Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton

Policy Associate

ben@libertas.org

Ben was a Policy Associate at Libertas Institute.

Ben Shelton's Articles

Free Market

How Occupational Licensing Reform Can Help Refugees Acclimate

As a global leader, the United States has championed helping those fleeing war, violence, persecution, extreme poverty, and political upheaval.

Read More

Free Market

How Occupational Licensing Is Hurting Ex-Offenders

Most of us are familiar with the traditional punishments we levy upon criminals: imprisonment, fines, or even community service. However, what often goes unnoticed are the less apparent punishments that follow. Ex-offenders sometimes struggle to find jobs as a result of their criminal record, potentially banishing them to a life of unemployment or one of limited social mobility.

Read More

Free Market

Why Your Local Pool Is Having a Hard Time Staying Afloat—No Pun Intended

With Utah's scorching hot summer in full effect, many families eagerly search out ways to escape the heat. One of the most popular ways to achieve this is to flock to the neighborhood pool. Unfortunately, when many of these families arrive at such pools, they are being turned away. 

Read More

Justice and Due Process

Why the Officers in Uvalde May Escape Accountability

Why did police hold their position for over an hour while waiting for backup as the nightmarish incident unfolded at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary? This is particularly concerning because there are numerous questions surrounding the actions of the police officers who responded to the incident.

Read More

Justice and Due Process

What the Feds Are Doing to Find a Balance Between Individual Rights and Police Power

ftermath of the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. These murders exposed the general public to what minority populations have long experienced.

Read More

Free Market

Citizens Need the Ability to Challenge Occupational Licensing Requirements

Daltonio Elaire, a barber in Lafayette, Louisiana, had the innovative idea to launch a mobile barbershop in 2020. This mobile barbershop operated in a similar fashion to a food truck and allowed people to get a haircut during the pandemic. Excited about the idea, he poured hours of hard work and his life savings into this dream. This entrepreneurial mindset was initially rewarded with positive customer feedback regarding its operation.

Read More