American Indians and the Law : The Penguin Library of American Indian History

by Duthu, N. Bruce; Calloway, Colin G.

• ISBN13: 9780143114789
• ISBN10: 0143114786
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-27
• Publisher: Penguin Books

Summary

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 Lawgives us an accessible entry point into a vital facet of Indian history.

Author Biography

N. Bruce Duthu, an internationally recognized scholar on Native American law, is the vice dean of academic affairs and professor of law at Vermont Law School, as well as a member of the United Houma Indian Nation.