Act of the US Congress enforcing anti-polygamy laws in Utah Territory
Poland Act |
Other short titles | Plural Marriage Prosecution Act of 1874 |
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Long title | An Act in relation to courts and judicial officers in the Territory of Utah. |
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Nicknames | Anti-Bigamy Prosecution Act of 1874 |
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Enacted by | the 43rd United States Congress |
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Effective | June 23, 1874 |
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Public law | Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States) 43–469 |
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Statutes at Large | 18 Stat. 253 |
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The Poland Act (18 Stat. 253) of 1874 was an act of the US Congress that sought to facilitate prosecutions under the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act by eliminating the control members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) exerted over the justice system of Utah Territory. Sponsored by US Representative Luke P. Poland of Vermont, the Act redefined the jurisdiction of Utah courts by giving U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction in Utah Territory over all civil and criminal cases. The Act also eliminated the territorial marshal and attorney and gave their duties to a U.S. Marshal and a U.S. Attorney. The Act also altered petit and grand jury empaneling rules to keep polygamists off juries. By removing Latter-day Saints from positions of authority in the Utah justice system, the Act was intended to allow for successful prosecutions of Mormon polygamists.