The Rise of Government-Sanctioned Home Invasions
This article was written by John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. It is published here with the author’s permission. “Democracy means that if the doorbell rings in the early hours, it is likely to be the...
How An Unlikely State Became a Hotbed For Police Reform
Investigative journalist Radley Balko has published six articles in a series about efforts in Utah to reform the way police handle drug enforcement cases and the “militarization” trend we’ve become familiar...
Anti-Smoking Crusade is Misguided
Two bills will be proposed in Utah’s next general session, beginning in January 2014, to raise the age limit for those seeking to purchase tobacco products. Utah law currently prohibits those 18 and younger from...
Jury Trials for Termination of Parental Rights
Only five of the 50 states require or permit jury trials for cases where the state is seeking to legally sever a parent-child relationship. The remaining states prohibit the practice, whether through statute, case law, or court...
The Absolute Madness of Mandatory Minimums
Weldon Angelos was a Salt Lake City resident who grew up in poverty and struggled to find his way early in life. The son of a Greek immigrant, his family’s financial condition left him wanting much as a child. He found some...
The Presumption of State Stewardship Over Children
Utah law clearly and correctly states that parents possess “a fundamental liberty interest in the care, custody, and management of the parent’s children.” Unfortunately, other sections of the state code conflict...