A new study out of the University of British Columbia documents how societies have systematically evolved away from polygamy because of the social problems it causes. Via “Is Polygamy Really So Awful?” / Slate
Posts under ‘Legality’
Judge OKs eviction threats
A Utah judge has approved a plan to use threats of eviction to wring $2.2 million in back taxes out of a polygamist sect on the Utah-Arizona border. Third District Judge Denise Lindberg last week ruled that a court-appointed accountant can threaten eviction to try to get residents of the border towns of Hildale, Utah, [...]
Canadian newspaper: Enforce the law
” … an appellate court decision is months, or more likely, years away. During that time, many women, men and children could be adversely affected. If law enforcement personnel refuse to proceed, then shame on them. And if we, the people of B.C., fail to demand that law enforcement does its job – if we [...]
Group delighted with court decision
The members of the Bountiful Roundtable, an ad hoc committee consisting of representatives from concerned women’s groups and individuals, are extremely gratified to learn of the decision of Mr. Justice Bauman regarding the polygamy law, said co-chairs Maureen Johnston and Gwen Smith. via Anti-Polygamy Group Delighted With Ruling / 100 Mile House Free Press
Canadian polygamy laws upheld by court
B.C. Supreme Court has upheld Canada’s polygamy laws, but said minors who end up in polygamous marriages should be exempt from prosecution. In a 335-page decision released on Wednesday, Chief Justice Robert Bauman ruled in favour of the section of the Criminal Code outlawing polygamous unions. Via Canada’s polygamy laws upheld by B.C. Supreme Court [...]
“Sister Wives” case
The United States government may become a defendant in a reality-show family’s lawsuit challenging Utah’s law banning polygamy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced polygamy as a condition of statehood, required by the Utah Enabling Act of 1894. With that in mind, U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups has asked attorneys for the [...]
B.C. ruling expected Nov. 23
VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Supreme Court is expected to release its long-awaited ruling in a polygamy case on Nov. 23. In April, after 42 days of hearing evidence about whether or not Canada’s polygamy law is constitutional, Chief Justice Robert Bauman reserved judgment. Bauman’s ruling will be posted on the B.C. Supreme Court website, [...]
Former FLDS Leader Pleads No Contest
Former polygamous sect leader Wendell Nielsen, 70, on Tuesday pleaded no contest to bigamy and was sentenced to serve 10 years of probation. As part of the agreement with prosecutors, Nielsen also will not file an appeal and drop his challenge to Texas’s bigamy statute, said his attorney, David Botsford. Via Former FLDS Leader Pleads [...]
Jury Hears Rape Tape in Jeffs Trial
In an audio tape played today at the trial of polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs, jurors heard the religious leader allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl and telling her to feel “the spirit of God.” via Warren Jeffs Rape Trial Hears Audio / ABC News
Winston Blackmore loses bid in court
Canada’s highest profile polygamist has not only lost in an attempt to win a sweeping ban on the use of evidence and witness testimony in federal Tax Court, Winston Blackmore was ordered to pay $50,000 in costs. via Polygamist Winston Blackmore loses bid for evidence bad in tax court / The Vancouver Sun
