American Indian Law Summer Program

Course Descriptions

Tribal Courts/Tribal Jurisdiction - Professor Maylinn Smith - 2 credits

This course is a study of tribal laws and tribal justice systems, both historically and currently, to evaluate the scope of tribal jurisdiction. The course will evaluate a variety of tribal justice systems, including the tribes located in Montana, to evaluate similarities and difference between tribal systems. Students will then compare tribal justice systems to state and federal systems of justice in the areas of criminal, civil, and regulatory laws. LAW 688, sec. 80/NAS 595, sec. 80.

Indian Law Research - Stacey Gordon - 1 credit

Because tribes are sovereign governments, the field of Indian Law encompasses distinct legal issues and legal sources. Researching both federal Indian law (the law of the relationship between tribal governments and the U.S. government) and tribal law (the law of individual tribes) requires a different set of tools and research skills than what students are introduced to in a basic legal research course. In this course, students will learn the skills and sources necessary to research general Indian law issues as well as the very specialized skills and sources used in researching reserved treaty rights. The course will cover researching treaties, Indian land claims, statutory and case law, and tribal law. LAW 611, sec. 80/NAS 595, sec. 81.

Economic Development in Indian Country - Professor Robert Miller - 1 credit

Economic development for Indian Nations and their citizens is one of the most important topics in Indian law and policy today. Indian gaming gets all the headlines but the grinding poverty and lack of economic activity on reservations is a fact of life for almost all American Indians and their governments. This class will analyze this crucial topic and explore the practical and theoretical issues facing American Indian governments in bringing economic development to their reservations that is profitable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate. LAW 595, sec. 82/NAS 595, sec. 82.

Indian Gaming - Danna Jackson - 1 credit

The objective of this one credit class is to give students a review of federal statutes, regulations, and case law pertaining to Indian gaming. Students will review legislative initiatives seeking to amend laws affecting Indian gaming, the gaming regulation system, and contemporary issues facing "gaming" tribes. Special emphasis will be placed on Montana tribal gaming concerns. LAW 595, sec. 81/NAS 595, sec. 83.

Contemporary Issues in Indian Policy - Danna Jackson - 1 credit

The objective of this one credit class is to give students a review of contemporary policy issues in the United States Congress affecting Indian Country. The class will review the congressional process and committees with jurisdiction over Indian issues. Students will survey pending legislation including legislation related to Indian gaming, taxation, pension reform, education, health, housing, trust reform, lobby reform, economic development, labor, and appropriations. LAW 595, sec. 82/NAS 595, sec. 84.