Utah laws can consist of statutory law and common law. Statutory law is what the Utah Legislature enacts while in session and is signed by the governor. Statutory law is then codified into what is called the Utah Code. Most of Utah laws consist of these statutes and cover areas such as tax, wills, trusts and estates, trademark & copyright, business entity formations, etc. Bankruptcy is an example of statutory law on a federal level; Bankruptcy is primarily driven by federal law and Utah laws are only used to determine property rights. On the other hand, common law consists of Utah laws that are based on long-standing legal doctrines and theories, which include many areas such as tort law, contract law, agency law, property law, etc.
Utah laws are enacted first start as a bill introduced by Utah’s legislature. Upon garnering enough votes in favor of the bill in both the state assembly and the senate, then the bill is presented to the governor for signature. Upon signing, the bill is then enacted and is part of Utah laws, having full legal force and effect.
For each session of the state legislature, all of the bills that are enacted become the Laws of Utah for that session. Utah laws in the Laws of Utah are then codified, or grouped into a topical organization, and are better known as Utah Code. Below is an explanation of the Laws of Utah take from the Utah State Legislature Website:
Laws of Utah.
The enrolled version of legislation passed by the Legislature is complied and published in the Laws of Utah. An enrolled bill that is either signed by the Governor or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature is listed in the Laws of Utah in accordance with chapter numbers assigned by the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel in the order of the Governor’s action. Resolutions are included in the Laws of Utah, but not assigned a chapter number. Vetoed legislation is not assigned a chapter number, but is included in the portion following chapters containing enrolled bills with the Governor’s letter explaining the veto.
For an explanation of the Utah Code click here.
It is critical to know the applicable and relevant Utah laws when trying to navigate the legal landscape of the matter you are faced with. Alpina Legal prides itself in mastering the Utah laws that are relevant to your legal matter. Feel free to contact us or set up a consultation with an attorney to discuss your matter and who knows Utah laws.
