Jurisdiction in Indian Country

According to most recent census data, California is home to more people of Native American/ Alaska Native heritage than any other state in the Country.  There are currently 110 federally recognized Indian tribes in California and 78 entities petitioning for recognition. Tribes in California currently have nearly 100 separate reservations or Rancherias.  There are also a number of individual Indian trust allotments.  These lands constitute “Indian Country”, and a different jurisdictional applies in Indian Country. For Indians and Indian Country there are special rules that govern state and local jurisdiction.  There may also be federal and tribal laws that apply.

Overview of Jurisdictional Issues in California Regarding Indians and Indian Country.

Overview of Tribal Justice Systems

Public Law 280 Curriculum
This webinar gives an introduction to issues of jurisdiction in California Indian lands.

Public Law 280 Curriculum
This curriculum is intended to provide an overview of Public Law 280.

• Competencies and Learning Objectives 

• Lesson Plan

• PowerPoint

• Bibliography

• Quiz

Interjurisdictional Case Scenarios
These case scenarios are video clips that illustrate interjurisdictional issues impacting tribal and state courts.

Guardianship 
Judge to Judge Communication 
Juvenile Court Jurisdiction 
Traffic Stop Jurisdiction 
Tribal Court Trespass 
Tribal Protective Order, Court 
Tribal Protective Order, Street  

Cow County Institute (2014), Jurisdiction and Tribal Land

PowerPoint
Jurisdictional Charts
 

More Resources 

• National Center for State Courts Tribal Courts Resource Guide

• Tribal Law and Policy Institute Clearinghouse on Public Law 280