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 4: Billy's Story
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
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 4: Billy's Story
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 3: What Should Happen
Mahmoud v. Taylor – Part 2: The Arguments
Insights & Takeaways
Press ReleaseSutherland releases new research audit on Utah’s federalism rating
Sutherland Institute released a new research publication evaluating how well Utah’s governance lives up to the principle of federalism and shows ways the state could improve.
CommentaryParents can’t be involved in child’s app downloads? That’s a legal stretch
The right of free speech does not include a right to have an audience of minors whose parents are unaware of or uninvolved in their use of technology.
InsightsAs Hamilton said, judges must be ‘faithful guardians of the Constitution’
Utah’s judicial selection and retention process focuses on basic competence but gives little attention to critical questions about judicial philosophy and dedication to the Constitution itself.
InsightsObscured guidance from federal agencies creates an accountability gap. What can the state do?
Sutherland recently testified to legislative panel about the need for transparency in guidance provided by federal agencies to state and local governments in Utah.
CommentaryImpacts as far as the eye can see: Utah’s public lands lawsuit
A new dawn of federalism may be coming to our states, particularly as it pertains to federal lands. The potential impacts are quite literally vast.
InsightsNinth Circuit slaps down California’s denial of special ed funds for religious schools
Following Supreme Court precedent, the court holds that excluding religious schools from a grant program is unconstitutional discrimination against religion and a violation of religious freedom.
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.