INDL-300 : Federal Indian Law

Federal Indian Law examines the law that governs the relationship among American Indian tribes, the federal and state governments and those persons who may be subject to tribal jurisdiction. The course provides an overview of the history of federal Indian policy and legal development. It introduces the student to (a) civil and criminal jurisdiction within Indian country; (b) tribal sovereignty and sovereign immunity; (c) environmental law concerns in Indian country; (d) tribal taxation; (e) tribal cultural and religious freedoms; (f) Indian child welfare law; (g) Indian gaming; (h) tribal economic development; (i) tribal reserved water rights; and (j) tribal hunting and fishing rights. All of these subjects are important to the practice of law in areas such as Washington State where a significant tribal presence exists. Students will be evaluated based upon class attendance and participation (10%), in-class mid-term exam (30%), and in-class final exam (60%). No prerequisites.