About 150 people are attending the first national symposium on the new Tribal Law and Order Act.

Kevin Washburn, the dean of the University of New Mexico law school, said the law helps tribes address crime. He said it gives them more information and encourages collaboration with the federal government.

"Obviously, information is one of the most important issues in Indian Country, and having access to information is how we fight crime," Washburn said at the Tribal Law and Order Act Symposium, the Associated Press reported.

Christopher Chaney, the deputy director of the Office of Tribal Justice at the Department of Justice, said federal prosecutors will work with tribal prosecutors to make sure "the ball isn't dropped and cases don't fall through the cracks," the AP reported.

President Barack Obama signed the law in July. It encourages more prosecution of crime in Indian Country, increases penalties for offenders, reauthorizes key justice programs and establishes consistent protocols to address sexual violence.

Get the Story:
Tribes, feds discuss implementation of new federal law and order act (AP 10/20)

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

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

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