Federal Indian Law

Federal Indian Law 

• Course Number: LAW-354
• Course Type: Foundational
• Credits: 3
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description: This course provides an overview of federal Indian law, i.e. the federal policies and laws regarding tribal governments and individual Indians. Topics will include the origin and scope of federal power over Indian affairs, the nature and history of intergovernmental relations, the scope of tribal governmental authority, civil and criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country, as well as current issues in federal Indian law such as gaming, fishing rights, and religious freedom.

Course student goals include being 1) able to recognize and understand the basic principles of federal Indian law, 2) familiar with the historical context of federal Indian law, 3) able to understand and apply the key U.S. Supreme Court decisions and relevant federal statutes, 4) able to understand, critically examine current legal and public policy issues, and 5) able to effectively communicate, orally and in writing, an appropriate and effective analysis of issues related to federal Indian law.

• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Final paper, attendance, and class participation
• Capstone: no
• WIE: no