Poland Act

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The Poland Act (18 Stat. 253) sought to eliminate the nearly total control the Mormon Church had over Utah's justice system. Sponsored by Luke P. Poland of Vermont, the Act redefined the jurisdiction of Utah courts, restricting the formerly powerful probate courts, which had taken no action concerning the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre, to their traditional jurisdiction. The Act also eliminated the territorial marshal and attorney, giving their duties to a U.S. Marshal and U.S. Attorney. Finally, the Act opened up Utah juries to non-Mormons.

Source

[Univ. of Missouri-Kansas City]

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