140 years ago today - Mar 31, 1875

George Reynolds's trial for breaking the antipolygamy Morrill Act of 1862 commences in the Third District Court. Reynolds was asked by the First Presidency to submit to this trial in an effort to test the constitutionality of the Morrill Act. The next day he is found guilty, which sets the stage for a series of appeals that eventually lead to a hearing before the United States Supreme Court. The Court upholds the constitutionality of the Morrill Act, paving the way for several more antipolygamy bills in the 1880s.