This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The recent shooting in Colorado Springs involves a person who has multiple arrests for domestic violence. Federal law prohibits someone with even a misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence from possession of ammunition or firearms. In Utah, these cases are heard in a court not of record, often with a judge who isn't law-trained.
Do we really want such cases being heard in our justice courts? Because they're not of record, we are missing decades of case law.
In our justice courts, all defendants have a right to automatic stay and trial de novo. Indigent defense is almost nonexistent. The problems go on and on.
It's time to reform our justice courts.
Jeremy Roberts
Chair, Utah Gun Safety Council