7810. Federal Indian Law

This course is an introduction to federal Indian law, the body of law recognizing and limiting the sovereignty of tribal governments. The course covers the origins of this law, founded in the conflict between colonialism, constitutionalism, and tribal resilience, as well as the modern doctrines governing tribal, federal, and state jurisdiction, the scope of federal power, equal protection, statutory and treaty interpretation, and the borders of Indian country. Students will gain a critical understanding of the contemporary challenges facing Native peoples, and the directions courts, tribes, and Congress may take in addressing them. In lieu of an exam, students will research and write a mock judicial opinion on a problem assigned by the instructor.