The Kirtland Safety Society and the Fraud of Grandison Newell: A Legal Examination

Authors

Jeffrey N. Walker, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Mormon studies, Kirtland, Kirtland Safety Society, law

Abstract

The Kirtland Safety Society has long been the source of research and debate within the historical community. Most commentators agree that the Safety Society was an imprudent venture. Some have even argued that its failure marked an almost fatal blow to Joseph Smith’s leadership. Charges of personal gain and illegality are sometimes included in their critique. In addition to the good work done by many scholars, there is more to be said about the legal history of the Kirtland Safety Society. This article seeks to provide a more thorough analysis of the legal establishment of the Society and the challenges to it in court than has been provided before. To do so, this article will be separated into four parts.

Recommended Citation

Walker, Jeffrey N. (2015) "The Kirtland Safety Society and the Fraud of Grandison Newell: A Legal Examination," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 54: Iss. 3, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol54/iss3/5