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American Indian Law

American Indian Law research is complex and challenging. This guide covers U.S. statutues, tribal codes, case law, and secondary sources.

Finding Cases

There is no comprehensive publication for tribal opinions. Some opinions can be accessed through LexisNexis and Westlaw and found in the Indian Law Reporter and the Navajo Reporter. Some of the web sites listed under the Selected Research Guides tab also provide access to tribal court opinions and sites for individual tribes or nations sometimes include court opinions.

Court Opinions Online

  • Department of Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decisions
  • MT Crow Tribal Court Decisions from 2000
  • MT Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal Court Decisions from 1989
  • MT Fort Peck Tribal Court Decisions from 1984
  • NC Cherokee Courts from 2000
  • Federal Native American Law - Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decisions (FNAM-IBIA)
  • Oklahoma Tribal Court Reports (OKTRIB-CS)
  • Federal Native American Law - Cases (FNAM-CS)
  • Gonzaga Law students may register free. Searchable database of tribal court opinions.

Court Opinions in Print

American Indian Lawyer Training Program, Indian Law Reporter. 

National Indian Law Library Staff, Landmark Indian Law Cases (2002).

Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation, Navajo Reporter. 

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