Legal Issues

LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF UTAH - ISSUES

Our View on Legal Issues

Crime and Punishment:

We support the equal application of the law to all citizens. There should be no prosecution in instances where there is no victim.

Self-Defense:

We believe all citizens have the individual right to keep and bear arms. We oppose any attempt to prevent law-abiding citizens, including government employees, from having the ability to defend themselves anywhere at any time. An individual's right of armed self-defense should not be restricted in public areas and accommodations (save courthouses and jails). We do not believe that government permission is required to give churches or owners of private residences the right to ban whatever they want to ban from their premises. Use of a firearm to threaten, injure or kill another person should be punished severely. (While we believe Utah's concealed carry permit law is contrary to the constitutions of the United States and Utah, we recommend abiding by all current laws.)

Right to Privacy:

We support an individual's right to privacy from government intrusion. We oppose requiring a social security number for anything other than a request for government-provided social services.

Sunset All Laws:

We believe all laws, save those against harming another person or property, should contain a expiration date forcing a review by the then-current legislature and allowed to die if no longer needed or if proven ineffective.

Petition & Recall:

We find Utah's requirements for petitioning government place an unreasonable burden on the petitioners and will support legislation to make it easier for citizens to initiate referenda and recall corrupt, incompetent or nonperforming officials.

Special Elections:

We believe that all voting for candidates, policies or bond issues should be conducted on Election Day in November.

Fusion Candidacies:

Utah's ban against multiple-party nomination of candidates forbids voters from exercising their political free agency and restricts candidates' rights to seek a broader base of support.

Fully-Informed Juries:

Jurors protect citizens from government excess. Jurors have the power to return a “not guilty” verdict if jurors believe that an acquittal will serve justice, the law itself is unjust, or the law is unjustly applied in a particular case. Instructions to jurors should inform them of this power.

Education:

Recognizing the importance of a well-educated citizenry to a strong republic, we affirm the right of parents to educate their children in whatever environment they prefer, including religious or proprietary schools, and their own homes.