Residents of Utah are subject to the federal laws of Utah and the United States. Federal laws apply in Utah, as they do in all 50 states. In addition to the U.S. Constitution, which is the supreme law of the United States, federal laws include statutes that are periodically codified in the U.S. Code. Federal laws also include court decisions that interpret federal laws. Finally, federal laws include regulations issued by federal administrative agencies to implement federal laws. You can learn about federal laws and related resources by visiting the federal law section of Justia.
The state of Utah also has its own laws. Utah laws include the Utah Constitution, laws enacted by the Utah Legislature and codified from time to time in the Utah Code, and court decisions interpreting Utah laws.
The original version of the Utah Constitution, drafted in 1895, remains largely in effect. This document was the eighth constitution to be drafted in Utah, which could not become a state until it abandoned the practice of polygamy. The constitution was notably progressive in granting women the right to vote long before the U.S. Constitution granted that right. Article XXIII provides for processes for amending the Constitution. First, an amendment proposed by the legislature will be placed on the ballot if two-thirds of each house of the legislature votes in favor. In addition, a proposal for a constitutional convention will be placed on the ballot if two-thirds of each house of the legislature votes in favor.
The Utah Code contains the laws enacted by the Utah Legislature. These laws and the provisions of the Utah Constitution are often interpreted by the Utah Supreme Court and the Utah Court of Appeals. The Federal District Court of Utah also issues decisions that may affect Utah residents. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has the authority to review decisions of the Utah District Court. Occasionally, the U.S. Supreme Court may review a case that has been appealed by the Tenth Circuit or the Utah Supreme Court.