POSC 349 - Native American Law

The historical relationship between Native American peoples and the United States has been characterized by some as “genocide-at-law;” how can the United States come to deal justly with these so-called “nations within?” This course will examine the historical background and contemporary nature of the legal and political relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes. Special focus will be placed on the legal status of indigenous peoples and Native Americans in international law and how that impacts treaty interpretation in Federal Indian Law and the legal basis and political implications of the sovereignty of Native peoples. The social, political, and legal circumstances and prospects of Native Americans will be considered through an examination of legislation, court cases, and the policies of federal, state and local governments. [DEI] Letter grade with Pass/No Pass option. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits