The Pardon Power in Utah
The topic of pardons can be controversial. Advocates like Governor Brown call them a “chance to save lives.” However, granting one individual the power to override a lawful conviction leaves that power subject to abuse.
Probationers Are Struggling More Than They Used To
The goal of limiting the number of people incarcerated has merit: incarceration is a drain on society and should be a last resort. However, the number of people who are not successful with community supervision indicates that...
Bad Apples Are Inevitable. Cover-ups and Bullying to Protect Bad Apples Aren’t.
Officers and supervisors who attempt to sweep misconduct under the rug or, worse, retaliate against officers for doing the right thing, deserve severe consequences and certainly shouldn’t be put in positions of even greater...
Too Few Violent Crimes in Utah Are Solved or Resolved
In 2021, only 45 percent of violent crimes were “cleared” in Utah. What does that mean and why is it so important?
Top 3 Changes to Utah Sentencing Guidelines
The Utah Sentencing Commission released their new Adult Sentencing, Release, and Supervision Guidelines for 2023. Here are the top three changes to this edition of the Guidelines.
What is the Utah Sentencing Commission?
Determining what behavior is criminal and what punishments are attached is a core function of government. Ultimately, elected and accountable legislators should be determining what sentences the state doles out.