Tribal Law

LAW 3452 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Prerequisite: None, though American Indian Law encouraged.

Exam Type: No Exam

This course is about the diverse body of law that the 575 American Indian tribal governments within the United States make to govern their citizens, their territories, and—to a limited extent—non-Indians. We will explore the many questions contemporary tribal governments navigate as they engage in everything from rewriting their constitutions to delivering utilities. The course begins with a foundations unit focused on forms of tribal law, tribal government structure, and tribal courts. The remainder of the course is a survey of tribal law topics selected by the students, ranging from governance (elections, tribal membership, fundamental rights), to conflicts between individuals (contracts, property, domestic relations, torts), to regulation of a tribal community’s economy (taxes, gaming) and environment. Students will conduct research projects on the chosen topics and provide presentations in the class session on that topic.