American Indians and the Law

By N. Bruce Duthu

Book Overview

A perfect introduction to a vital subject very few Americans understand-the constitutional status of American Indians Few American s know that Indian tribes have a legal status unique among America's distinct racial and ethnic groups- they are sovereign governments who engage in relations with Congress. This peculiar arrangement has led to frequent legal and political disputes-indeed, the history of American Indians and American law has been one of clashing values and sometimes uneasy compromise. In this clear-sighted account, American Indian scholar N. Bruce Duthu explains the landmark cases in Indian law of the past two centuries. Exploring subjects as diverse as jurisdictional authority, control of environmental resources, and the regulations that allow the operation of gambling casinos, American Indians and the Law gives us an accessible entry point into a vital facet of Indian history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143114786
• ISBN13: 9780143114789
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.9" x 7.4"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

American Indians and the Law

The author has presented a very reasonable and well-documented view of the legal challengess faced by Native Americans when trying to maintain their tribal identities and sovereign rights within the restraints of state and federal laws as legislated and as interpreted by the courts, the U.S. Supreme Court in particular. This is a must read for anyone who has an interest in this aspect of our history and concerns about the future direction this nation may take with regard to the legal status and rights of Native Americans in our democratic society.