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
How the Mahmoud v. Taylor SCOTUS case will impact parents and schools #utpol #education #scotus
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 Mahmoud v. Taylor SCOTUS case will impact parents and schools #utpol #education #scotus
Utah Fits All – protecting religious options #utpol #religion #education
Insights & Takeaways
TakeawaysUtah’s U.S. Senate delegation at the Congressional Series
Sens. Romney and Lee participated in the 2024 Congressional Series. Here’s what they said.
InsightsTake a step back from the ballot initiative hot takes and take a look at the big questions
How could the Utah Supreme Court conclude that the constitution's reference to “legislative power” contains an unwritten limitation on that power?
Insights9th Circuit upholds religious universities’ Title IX exemptions
If it chose to act, Congress could further secure the religious freedom protections upheld by the court.
InsightsThe importance of federalism and Utah’s public lands lawsuit
A recent Sutherland Institute Congressional Series event featured Representative Celeste Maloy discussing the importance of federalism.
InsightsFederal agency ‘guidance’ uses a backdoor approach to avoid open public process
States should collect and make publicly available the guidance they are given so that it can be assessed and, as necessary, criticized and challenged.
CommentaryCall for Utah constitutional amendment is about safeguarding checks and balances in lawmaking
In a nation founded on an expressed desire to accommodate both the will of the majority and the rights of the minority, we should always seek the highest possible level of consensus when it comes to the rules under which we make rules.
InsightsMore state control will mean less catastrophic wildfire
Congress should amend the law to encourage public land agencies to gradually transfer land that is not dedicated as a national park or a similar federal purpose to the states.
InsightsUnderstanding Utah’s app store bill
Given the risk of social media and other technologies to children, it is reasonable for Utah to ensure parents can be involved in decisions about their use.
InsightsNew Supreme Court case at intersection of religion and parents’ rights in education
Despite state law, Maryland school district declined to give parents notice of teaching of sensitive sexuality-related topics and the ability to opt their children out. The parents sued.