"In 2006, federal authorities failed to prosecute 65 percent of major crimes cases on reservations. Too often, that failure to prosecute major crimes is accompanied by silence on the part of federal authorities.

With the July 21 passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act by the House, Native American victims of major crimes should finally get the opportunity to learn why their cases weren’t prosecuted. The act requires the Department of Justice to report on the cases it declines to prosecute on reservations.

That provision is just one aspect of the act, which the Senate passed in late June, that promises to improve the lives of Native Americans and bring justice back to Indian communities.

The legislation bolsters justice resources for reservations in a number of areas and was supported by key Democrats and Republicans, who said they wanted to reduce crime on reservations. In a statement issued upon the act’s passage, President Barack Obama noted that some Native communities have seen increased gang and drug activity, with some tribes experiencing violent crime rates at more than 10 times the national average."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Tribal law and order act brings hope for justice (Indian Country Today 7/30)

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act:
H.R.725

Tribal Law and Order Act:
S.797 | H.R.1924

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