Legislation has historically lacked educated voices from a criminal defense perspective.

Compounding this issue, criminal defense practitioners can rarely take time away from their practices to advocate at the legislative level from important criminal justice policies. This combination of factors has created a justice system informed almost exclusively by the interests of law enforcement and prosecution, without sufficient input from those protecting the rights of the accused.

This imbalance in representation and resources has resulted in several negative consequences for the state, including:

  • the continual introduction of new criminal laws and harsher penalties

  • the erosion of constitutional protections for the accused

  • the unintentional criminalization of otherwise noncriminal behavior

  • an inflated incarceration rate across Utah and the United States

We believe that criminal justice legislation should reflect the values of the community, protect the rights of the accused, and promote long-term public safety.

Education.

Our organization is committed to staying on top of the latest criminal justice research as well as providing historic data and subject matter expertise to the Utah Legislature.

Collaboration.

Our organization partners with legislators and agencies across the state and political spectrum, adding a defense perspective to proposed legislation, committee meetings, and task forces.

Real-world experience.

Our attorneys specialize in policy analysis, providing feedback about the possible implications in the courtroom and the practical consequences for individuals.

Our mission

Change the system from the top down by enacting legislation that is more just, well-informed, and better represents the goals of our justice system.