American Indian Law

NIIL provides a valuable research guide covering the various aspects of Jurisdiction in Indian Country.

There are approximately 400 Tribal justice systems throughout the Nation. These courts are partially funded through Public Law 638 Tribal Priority Allocations (TPA). Tribal sovereignty is protected throughout the Tribal justice system or through a traditional court.

The BIA does not manage tribal justice systems; however, if individuals are looking for tribal contact information, please contact the Tribal Justice System. For Tribes that do not have their own Tribal justice system, the Court of Indian Offences (CFR Courts) provide that service on behalf of the Tribe (Title 25 CFR Part 11).

There are five Regional CFR Courts.

Title 25 United States Code 3601 et. seq mandates the BIA to provide training, technical support, and funding, when available, to all Tribal courts, including CFR Courts. The Tribal Justice Support (TJS) Directorate furthers the development and enhancement of Tribal justice systems. This includes respecting traditional justice systems and supporting coordination between federal, state and tribal courts.

created by Arvo Q. Mikkanen, Assistant U.S. Attorney & Tribal Liaison,
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma

August 2020 Version

The chapter of the Revised Code of Washington handling Jurisdiction within the state and the law surrounding local jurisdiction.

"American Indian Sovereignty and Law: An Annotated Bibliography covers a wide variety of topics, including sources dealing with federal Indian policy, federal and tribal courts, criminal justice, tribal governance, religious freedom/economic development, and numerous subtopics related to tribal and individual rights. Although primarily covering the past 100 years, many sources focus on the 19th century or earlier."--Jacket.

Contents:

A history of federal Indian policy -- Definitions: "Indian," "Indian tribe," "Indian country," "and "Indian title" -- The trust responsibility -- Indian treaties -- Federal power over Indian affairs -- Tribal self-government -- State power over Indian affairs -- Criminal jurisdiction in Indian country -- Civil jurisdiction in Indian country -- Taxation -- Hunting, fishing, and gathering rights -- Indian water rights -- Civil rights of Indians -- The Indian Civil Rights Act -- The special status of certain Indian groups -- Government services to Indians -- The Indian Child Welfare Act -- Judicial review.