William C. Duncan
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New Sutherland survey reflects optimism about religious freedom in Utah
Large majority of likely voters in Utah – even among those who are not religious – agree that religious freedom is a net benefit for society.
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Religious Contributions to Progress in Human Rights: Social Benefits of Religion, Volume 2
Religious teachings motivate believers, and those motivations are often channeled into socially beneficial directions. It demonstrates that securing greater freedom for some need not diminish it for others. The efforts of people of faith to secure their constitutionally protected rights…
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Ruling on Chevron deference nudges branches of government back into their own lanes
Allowing states greater freedom in addressing important issues allows for localized solutions to local needs.
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Beyond 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.
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Promises 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.
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Why 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.
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The 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.
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Justice 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.
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Ruling 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.
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Policy objections to scholarship program don’t affect its constitutionality
The state courts are a forum for legal and constitutional reasoning, not a second chance for failed lobbying.