Utahs

Utah’s Chief Justice Raises Alarm Over Bill Impacting Judicial Independence, Warns of Eroded Public Trust

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, Matthew Durrant, has voiced strong opposition against a proposed bill that he argues could significantly undermine public trust in the judiciary. In a recent letter directed to Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Chief Justice Durrant expressed concern over House Bill 512. This bill, championed by House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, aims to create a legislative committee to evaluate judges up for retention elections. Chief Justice Durrant criticized the bill for potentially introducing partisan influences into judicial proceedings. … Read more

Utah’s Public Lands Dispute Ignites Legal Battle Over Constitutional Claims

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SALT LAKE CITY — A new legal challenge has been mounted by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) against the state of Utah, questioning the constitutionality of its lawsuit concerning public lands. This lawsuit, which questions federal authority over these lands, has escalated tensions regarding land ownership and state rights. SUWA alleges in the lawsuit filed Wednesday that the state’s actions defy the Utah Constitution, which clearly stipulates that the lands primarily owned by federal government and native tribes are beyond state claims. This argument cites Article Three of the state constitution, underscoring a potentially … Read more

Utah’s Social Media Age-Verification Law Stalled by Judge’s Ruling

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Salt Lake City, Utah — A federal judge has temporarily halted the enforcement of a Utah law that mandated social media companies to implement an age-verification process for users. The law, which also required parental consent for users under 18, is part of a growing push by states to safeguard young internet users from online harms. However, questions regarding its implications on privacy and freedom of speech prompted the legal challenge leading to the judge’s decision. The injunction issued last Friday prevents the law from taking effect while the court continues to evaluate the lawsuit … Read more

Judge Halts Utah’s Pioneering Law on Social Media Age Checks, Citing Privacy Concerns

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Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal judge has temporarily blocked the enforcement of a groundbreaking Utah law that would mandate age verification on social media platforms. This decision, issued just a day before the law was set to take effect, marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over online safety and privacy rights. The intended legislation, a first of its kind, was designed to protect minors from the potential harms of unrestricted social media access by requiring platforms to confirm the age of Utah residents before allowing them access to their services. The … Read more