Ruling on constitutionality of Utah "hate crimes" law [10th Circuit] News
Ruling on constitutionality of Utah "hate crimes" law [10th Circuit]

Ward v. Utah, United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, Chief Circuit Judge Deanell Reece Tacha, February 23, 2005 [upholding the constitutionality of Utah's so-called "hate crimes" statute. Plaintiff-Appellant Eric Ward burned a mink stole as part of an animal-rights protest. The State charged Mr. Ward with disorderly conduct, and because he allegedly acted "with the intent to intimidate or terrorize another person," Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203.3]. Excerpt:

While Mr. Ward remains at liberty to advocate vigorously through lawful protests for the abolishment of the fur trade, we hold that section 76-3-203.3 is not facially unconstitutional or vague.

Read the full text of the opinion here. Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.