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
InsightsBeyond the headline cases: the Supreme Court’s rulings this term and why words matter
The rulings emphasize the importance for state legislators to write clear and understandable laws: Complex laws addressing multiple topics lead to poor results.
InsightsPromises to defend the Constitution come with strings
How can a voter know if an elected official is actually keeping their promise? Here are some points from the oath of office.
InsightsWhy the stalled contraceptive bill does not mean access is threatened
Recent Utah primary election debates included a surprising topic – contraception. The debate for Senate candidates included a question on access to contraception and IVF, and one of the candidates for attorney general discussed it.
CommentaryThe secret recording of Alito reveals something — but not about Alito
Cooler heads have not prevailed. Instead, gossip and eavesdropping masquerading as news have been treated in some media outlets as a story worthy of sustained interest.
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.
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.