeaways
InsightsUtah’s recent legislative debate over judicial reform should prompt renewed focus on proper separation of powers
Judicial independence ensures justices can faithfully guard our Constitution and the laws made according to its authority.
TakeawaysLegislative wrap-up: Five key victories for Utahns
Sutherland worked closely with Utah policymakers to protect and strengthen the important pillars of faith, family and freedom.
CommentaryOriginal public meaning, not subjective intent, should guide Utah judge’s evaluation of scholarship law
The court can make a great contribution by getting the legal issues right.
CommentaryUtah considers a modest step in restoring federalism – and more can be done
Utah has an opportunity to strengthen the framers’ vision with a bill aimed at restoring some of the much-needed balance between the states and Washington.
InsightsScholarship lawsuit might be looking for (legal) meaning in all the wrong places
“Original public meaning” is the best standard for understanding the law. It focuses on the actual language of the law, not on the subjective intent of those who had a role in creating it.
InsightsWhy the Ninth Circuit unanimously tossed the Huntsman tithing lawsuit
Four judges in concurring opinion say the case was a “transparent fight about the current course of the Church masquerading as a civil lawsuit.”
TakeawaysHow the Constitution can repair today’s social discourse
As we clamor for unity and civil discourse, it’s important to remember how we treat those with whom we disagree and look to the Constitution as a unifying bond.
CommentaryA big step toward protecting kids from app stores
Utah’s new legislation addresses parents’ concerns, doesn’t tax state or local resources for enforcement, and is popular with the public. Other states should see it as a model.
CommentaryUtah legislative fights over judiciary highlight need to reinforce separation of powers
The intertwined principles of judicial independence and judicial restraint should guide future legislative efforts.