Highlights with Heidi: Research Archivist at Utah State Archives & Records Service

Highlights with Heidi: Case of Profanity

Heidi Stringham History, Research

A recent patron was researching our Sanpete County Territorial Probate Court records and pointed out an unusual court case. Have you ever heard of a “case of profanity”? In May 1863, Albert Lewis was seen in the Manti Justice Court for just that!  “Defendant came forward and acknowledged having been guilty of profanity in taking the name of Deity in vain.”  a …

Law in the Utah Territory

Jim Kichas History, Research Guides

UTAH’S FIRST LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY The first legislative assembly in Utah’s history was convened in Salt Lake City on September 22, 1851. Over the course of six months, 13 members of the Territorial Council and 26 members of the Territorial House of Representatives passed a series of acts and bills that formally codified the first laws of the Utah Territory. The Utah …