Federal Court Considers Standing in Sister Wives Case

Today I will be appearing in federal court in Salt Lake City, Utah to argue for standing in our challenge to the Utah statute criminalizing bigamy and cohabitation. I have previously written about the constitutional issues raised by the action. This hearing, however, concerns the effort of the state to avoid review of the law by claiming that the family lacks standing, even though the state has declared their family to be a criminal association and prosecutors have declared them to be guilty under the law.

The hearing begins at 8:30 am in Salt Lake City before Judge Clark Waddoups.

One interesting issue raised by the Court was whether granting relief to the Browns would violate the conditions by which Utah was allowed to enter the Union. We filed a response on that issue arguing that our case would not violate the so-called Enabling Act. Here is that filing: Brown.Response.Show Final

Joining me this morning in court is my former student and local counsel, Adam Alba.

Here is the complaint filed in the case: Brown Complaint

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