Arizona Indian Law
Consultant Brian UtseyWhen dealing with Indian Law, it's important to know that American Indian Tribes are separate legal entities under federal law and that each tribe has its own set of laws and court system. Members of an Indian tribe have a special status under federal law and the lands that make up Indian reservations are under the jurisdiction of the tribal courts.
If that was all there was to it, Indian law would be very similar to state law and easy for most lawyers to navigate. But there's much more.
Indian Law is extremely difficult
Unfortunately, the Federal government, over the last two and a half centuries, has dealt with the tribes in many different, often contradictory ways. The result is nothing less than a hodgepodge of precedents making Indian law extremely confusing. For lawyers who do not focus on this area, the laws are full of obstacles ready to trip them up.
You need an Indian Law guide
Indian Law Consultant Brian Utsey understands the inconsistencies in Indian law and which ones take precedence. His experience can be a big help as you prepare a case that could end up in a tribal court jurisdiction instead of state court.