LSI-Legal Studies Indigenous Peoples Law

LSI 5101. Introduction to Legal Research.1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Provides students with an understanding of the most efficient and cost-effective tools and methods for researching U.S. and tribal law. It includes lecture sessions, hands-on research training, and practical exercises across a range of subject areas for both print and electronic sources. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5603. Native American Natural Resources.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Covers basic doctrines of Indian law and a variety of issues relating to tribal interests in and jurisdiction over environmental resources. Topics includes tribal rights to land; land use and environmental protection in Indian country; economic and natural resource development issues; hunting and fishing rights; and international perspectives on indigenous resources. Consider the roles of tribal, federal, and state governments. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5613. Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Traces the development the rules governing the exercise of criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country by three sovereigns: federal government, state government, and tribal government. Materials examined include historical treaties, major federal statutes, and U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Students should finish the course with the ability to understand, analyze and contribute meaningfully to discussions regarding criminal jurisdiction problems in Indian Country. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5622. History of Federal Indian Law and Policy I.2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Traces the development of British colonial and United States policy towards indigenous peoples in North America from the Seventeenth Century through the major policy initiatives of the Nineteenth Century. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5623. Religion, Culture & Indian Law.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Examines the roles of law and policy on Native American religious and cultural practice. Explores issues relating to tribal interests and jurisdiction over Native religion and culture including information concerning preservation, restoration, and destruction of sacred sites and indigenous remains, laws and practices pertaining to species protection and sacred species, institutionalized persons, entheogens, protection of cultural and intellectual resources. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5632. History of Federal Indian Law and Policy II.2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Traces the development of British colonial and United States policy towards indigenous peoples in North America from the major policy initiatives of the Nineteenth Century to the present day. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5643. International Indigenous Peoples Law.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with LSIB 5643) Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Explores the development of international law rules relating to the rights of indigenous peoples from the early 20th Century through the present, focusing on modern international institutions and instruments including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5653. Civil Jurisdiction in Indian Country.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Addresses regulatory and adjudicatory authority, including the history of Federal-Tribal relations, tribal recognition, the scope of Indian Country, and tribal sovereignty as it relates to civil jurisdiction. State-Tribal struggles over jurisdiction, recent Supreme Court diminishment of tribal authority, environmental regulations and the tribal role within the system of cooperative federalism are also examined. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5663. Federal Indian Water Law.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Explores the context, decisional and statutory law, and overarching polices that shape water law. Examines foundations in both federal Indian law and basic principles of water law, including relevant substantive and procedural law, and mechanics and social issues relating to water resource management. Also, explores state and federal powers and roles in relation to American Indian tribes and water resources. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5673. Indian Gaming Laws & Regulations.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Examines litigation, history of tribal gaming, critical rulings on tribal/state compacting, and scope of gaming conflicts. Explores tribal compacting experiences around country focusing on Oklahoma tribes and Oklahoma Model Gaming Compact of 2004. Distinguishes regulatory roles of tribes, states, and feds. Explores differences in Class II and III gaming, regulations and disputes. Explains financing and development of tribal gaming facilities. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5693. The Indian Child Welfare Act & Family Law in Indian Country.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Indian Child Welfare Act, passed by Congress (1978), grants tribes and parents of Indian children special rights within state court systems. ICWA raises significant issues for courts, and often serve as the flashpoint of tribal/state disputes. Student will understand the clash of sovereigns and the state laws involving children. Covers requirements of ICWA and varying ways states have interpreted them. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5723. Tribal Courts in Indian Country.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. This course examines the relationship between Tribal Nations and the three main sovereigns: Federal government, state governments, and tribal governments. Students will understand, analyze and discuss the importance of tribal court to tribal sovereignty, the tribal people, and to specific tribal cultures. (F, Sp, Su)

LSI 5911. Introduction to the American Legal System.1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Legal Studies and/or Master of Laws Programs. Examines U.S. courts, role of Constitution in U.S., and foundations of United States law. The goal is to introduce students to distinctive aspects and/or fundamental principles in U.S. law. This course explains how law functions with various aspects of our society and how it plays an increasingly significant role in conflict resolution, civil liberties and equality, contracts, and property agreements. (F, Sp, Su)