Guides: Native American Law Treatises: Introduction

Introductory Resources

American Indian Law in a Nutshell by William Canby Jr.
Call Number: Reading Room Study Aids KF8205.Z9 C36
This study aid provides a useful historical overview of federal Indian law and policy. There is extensive coverage of criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian territory. Taxation and regulation, Indian gaming, and rights related to water, hunting and fishing are also outlined. American Indian Law in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.
The Rights of Indians and Tribes by Stephen L. Pevar
Call Number: KF8210.C5 P48 2012
Easy question and answer format make this treatise a helpful starting point for all questions about tribal law. Everything from Indian treaties to Indian Civil Rights to Indian Child Welfare is covered in this treatise.

Cohen's Handbook of Federal Indian Law by Nell Jessup Newton (ed.)
Described as "the single most important work in the field," this classic text treats the historical development of Indian policy, the tribal-federal relationship, principles of interpretation and issues such as civil rights, natural resources and tribal property.

American Indian Tribal Law by Matthew L. M. Fletcher
Call Number: KF8205 .F54 2011
Everything from tribal constitutions to regulatory systems in tribal law are covered in this comprehensive treatise. Sections include Tribal Justice Systems, Tribal Membership, Tribal Elections, Civil Rights and Criminal Law and Procedure.