This course will provide an overview of the field of federal Indian law--the law governing relations between the United States and Native peoples. It will consider the source and scope of federal power over "Indian affairs"; federal law defining tribal sovereignty, including tribal criminal and civil jurisdiction; and the limits on state authority within Indian country. It will encompass both the field's historical foundations and the U.S. Supreme Court's most recent decisions in the field. Elements used in grading: Class Participation, Final Exam.
3 units · Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
This course will provide an overview of the field of federal Indian law--the law governing relations between the United States and Native peoples. It will consider the source and scope of federal power over "Indian affairs"; federal law defining tribal sovereignty, including tribal criminal and civil jurisdiction; and the limits on state authority within Indian country. It will encompass both the field's historical foundations and the U.S. Supreme Court's most recent decisions in the field. Elements used in grading: Class Participation, Final Exam.
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.